How long do ancestry DNA test results take?

The time it takes to receive your ancestry DNA test results depends on which test you choose.

• Our DNA Origins Ancestry Test provides results in just 10 business days
• Our Paternal Lineage (Y-chromosome) Ancestry test is completed in only 2 business days
• The Maternal Lineage (mitochondrial DNA) Ancestry Test takes a little longer – around 5-6 weeks – because it involves more complex genetic analysis to trace maternal ancestry.

No matter which test you choose, all ancestry DNA testing is performed to the highest scientific standards, ensuring accurate, reliable, and confidential results every time.

In this article, we discuss ancestry DNA testing in more detail, including how ancestry DNA testing works at AlphaBiolabs, the testing process, and receiving your results. 

How does an ancestry DNA test work?

DNA ancestry testing works by looking at your DNA.

Homo sapiens (modern humans) originated in Africa some 200,000-300,000 years ago. Over time, people began to move within and out of Africa, perhaps to search for more resources or to escape unfavourable climates.

Mutations are changes to the DNA that occur naturally when DNA is passed from parent to child. As people migrated to other parts of Africa or the world, settled down and had children, some mutations in the DNA were isolated within the population in which the mutation first occurred.

These new variants in the DNA were passed from one generation to the next and became specific to that population. Ancestry tests are designed to analyse your DNA to find specific variants associated with different populations, to determine where your ancestors are likely to have come from.

There are three types of ancestry DNA tests: autosomal, paternal lineage and maternal lineage.

An autosomal DNA ancestry test looks for variants across all your DNA (excluding the sex chromosomes). The results will tell you which population you are most genetically similar to, indicating where your ancestors are likely to have originated from.

Paternal lineage tests look at mutations on the Y chromosome. Since Y chromosomes can only be passed from father to son, and are inherited relatively unchanged between generations, the results will tell you which paternal haplogroup you belong to. The haplogroup provides insight into where your paternal line came from, and potential migration routes of your paternal ancestors.

The maternal lineage test works in a similar way to the paternal lineage test. However, instead of looking at Y chromosomes, this test looks for variants in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Mitochondria is passed exclusively from mother to child, and the results of the test will tell you which maternal haplogroup you belong to, where your maternal line came from, and possible migration routes of your ancestors. Anyone can take this test (men and women).

Learn more: How to read your ancestry DNA test results

What is the ancestry DNA testing process?

At AlphaBiolabs, we’ve worked hard to make the ancestry DNA testing process as straightforward as possible.

• Order your test kit online.
• Follow the instructions in your test kit to collect your cheek swab DNA sample.
• Return your sample to our laboratory using the pre-addressed envelope provided.
• Receive your secure, password-protected results by email.

Learn more: DNA sequencing for genetic ancestry testing

How long does it take to get my ancestry DNA test results?

The time it takes to receive your ancestry DNA test results depends on which AlphaBiolabs test you choose.

• Our DNA Origins Ancestry Test provides results in just 10 business days
• Our Paternal Lineage Ancestry Test is completed in only 2 business days
• The Maternal Lineage Ancestry Test takes a little longer – around 5-6 weeks

No matter which test you choose, all ancestry DNA testing is performed to the highest scientific standards, ensuring accurate, reliable, and confidential results every time.

What can delay an ancestry test result?

Delays in receiving ancestry DNA test results are rare, but they can occur for simple reasons such as incorrect sample collection or failure to register your DNA test online.

When you order an AlphaBiolabs ancestry DNA test, we’ll send your test kit with full instructions on how to collect your DNA sample using the cheek swab provided, register your test online, and return your sample to our accredited UK laboratory.

It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure your sample is collected correctly and your test is registered properly, as this helps us process your results without delay.

If your sample is not suitable for testing, or if there are any issues with the information provided, a member of our Customer Services team will contact you promptly to advise on next steps and prevent any further delay in receiving your results.

Where can I buy an ancestry DNA test?

You can order an AlphaBiolabs DNA Origins Ancestry Test, Maternal Lineage Ancestry Test or Paternal Lineage Ancestry Test direct from our accredited UK laboratory.

With only a simple cheek (buccal) swab sample required, these tests can give you an insight into the journey your ancestors took thousands of years ago, as well as giving you an idea of where your ancestral line may have originated.

The DNA Origins Ancestry Test is suitable for everyone and can determine your biogeographic ancestry.

Our Maternal Lineage Ancestry Test is available for both men and women, as each person inherits mitochondrial DNA from their mother.

The Paternal Lineage Ancestry Test can only be taken by males, as the test analyses DNA markers on the Y chromosome, which is only found in males.

However, if you are a woman who would like to find out more about the paternal lineage of your family, you can ask a close male relative (e.g. father, brother, father’s brother etc) if they would like to take the Paternal Lineage Test.

For more information about our ancestry testing, speak to our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Services team by calling 0333 600 1300 or by email at info@alphabiolabs.com.