Cambridge DNA Services offers mtDNA, Y-DNA and autosomal DNA testing services. For more information please click the links below:
To order, please use the secure online order form (click here to order now)Cambridge DNA Services have developed a very simple way for you to have your DNA tested and analysed.
Step 1 We will send you a clinically sterile home saliva test, much like a cotton bud, with which you will brush the inside of your cheek for you to soak with saliva. This will give us enough DNA to analyse.
Step 2 After you send the sample back to us, we will analyse it in our laboratories. There, over a period of a week, our scientists will carefully filter all other particles from the brush (saliva, bacteria etc) in order to obtain a few molecules of your DNA. These molecules are then 'amplified', or grown, in order to then analyse. The analysis is done by machine, and results in your own unique DNA sequence or code.
Step 3 We will input your DNA code into our comprehensive database to produce matches - other people in the world with whom you share the same DNA sequence. We plot these matches on our world map, and use them to estimate where you should find your true ancestral origins.
Your sample will be analysed and your results will be sent to you within 6 weeks after we receive your sample.
Many of our clients are non-admixed Europeans or European Americans who use the mtDNA and Y-DNA tests to trace their European roots, their personal Stone Age prehistory, and to confirm or revise their genealogical family tree (for example by testing the Y chromosomes of males with the same surname to check whether they are related). However, other groups of clients have specialised requirements, as follows:
African Americans and British African Caribbeans To trace your maternal line to African roots, please select the mtDNA test. To trace your paternal line, you can select the Y-DNA test, but beware that 25% of American blacks and Caribbean blacks have a European Y chromosome due to historical admixture with plantation owners. To obtain an estimate of your overall admixture (that is, not only in your maternal and paternal lines), please also select the autosomal DNA test.
Adopted and orphaned children Male adopted or orphaned children can select all three tests (mtDNA, Y-DNA and the autosomal admixture test) to find out as much as possible about their biological parents. Female adopted or orphaned children do not have a Y-chromosome and can select only the mtDNA and autosomal tests, except if a biological brother is available, in which case his DNA can be submitted for a Y test to find out about the biological father.
Deceased family members Are samples from the deceased available (licked stamps, used razors, etc)? If so, please inquire about our special forensic service at info@cambridgedna.com. Please mention in your email how old the samples are and whether they have been stored in direct sunlight, at room temperature or at other temperatures, and whether they contain any obvious signs of mould (mold).
Jewish ancestry Jewish descent is traditionally defined through the mother, for which the mtDNA test is needed. To test for Cohanim ancestry, males should additionally select the Y-DNA test.
Native Americans and Hispanics Native American maternal descent is very simple to identify using the mtDNA test. On the paternal side, there is often some admixture, which shows up if you select the Y-DNA test. The overall admixture can be estimated using the autosomal DNA admixture test.
Parentage and Paternity tests Do you suspect that your child or your parent might not be biologically related to you? By comparing two autosomal tests (one on your own DNA, and one on a sample from the family member in question) you can find out the truth. However, please take note of two points. Firstly, if you wish to use a DNA test result for legal purposes, it is unlikely that your test results will be accepted in legal proceedings if you have not gone through the required formal procedure at an accredited paternity testing institute. Secondly, if you are thinking of sampling someone else’s DNA without their knowledge and consent, remember that this might be illegal in your country (as it is in Britain).
If you require any of this special information in addition to your standard DNA results, please contact us at info@cambridgedna.com when ordering. Any client information will be treated in strictest confidence.