Mitochondrial DNA Testing

From $349

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Our mitochondrial DNA test is ideal if you want to know with scientific certainty whether you and another individual share the same maternal line. The test is based on the analysis of maternal inherited mitochondrial DNA and provides very accurate results.

Science behind the test

A mitochondrial DNA test (mtDNA test) confirms a shared matrilineal line using the DNA found in cell mitochondria. The mitochondrial DNA sequence variation is passed on from females to their children and has a relatively infrequent mutation rate; this low mutation rate makes this test very reliable. Female offspring and male offspring inherit their mtDNA sequence variation (sometimes called X-SV variation due to the fact that the variation is found on the maternally inherited X chromosome) from their mother. All females will pass this sequence on to their children but whilst males also inherit their mtDNA from their mother they never pass this on to their children. Results for our mtDNA test will show whether the individuals tested have matching mtDNA profiles. If the individuals tested have the same mtDNA profile then they also share the same maternal line.

Ordering Your mtDNA Test

Our mtDNA test is available starting from $499 The cost includes your sample collection kit, laboratory analysis and results.

Please note that results will be issued 20-30 working days from the moment we receive your samples. A confirmation email with your due date will be sent once your samples reach us.

Note: We can only guarantee standard result turnaround time when testing takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a discreet sample for your test may lead to an increase in turnaround time.

 

Sample Collection

We encourage clients to collect their samples with our home kit which we provide with every DNA test. Our kit contains mouth swabs which allow you to collect your samples in a quick and painless manner. Mouth swabs need to be rubbed inside the mouth for ten seconds and then left to dry. This basic procedure will be explained to you in the step by step instructions you find inside our kit. If for any reason you cannot provide us with mouth swab samples, we have a range of other samples we can test, including hair samples, tooth brushes, nail clippings and more. View our alternate DNA samples page for more about these samples.

Tracing Your Maternal Lineage Through Ancestry Testing

Our maternal lineage testing service is a great tool for tracing your maternal ancestry many thousands of years back. If you are interested in family genealogy and this very niche test, we suggest more about our maternal lineage test.

FAQs

What is the difference between an mtDNA Test and a Maternity test?

An mtDNA test is highly accurate at confirming whether individuals share a common maternal line – two individuals with the same X-SV profile will have a common female, biological ancestor.

However, in cases where individuals want to know whether they share the same mother, an mtDNA test is not always ideal because the individuals will share other female, blood relatives, besides a mother, through their maternal line.

Ideally, if individuals wish to know whether or not they share the same mother, they would carry out a maternity test. A maternity test will confirm whether the tested, alleged mother is the biological mother and provide 99.99% accurate results. Click here to read more about maternity testing.

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