The mtDNA (Mitochondrial Relationship) maternal lineage test is used to determine whether two or more individuals are related through their mothers (through the maternal/female line).

Turnaround Time

• Five (5) business days from receipt of all samples

Chain-of-Custody Requirements

Chain-of-custody requirements must be fulfilled for test results to be defensible in any legal situation, such as inheritance disputes. These requirements include the following:

• Samples are collected by a neutral third party, such as a clinic or laboratory
• The individuals tested are positively identified (i.e., they present a government-issued ID to be photocopied and/or they are photographed and fingerprinted)
• A standard DNA kit is used
• Each party completes and signs a Client Identification and Consent Form
• Guardianship of tested minor must be verified at the time of signing consent
• The kit may not be in the possession of the clients prior to or after being collected

Non-Chain-of-Custody Requirements

• In a non-chain of custody test, samples are collected by the patients themselves (or assisted by collection site). Results of this test are for personal knowledge only and may not be used for legal purposes
• An in-home kit is used, and buccal samples can be collected by the patients themselves (or assisted by collection site) at a time and place of their choosing
• Since the origin of the samples cannot be verified, names are listed on the report in the same way they are labeled on the samples
• A unique barcode is assigned to each kit and will appear on the report as a reference for the case
• Barcoded kits are assigned to your account for easy reference 

Notes

• The DNA of Mitochondria (mtDNA) are passed from the biological mother to both her male and female offspring. For example, a grandmother passes her Mitochondrial DNA to her son and daughter, only the daughter passes it on to the grandchildren. (Males carry their mother's mtDNA but only females pass it on)
• mtDNA analysis can be used to provide inclusionary or exclusionary evidence of female lineage to support the results of relatedness testing (siblingship, reconstruction, and avuncular tests)