FAQ
How do I use the swabs from the kit?
Within the kit, you will receive two swabs and vials with instructions how to properly use them. Wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before making the sample. Use one swab for the inside of one cheek to collect old skin cells containing DNA material, firmly scrape for 60 seconds, and use one vial for one swab. Repeat the same process with second swab and vial for the inside of the other cheek. It is not a medical or complex procedure. You can find additional information at Using the Kit.
How long will it take the test kit to reach me and laboratory?
The kits are mailed from Houston, Texas in USA and transit time within the USA is usually 3-5 days, up to 2 weeks. International orders can take around 12 days up to 4 weeks. After you sent back the kit, it should be received by laboratory approximately 10 days, and within few days it is batched for testing. In short, the travel time for international orders should be almost a month, while for USA orders few weeks.
How long will results take?
Most of the tests typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete, Family Finder is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
When I order an upgrade, does FTDNA need a new sample?
Most of the time, the DNA extracted from your original test kit is enough for any upgrade you order. However, if you made a poor scrape the lab will discover that a new sample is needed, and you will be sent a new kit to the address on the account.
Will my privacy and other concerns be at risk?
The Y-DNA test will not provide any health-related information nor is related to forensic testing. There are no special privacy concerns involved in genetic genealogy testing. The company and the project have a strict policy for ensuring the privacy and anonymity of all project members. For additional information see Privacy Policy and Common Misconceptions.
Within the kit, you will receive two swabs and vials with instructions how to properly use them. Wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before making the sample. Use one swab for the inside of one cheek to collect old skin cells containing DNA material, firmly scrape for 60 seconds, and use one vial for one swab. Repeat the same process with second swab and vial for the inside of the other cheek. It is not a medical or complex procedure. You can find additional information at Using the Kit.
How long will it take the test kit to reach me and laboratory?
The kits are mailed from Houston, Texas in USA and transit time within the USA is usually 3-5 days, up to 2 weeks. International orders can take around 12 days up to 4 weeks. After you sent back the kit, it should be received by laboratory approximately 10 days, and within few days it is batched for testing. In short, the travel time for international orders should be almost a month, while for USA orders few weeks.
How long will results take?
Most of the tests typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete, Family Finder is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
When I order an upgrade, does FTDNA need a new sample?
Most of the time, the DNA extracted from your original test kit is enough for any upgrade you order. However, if you made a poor scrape the lab will discover that a new sample is needed, and you will be sent a new kit to the address on the account.
Will my privacy and other concerns be at risk?
The Y-DNA test will not provide any health-related information nor is related to forensic testing. There are no special privacy concerns involved in genetic genealogy testing. The company and the project have a strict policy for ensuring the privacy and anonymity of all project members. For additional information see Privacy Policy and Common Misconceptions.