Everyone shares the same Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with their mother, maternal grandmother, maternal great mother and so on. If you need scientific proof that yourself and another individual share a common maternal ancestor, our Mitochondrial DNA Test (mtDNA test) will provide you with the clear-cut answer you need.

The test is offered at €329 for two participants. Results will be available in 20 working days.

The Mitochondrial DNA Test, also known as an X-SV Female Lineage Test, is based on the fact that females and males carry exclusive sequence variations of mitochondrial DNA which are transferred from one generation to another without any mutations in the DNA. Males inherit this from their mothers but do not pass the mtDNA they inherited from their mother onto their offspring, only females pass it on to their children. The Mitochondrial DNA Test focuses on this DNA sequence of the mitochondria (mtDNA) and generates an X-SV profile for each test participant.

If two or more individuals share the same X-SV profile, it means that they also share a common maternal relative (a mother, grandmother, great grandmother etc.). Whilst the mtDNA test will tell if the tested individuals have a common maternal relative, we cannot tell you exactly how you are related. The results will simply state that the tested parties share the same X-SV profile or do not share the same X-SV profile. The relationship between tested parties is to be inferred from the results.

You can collect DNA samples in just a few simple steps using our home kit.  AffinityDNA will send your kit as soon as you have placed your order. The kit has everything you need to collect the DNA samples for the laboratory to test. DNA is collected using mouth swabs which need to be rubbed inside the mouth. This rubbing procedure collects check cells from the lining of the mouth. These cheek cells can then be analysed in the laboratory to extract the DNA and create the DNA profiles.

Our 46 chromosomes are located inside the cell nucleus whilst mtDNA is located outside the nucleus. Inside the cell nucleus we all have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. mtDNA is only located on the X chromosome. Females inherit one X chromosome from their father and one X chromosome from their mother.  Males inherit a Y chromosome from their father and an X chromosome from their mother. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only from the mother to her male and female offspring. Males cannot however, pass it to their children. This means that only females pass their mtDNA down the line. mtDNA testing is a highly accurate way of establishing whether individuals share a common maternal ancestor or to trace your deep and ancient maternal lineage.
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