Source folder: Q&As
Source workbook: Full_Q&A_EasyDNA.xlsx
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Questions and answers imported from the source spreadsheet.
Question: “What is the GPS Origins test?”
Answer:
The GPS Origins test is a detailed ancestry DNA analysis that traces your genetic origin to over 1,000 reference populations and 41 gene pools worldwide. It can estimate where your DNA originated and even pinpoints your genetic migration routes with historical timelines.
Question: “How is the GPS Origins test different from other ancestry DNA tests?”
Answer:
GPS Origins goes beyond general ethnicity estimates. It uses a unique algorithm to trace your DNA back to specific geographic locations and migration patterns. It provides ancestral migration routes and timelines, which many other tests do not.
Question: “What does “GPS” stand for in GPS Origins?
Answer:
In this context, GPS stands for “Geographic Population Structure.” It refers to the method used to calculate your ancestral origins based on your DNA.
Question: “What type of sample do I need to provide for GPS Origins?”
Answer:
The test requires a simple, non-invasive cheek swab. You will receive a collection kit with full instructions.
Question: “How long does it take to get results for GPS Origins?”
Answer:
Results are typically available within 4–6 weeks from the date the laboratory receives your samples.
Question: “Can I use the GPS Origins test if I’ve already done a DNA test elsewhere?”
Answer:
If you have your raw DNA data from another testing company (such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe), you may be able to upload it for GPS Origins analysis. Please contact us to confirm compatibility via email.
Question: “Does the GPS Origins test show what percentage of my DNA comes from different countries?”
Answer:
It provides a breakdown by gene pools, not countries. These gene pools represent ancestral regions tied to ancient populations, offering a deeper understanding of your genetic heritage than country-based percentages.
Question: “Will the GPS Origins test tell me if I’m Native American, Jewish, or of African descent?”
Answer:
It can detect genetic contributions from relevant gene pools associated with those regions and populations, but it does not provide tribal or cultural affiliations.
Question: “Can I buy the GPS Origins test as a gift?”
Answer:
Yes! The GPS Origins test makes a great gift. You can order a kit and either send it directly to the recipient or to yourself to gift in person.
Question: “Do I get a report for my GPS Origins?”
Answer:
Yes, you’ll receive a detailed online report showing your genetic origin, ancestral migration routes, timelines, and gene pool percentages.
Question: “Can children take the GPS Origins test?”
Answer:
Yes, the test is suitable for individuals of all ages, including children. Parental consent is required for minors.
Question: “Which test will show the countries or areas where my heritage is, percentage-wise?”
Answer:
You will be able to see your Top 3 Gene Pools and an interactive map highlight the regions included.
Question: “How far back do these trace your ancestry for the GPS Origins test?”
Answer:
Around 1000 years
Question: “What is the Paternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
The Paternal Lineage Test traces your direct paternal ancestry by analysing the Y chromosome, which is passed down from father to son. It can reveal your paternal haplogroup and determine whether two males share the same paternal line.
Question: “Who can take the Paternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
Only biological males can take the Paternal Lineage Test, because only males carry the Y chromosome. The test is not applicable to females.
Question: “I am female, can I do a Paternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
No, females cannot take this test because they do not have a Y chromosome. However, you can ask a biological male relative from your father’s side, such as your father, brother (same father), paternal uncle, or paternal grandfather, to take the test on your behalf.
Question: “Which relatives can take the Paternal Lineage Test for me?”
Answer:
If you cannot take the test yourself, a biological male from your direct paternal line can take it instead. This includes your father, brother (same father), paternal uncle, or paternal grandfather.
Question: “What does the Paternal Lineage Test show?”
Answer:
The test shows your Y-DNA haplogroup and identifies your ancient paternal ancestry. It can also be used to compare two males and determine if they share a common paternal ancestor.
Question: “How long will it take to receive my Paternal Lineage Test results?”
Answer:
Results are available within 15–20 working days from the date the laboratory receives your samples.
Question: “What kind of sample is used for the Paternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
A simple, painless cheek swab is used. The kit includes full instructions for collecting and returning your sample.
