Frequently Asked Questions

How can a DNA test help me trace my family history and identify my relatives?

You inherit half of your genes from your mother and half from your father. In turn, your parents both inherited genes from their mothers and fathers. Your family members will all have a similar pattern of inheritance, and we can test your DNA to determine your father, your mother, your siblings, and several other biological relations. In addition, we can test your DNA to determine where some of your ancestors may have originated.

How are the samples collected for a DNA test?

We need only a few cheek cells to perform DNA analysis. The sample collection process is painless and can even be performed on a newborn baby. You can easily collect the samples in the privacy of your home (or any other location you choose) and at your convenience. We provide all the necessary buccal swabs for you to collect the samples.

What is the difference between private and legal DNA testing?

A paternity test can be done either through in-home collection (with the privacy DNA Roots provides) or through chain of custody collection where you will have to go to a collection site. Chain of custody is a process used to maintain and document who is in control of the samples at what time. In order for the chain of custody to be documented, when individuals go to a collection site, they must provide personal information, photo identification, and a thumbprint.

The chain of custody must be documented in order to be court-approved. Chain of custody collections are performed if the paternity test result is to be used for legal purposes, such as claiming child support, Social Security, or inheritance benefits.

If you require results admissible in court, please call one of our client services representatives at 1-800-284-0573 to discuss legal testing options.

How fast will I get my DNA test results?

The time needed to complete a DNA test depends on the type of testing you requested. Once our laboratory receives your samples, the testing process will be completed in five (5) business days for paternity and grandparentage tests. Due to their complex nature, the siblingship, mtDNA, and Y-STR tests may take longer to complete.

Ancestry testing utilizes a large set of markers, and the analysis could take approximately 8-12 weeks or longer.

Once the DNA tests are complete, we will send you your results via first-class mail. You will have the opportunity to choose how you will receive your resultswhen ordering the test. To find the testing service that fits you best, please contact us at 1-800-284-0573.

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are sometimes referred to as the “power plants” of the cell because they manufacture energy for the cell. Mitochondria contain DNA (mtDNA); this DNA is not inherited in the same pattern as nuclear DNA (DNA in our chromosomes). While each parent contributes half of their nuclear DNA to the child’s DNA, only mothers pass their mitochondrial DNA to each of their sons or daughters. Fathers cannot pass their mtDNA on to their children. This special inheritance pattern allows us to use mtDNA to track maternal lineage.

How does Y-STR testing work?

Men pass the Y chromosome to each of their sons, and it does not change very much between generations. This special inheritance pattern allows us to track paternal lineage. During a Y-STR test, we examine specific loci (locations) on the Y chromosome to generate a profile for each male tested. Males who are related through their fathers will tend to have the same or similar Y-STR profiles, and males who are not related will likely have different Y-STR profiles. This test is often used to infer paternity when the alleged father is not available for testing. This test can also confirm the biological relatives of an adoptee.