Are you related to a well-known historical figure? Do you descend from the first settlers in Europe, before the beginning of the Ice Age over 20,000 years ago? Perhaps your ancestors were visitors from nearby Asia or North Africa? Discover this and more with the Maternal Lineage DNA Test.

The Maternal Ancestry Test, offered in partnership with DNA Diagnostics Centre in the UK, will discover your ancient maternal heritage by analysing your mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The analysis is based on the fact that men and women both inherit their mitochondrial DNA, found outside the cell nucleus, which is only passed on by their biological mother. This allows one to trace his or her maternal line back to their clan‘s maternal founder and designates a person into a “haplogroup” — one of more than twenty main groups that encompass the human race.

How does the maternal test work?

Approximately 175,000 years ago, the modern human race was born in East Africa. Over the passage of time, humans started to leave Africa to inhabit the rest of the world, and as they became established in various geographic areas, their DNA took on distinct markers, developing a genetic insight of our ancestors’ migration throughout the ancient world. These markers define the haplogroup you belong to, which is related with a place of origin, as represented by the letters in this map.

How is your DNA collected?

DNA samples are collected using a straightforward and pain-free buccal swab. Buccal swabs are comparable to cotton wool buds. During the collecting of the DNA sample, four buccal swabs are rubbed against the inside of the person’s cheeks (two swabs are used on the inside of each cheek). The rubbing motion collects loose cheek cells, and within these cells contain the DNA used in the maternal DNA lineage test.

Step-by-step instructions are included in the DNA sample collection kit. You will receive this once you’ve ordered the test.

What will your results tell you?

The DNA Test report will specify your haplogroup, which represents the part of the world your ancestors descended from. It also lists the analysis data for your mtDNA test, which can be used for further research in other databases and ancestry projects. Once the analysis has been completed, you will receive the following:

• Your personal haplogroup description
• A personalised map outlining your ancestors’ journey and where they originally settled in the ancient world
• Your mtDNA raw data, stating the differences between your sequence and that of the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence
• Interesting facts about your haplogroup, including what parts of the world you can find your “genetic cousins” and illustrious individuals who share the same haplogroup as you

Get your Maternal DNA Lineage Test now

Order this test kit today and begin your personal journey! You will receive your results within 4-6 weeks once the laboratory has received your samples. Our couriers will deliver the test to you and pick it up from you once you’re ready. The price includes the courier services.

Related Products

Two related tests are available: read more about the AncestrybyDNA™ and Paternal Lineage DNA Test kits.