How much is an ancestry DNA test?

The cost of an ancestry DNA test can vary depending on the type of test you need, which testing laboratory you choose, and any optional extras you need.

AlphaBiolabs’ ancestry DNA testing starts at just £119.

Here, we take a closer look at the cost of ancestry DNA tests, and factors that can impact the cost of the test.

What is an ancestry DNA test?

An ancestry DNA test can help shed light on the history of your ancestors, allowing you to discover where your ancestors may have originated from, and the journey they may have taken thousands of years ago.

DNA testing for ancestry looks for variants in your DNA. These variants can be linked with different populations , giving you a greater understanding of your ethnic origin, and the geographical distribution of your ancestors.

There are three different types of ancestry DNA tests: autosomal DNA, Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Each test analyses a different part of your DNA and can shed light on different parts of your ancestral history.

The results of an ancestry DNA test may surprise you, or they could be what you expected, which is what makes ancestry testing so interesting!

Learn more: DNA sequencing for genetic ancestry testing

How does an ancestry DNA test work?

DNA ancestry testing works by looking at variants (mutations) in 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 over long periods of time. As people migrated to other parts of Africa or the world, mutations in the DNA were isolated within the population in which the mutation occurred.

As people in new populations had children, new variants in the DNA were passed from one generation to the next. Ancestry tests are designed to analyse your DNA to find specific variants associated with different populations, to determine where your ancestors came 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 like, indicating where your ancestors are likely to have originated from.
• Paternal lineage tests look at mutations on the Y chromosome. Since the Y chromosome can only be passed from father to son, and is 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 the Y chromosome, this test looks for variants in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

  Mitochondrial DNA 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.

How much does an ancestry DNA test cost?

The price of an ancestry DNA test can vary depending on several factors, including the type of test you need and which company you buy it from.

Some DNA testing companies offer add-ons like family-tree building, DNA matching services, and health analysis, all of which increase the cost of the test.  

At AlphaBiolabs, the cost of your ancestry DNA test includes your test kit, all lab fees, and your test report, meaning you can find out where your ancestors are likely to have originated from with no hidden fees or add-on costs.  

Prices for each of our ancestry tests are shown below:

• DNA Origins Ancestry test – £119 + FREE shipping 
  This test provides you with an overview of your biogeographic ancestry as it relates to several population groups across the world.
• Paternal Lineage Ancestry test – £119 + FREE shipping 
  This test works by analysing your Y-chromosomal DNA (Y-DNA) to reveal your ancient paternal heritage (father’s side).
• Maternal Lineage Ancestry test – £149 + FREE shipping 
  This test works by analysing your mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to reveal your ancient maternal heritage (mother’s side).

Factors that can affect ancestry DNA test cost

The type of test

There are different types of ancestry tests available, meaning the one you choose can affect the cost.

• Autosomal DNA tests – give you an overview of your biogeographic ancestry by looking at DNA inherited from both parents. Suitable for a general insight into your ancestry.
• Y-DNA tests – examine DNA passed down from father to son, making them ideal for tracing your paternal lineage. Only available for biological males.
• mtDNA tests – analyse mitochondrial DNA passed down from mother to child, used to trace maternal ancestry.

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer three ancestry DNA tests:

• DNA Origins Ancestry test (autosomal)
• Paternal Lineage Ancestry test (Y-DNA)
• Maternal Lineage Ancestry test (mtDNA)

Each of these offers a unique look at your genetic ancestry, allowing you to explore the specific branch of your family tree that interests you most.

The testing laboratory/company

Prices can vary significantly between testing companies, depending on their processes, technologies and services. Some companies charge more for tests that include additional features or data access (i.e. DNA matching services).

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer accurate, reliable and affordable ancestry testing, direct from our UK-based, UKAS-accredited DNA laboratory.

The cost of your ancestry DNA test includes your test kit, all lab fees, and your test report. Additionally, unlike some testing laboratories, we will NEVER share your test results with any third-party organisations such as ancestry, genealogy or DNA matching services.

Extras

Some ancestry DNA testing companies offer services such as:

• Family tree building tools
• Access to DNA matching databases
• Health and trait analysis

These extras can increase the overall cost. At AlphaBiolabs, we keep it simple, providing laboratory DNA testing online – no upselling, no third-party databases, and no hidden charges. Just clear, reliable ancestry results you can trust.

What is included in the cost of an ancestry DNA test?

The cost of your AlphaBiolabs ancestry DNA test includes:

• FREE outbound shipping of your test kit
• Your test kit containing cheek swabs and step-by step instructions for how to collect your DNA samples and return them to our laboratory
• Expert analysis by our in-house geneticists at our accredited UK laboratory
• Your test report – delivered by secure, password-protected email

Learn more: How to read your ancestry DNA results

Where can I buy an ancestry DNA test?

You can order an ancestry DNA test now, 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, contact our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com.