Question: “Is the Paternal Lineage Test the same as a paternity test?”
Answer:
No, a paternity test confirms whether a specific man is the biological father of a child. The Paternal Lineage Test traces deep ancestral lineage through the father’s side and cannot be used for legal paternity.
Question: “Can the Paternal Lineage Test confirm if two males are related?”
Answer:
Yes, the test can show whether two males share the same Y chromosome, indicating a shared paternal line.
Question: “What is a haplogroup in the Paternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
A haplogroup is a classification that identifies the ancient origin and migration path of your paternal ancestors based on your Y-DNA markers.
Question: “If I pay for the Paternal Lineage Test, will that information be provided?”
Answer:
Yes. You will receive a full report including your paternal haplogroup, Y-DNA markers, and insights into your paternal ancestry, even if the sample was provided by a male relative.
Question: “Is the Paternal Lineage Test private and secure?”
Answer:
Yes. All samples and results are handled with strict confidentiality and in line with privacy regulations.
Question: “What is the Maternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
The Maternal Lineage Test traces your direct maternal ancestry by analysing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is passed from mother to child. It provides information about your maternal haplogroup and ancient maternal origins.
Question: “Who can take the Maternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
Both males and females can take the Maternal Lineage Test, as mitochondrial DNA is inherited by all individuals from their biological mother.
Question: “What does the Maternal Lineage Test show?”
Answer:
The test identifies your maternal haplogroup and traces the migration patterns and ancestral origins of your maternal line. It helps you understand where your maternal ancestors came from thousands of years ago.
Question: “What is a haplogroup in the Maternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
A haplogroup is a genetic population group that shares a common maternal ancestor. Your haplogroup reveals insights about the deep ancestral roots and historical movements of your maternal lineage.
Question: “What kind of sample is used for the Maternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
The test uses a simple cheek swab sample, which is non-invasive and easy to collect at home.
Question: “How long will it take to receive my Maternal Lineage Test results?”
Answer:
Results are available within 15–20 working days from the date the laboratory receives your sample.
Question: “If I pay for the Maternal Lineage Test, will that information be provided?”
Answer:
Yes. You will receive a full report that includes your mitochondrial DNA profile, maternal haplogroup, and ancestry information, regardless of whether the sample is provided by you or a biological relative.
Question: “Can the Maternal Lineage Test confirm if two people are related?”
Answer:
The test can show if two individuals share the same maternal lineage by comparing their mitochondrial DNA. However, it does not confirm specific relationships like a maternity or sibling test would.
Question: “Is the Maternal Lineage Test the same as an ancestry test?”
Answer:
No. An ancestry test provides ethnicity estimates across your whole genome. The Maternal Lineage Test specifically focuses on tracing your maternal ancestry through mitochondrial DNA.
Question: “Can I take the Maternal Lineage Test if I’m adopted?”
Answer:
Yes. If you are adopted and want to learn about your biological maternal roots, this test can help trace your maternal ancestral line.
Question: “What kind of report will I receive from the Maternal Lineage Test?”
Answer:
You will receive a digital report showing your mtDNA haplogroup, maternal ancestry details, and migration maps illustrating your maternal line’s historical journey.
Question: “Is the Maternal Lineage Test private and secure?”
Answer:
Yes. Your sample and personal information are handled with strict confidentiality and in compliance with data protection regulations.
Question: “What is the Ancient DNA Hub test?”
Answer:
The Ancient DNA Hub is a unique deep ancestry analysis that compares your DNA with samples from ancient groups across the globe, including civilisations like the Vikings, Huns, Mayans, and more.
Question: “What does the Ancient DNA Hub test show?”
Answer:
The test reports the percentage of your DNA that matches over 150 ancient DNA groups. You’ll also receive a historical report detailing each ancestral civilisation and your genetic comparisons with them.
Question: “How does the Ancient DNA Hub test differ from the Paternal or Maternal Lineage tests?”
Answer:
Unlike the lineage tests that focus on a single ancestor line (paternal or maternal), this test uses autosomal DNA, analysing DNA inherited from both parents, to provide a broader perspective on your ancient ancestry connections.
