Top questions about AncestryDNA

• How secure and private is AncestryDNA?

  Your privacy is our highest priority. We use industry standard security practices to store your DNA sample, your DNA test results, and other personal data you provide to us. In addition, we store your DNA test results and DNA sample without your name or other common identifying information. You own your DNA data. At any time, you can choose to download raw DNA data, have us delete your DNA test results as described in the Ancestry^® Privacy Statement, or have us destroy your physical DNA saliva sample. We do not share with third parties your name or other common identifying information linked to your genetic data, except as legally required or with your explicit consent.

  For more information on privacy at Ancestry, see the AncestryDNA Privacy Statement and visit our Privacy Center.

• Why would I take the AncestryDNA test?

  AncestryDNA^® is a cutting-edge DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest autosomal testing technology, our patented Genetic Communities™ technology, and the largest consumer DNA database to revolutionize the way you discover your family history. This service combines advanced DNA science with the world's largest online family history resource to estimate your genetic ethnicity and help you find new family connections. It maps ethnicity going back multiple generations and provides insight into such possibilities as what region of Europe your ancestors came from or whether you’re likely to have Southeast Asian heritage. AncestryDNA^® can also help identify relationships with unknown relatives through a dynamic list of DNA matches.

• What will my results tell me?

  Your AncestryDNA^® results include information about your geographic origins across 2,600+ regions and identifies potential relatives through DNA matching to others who have taken the AncestryDNA^® test. Your results are a great starting point for more family history research, and they can also be a way to dig even deeper into the research you've already done.

• How do I take the test?

  AncestryDNA^® is a simple saliva test you can do in the comfort of your own home. Once you order, you will receive the AncestryDNA® kit in the mail in a matter of days. Your AncestryDNA^® kit includes full instructions, a saliva collection tube, and a prepaid return mailer (so you don't have additional costs to return your DNA). After returning your sample by just dropping it in the mail, your DNA is processed at the lab. You then receive an email notifying you that your results are ready to explore on the AncestryDNA^® website.

• How large is the AncestryDNA database?

  AncestryDNA^® is the leader in DNA testing for family history and includes more than 15 million people who have taken the AncestryDNA® test as well as the ability to access Ancestry, the world's largest online family history resource, which includes millions of family trees and 40 billion historical records.

• How long does it take to get my results?

  Your AncestryDNA^® test results will normally take about 6-8 weeks to process from the time that the lab receives your DNA sample. Please note that you must also activate your DNA kit online in order to begin processing.

• How do I see my results?

  When your AncestryDNA^® results are ready, you will receive an email from AncestryDNA^® notifying you, with a link to view your results. Your results will also be available online in your password-protected AncestryDNA^® account.

• How can I give AncestryDNA as a gift?

  Giving AncestryDNA^® couldn’t be easier. Simply order a kit online, create your Ancestry account to track your order, and have the kit shipped to either you or the recipient. When they open the box, they’ll find clear instructions on how to take the test, open their free account, and activate the kit online.

• Will I have access to the recipient's results?

  You will only have access to the recipient’s results if the recipient chooses to share their results with you. As privacy and security are of the utmost importance here at Ancestry, only the person who has taken the test may decide whether or not to share their results. When activating their kit, they will be given the option to share their results with the person who purchased the kit. They can also choose to share with other Ancestry members via the DNA Settings page.

• Can I ship a DNA kit directly to someone else?

  Absolutely. When placing your order, you can choose to have the kit shipped either to you or to the recipient.

• What technology is behind this new service?

  The AncestryDNA^® test uses microarray-based autosomal DNA testing, which surveys a person's entire genome at over 700,000 locations, all with a simple saliva sample. Additionally, the new online interface integrates state-of-the-art tools for you to utilize your DNA results for family history research.

• Can a woman take this test?

  Yes, both women and men can use AncestryDNA^® since we all carry the DNA that is being tested. In fact, men and women are tested in the same way for the same number of markers. Unlike some other DNA tests, which only analyse the Y-chromosome (and can only be taken by a male to look at your direct paternal lineage) or mitochondrial DNA (can be taken by a male or female but only looks at your direct maternal lineage), AncestryDNA^® looks at a person’s entire genome at over 700,000 locations.

• What country is AncestryDNA available in?

  AncestryDNA^® is available in more than 30 countries including Australia and New Zealand.

• Want to find out more about our next generation of ethnicity estimates?

  Click here to find out how our enhanced ethnicity estimates give you an even more detailed picture of your origins.

• What is included in the shipping cost?

  The shipping cost for the AncestryDNA^® kit covers all shipping and tracking necessary to analyse your test and process your results. This includes the delivery of the kit to your door, the free post return bag used to return the kit to us, the handling service we provide when we receive your sample at the fulfillment centre and finally the shipment of the kit to our lab in the US for processing. As we are dealing with genetic material, the postage charge would is slightly higher than average.