Question: “Who can take the Ancient DNA Hub test?”
Answer:
Everyone can take it; both males and females are eligible since it uses autosomal DNA, which both sexes inherit from both parents.
Question: “How is the sample collected for the Ancient DNA Hub test?”
Answer:
You collect a simple cheek (oral) swab at home using the kit provided; it’s easy and non-invasive.
Question: “How long will it take to get my Ancient DNA Hub test results?”
Answer:
The site does not specify a turnaround time for this test. However, EasyDNA’s lineage tests typically take 4–5 weeks, and GPS Origins results take 4–6 weeks. It may be reasonable to indicate a similar timeframe, but you may wish to verify this with support for the most accurate live‑chat response.
Question: “If I pay for the Ancient DNA Hub test, will that information be provided?”
Answer:
Yes. Whether you’re uploading raw data or providing a new sample, you’ll receive a full report with your DNA match percentages to ancient populations and related heritage insights.
Question: “Can I use raw data if I’ve already tested with another company?”
Answer:
Yes. You can upload raw DNA data for free from services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage, and others to get your Ancient DNA Hub report without needing a new sample.
Question: “Will the Ancient DNA Hub test tell me if I’m related to famous historical figures?”
Answer:
No. This test compares your DNA to ancient population groups, not individual historical figures, so it doesn’t indicate personal ancestral connections to specific individuals.
Question: “Does the Ancient DNA Hub test provide ethnicity percentages like standard ancestry tests?”
Answer:
No. Unlike modern ancestry tests that break down ethnicity by regions or countries, this test focuses on how your DNA matches ancient populations, not modern-day ethnicity percentages.
Question: “Is the Ancient DNA Hub test helpful for genealogy or building a family tree?”
Answer:
Not directly. It provides deep ancestral insights by linking your DNA to ancient civilisations, but it doesn’t help identify living relatives or construct family trees.
Question: “Is the Ancient DNA Hub test private and secure?”
Answer:
Yes. EasyDNA handles all DNA samples and personal data with strict confidentiality and in compliance with data protection standards.
Question: "Can I find out my genotype with EasyDNA?"
Answer:
Yes, many of our Health, Ancestry, and Wellness tests provide genotype-level data. Please let us know which test you’re interested in, and we can confirm if genotype information is included.
Question: "What is included with the All-In-One Self-Discovery Testing Package?"
Answer:
The All-In-One Self Discovery Testing Package combines multiple DNA analyses into one comprehensive panel. It typically includes reports on ancestry, genetic traits, health predispositions, nutrition, fitness, skin health, and common intolerances. This is a great choice if you're looking for a complete overview of your genetic makeup.
Question: “What is a haplogroup?”
Answer:
A haplogroup is a group of people who share specific genetic markers and can be traced back to a common ancient ancestor from a particular geographical or historical origin.
Question: “What information can I expect from a haplogroup test?”
Answer:
The test will tell you your maternal and/or paternal haplogroup, along with a description of the global populations that share that same ancestral group.
Question: “Will the test tell me my nationality?”
Answer:
No. DNA tests do not determine your nationality. Nationality is a legal and social concept that is influenced by political and cultural factors, not genetics.
Question: “Does sharing a haplogroup mean we are related?”
Answer:
Not in the sense of being close relatives. Sharing a haplogroup means you share a distant ancestor, often thousands of years ago.
Question: “How does a paternal lineage test work?”
Answer:
A paternal lineage test analyses the Y chromosome (Y-DNA), which is passed from father to son, allowing the tracing of a deep male ancestral line.
Question: “How does a maternal lineage test work?”
Answer:
A maternal lineage test analyses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is inherited from the mother and passed on to all her children, revealing your maternal ancestry.
Question: “What if I’m a woman, can I get a paternal lineage test?”
Answer:
Women do not have a Y chromosome, so they cannot take a paternal lineage test themselves. However, they can discover their paternal lineage by testing a biological brother or father.
Question: “How can I find specific ancestors from my results?”
Answer:
While DNA results won’t name individual ancestors, you can use online databases and family tree tools to compare your results with others who share your haplogroup and trace common lines.