How The Average Test Result Processing Time is Estimated

FamilyTreeDNA processes test orders in groups, or “batches,” every Monday and Wednesday. Any DNA test ordered since the previous batching day (Monday or Wednesday) is included in the next batch and sent to the lab for processing.

Once in the lab, samples from each batch are directed to different testing pipelines based on the type of test ordered. Each pipeline follows a unique set of procedures, and some tests naturally take longer to complete than others.

Although all tests in a batch share the same batch date, the time required for results varies depending on the test type, lab workload, and other technical factors. Processing times fluctuate from week to week.

You can find your batch date in the Order History section of your account.

The average Test Results Processing Times listed below are based on the amount of time it takes for a majority of all the samples within the same batch to get results.

• Family Finder™: 2 to 4 weeks
• mtFull Sequence: 6 to 8 weeks
• Y-DNA (excluding Big Y): 3 to 6 weeks
• Big Y-700: 6 to 10 weeks

These items don’t require lab processing, so they are typically completed quickly. If you experience a delay beyond the expected timeframe, please contact Customer Service for assistance.

• BAM File – Up to 72 hours.
• Autosomal Transfer Unlock – Up to 72 hours.

Test Delays

If your test takes longer than the average processing time, several factors could be causing the delay. You may notice that other kits with the same batch number receive results before yours. This is because the batch number only indicates when the samples were sent to the lab—not how long each individual test will take. Processing times can vary based on the type of test and other technical factors.

We will notify you by email as soon as your results are ready. If any further action is required on your part, our customer service team will reach out to you.

Note: To ensure you receive important updates, please keep the email address associated with your kit (or the kit you ordered) up to date.

Common Causes for Delay

Sample quality

To ensure accurate results, multiple quality assurance checks are conducted throughout the testing process. Following the provided instructions carefully when collecting your DNA sample is crucial for obtaining a high-quality sample.

Each DNA kit typically includes two vials, both containing a preservation liquid that keeps the DNA stable at room temperature. When your kit arrives at the lab, one vial is used for DNA extraction, while the other is stored for potential future testing.

In most cases, multiple tests can be performed on the same extracted sample. If you order additional testing later, those tests will typically be conducted using the already extracted DNA, rather than immediately retrieving the second vial from storage.

We prioritize using the extracted sample first because we recognize the value of your DNA. Once DNA is extracted, it must be stored at sub-freezing temperatures, but it tends to degrade more quickly than a sample kept in long-term storage. Since DNA from relatives may be irreplaceable, we strive to preserve it as efficiently as possible. Extracting the second vial too soon accelerates its degradation, which is why we reserve it for when it’s truly needed. In cases where the test taker is no longer able to provide a new sample, careful preservation ensures that every bit of their DNA can still be used effectively.

Exception: Big Y-700

If the extracted sample for a Big Y-700 test is more than two years old, we will immediately use the unopened backup sample. If no backup sample is available, we will send a replacement kit.

Because of this, it is crucial to inform us if a tester has passed away or is unable to provide an additional sample. It is also important to keep the mailing address associated with the kit up to date to ensure timely delivery of any necessary replacements.

A factor that can impact sample quality is the use of dentures or other dental appliances, as they can harbor bacterial overgrowth that may compromise the sample. Additionally, denture adhesive can destroy DNA, making it essential for the tester’s mouth to be completely free of any residue before collecting the sample.

Sample Quantity

Generally, a single vial of your sample is sufficient to process all our tests—Big Y-700, mtFull Sequence, and Family Finder—provided everything meets our strict quality control standards on the first attempt. However, if any portion of a test does not pass quality control and requires a retest, we may need an additional sample to ensure accurate results.

If additional testing is needed and the extracted sample has been depleted, we will retrieve your stored sample, send it to the lab for extraction, and continue testing.

If both the extracted and stored samples have been depleted, a replacement DNA collection kit will be sent to you at no cost. If the test was for a deceased individual or providing another sample is not possible, we recommend contacting customer service before testing.

Note: To ensure you receive important updates, please keep the email address associated with your kit (or the kit you ordered) up to date. It is also important to keep the mailing address associated with the kit up to date to ensure timely delivery of any necessary replacements.

Sample Age

We store DNA samples in our state-of-the-art facility for at least 25 years. However, even under ideal conditions, DNA naturally degrades over time.

For certain tests, such as Big Y-700, we recommend using a DNA sample that was extracted within the past two years to ensure reliable results. However, if a stored vial remains unopened, the sample can be much older and still be viable for testing. While many older samples can still produce accurate results, in some cases, a fresh sample may be necessary.

If additional DNA is required to continue testing, a new collection kit will be mailed at no cost, so again, it is important to ensure that the mailing address on the kit is up to date.

Lab Volume

Each testing pipeline consists of multiple steps, each requiring specialized machines and procedures. The batch size for processing is determined by both the availability and capacity of the required equipment for each test type. Each test type has a set number of tests that can be run simultaneously based on the machinery needed for processing.

It's important to note that the processing batch is not the same as the biweekly order batch. At times, we receive more test orders and fresh samples than can be accommodated in a single processing batch. When this happens, we prioritize filling the batch to its maximum capacity, and any remaining tests will be scheduled for the next available batch. This is more common during sales and promotional events. You can check your batch date in the Order History page of your account.
Payment Issues

Tests will not be batched for processing until they are fully paid. If you have ordered multiple tests in a single transaction, all tests on that invoice must be paid in full before any can begin. If you plan to purchase multiple kits but wish to pay for some or all of the tests at a later date, please note that no tests from that invoice will be processed until the entire balance is settled. To avoid delays, we recommend ordering tests separately or contacting customer service to explore alternative payment options.

Sample Verification

Each collection kit includes a DNA Processing Consent Form that must be completed by the test taker. If someone else is purchasing or managing the kit, the test taker is still required to fill out the form. When our Accessioning team begins processing your sample, the information on the consent form must match the contact details associated with the kit.

Part of our testing verification process includes verification of genetic sex to ensure that we can obtain results for the applicable test and that we are testing the correct sample. Genetic sex on the form helps us ensure that the DNA sample belongs to the test taker. It does not refer to biological sex or gender.

Additionally, there are restrictions on testing minors, so providing the required month and year of birth is critical to avoid processing delays. If identity verification is needed, this may further impact turnaround time. For more information about age restrictions, see the Terms of Service under Eligibility to Use the Services.

Payment Issues

Tests will not be batched for processing until they are fully paid. If you have ordered multiple tests in a single transaction, all tests on that invoice must be paid in full before any can begin. If you plan to purchase multiple kits but wish to pay for some or all of the tests at a later date, please note that no tests from that invoice will be processed until the entire balance is settled. To avoid delays, we recommend ordering tests separately or contacting customer service to explore alternative payment options.

Waiting for Additional DNA Samples

If you have tested with us previously and you order another test or an upgrade on the same DNA sample (the same kit), the lab will run the test on the existing DNA sample. In the event that an additional DNA sample is required to continue testing, customer service will contact you and arrange for a new collection kit to be mailed at no charge.

The test will not begin or continue until that fresh sample is received. If partial results were obtained from the original sample, but an additional sample is required to continue testing, there will likewise be a delay in completing results until the new sample arrives.

Tests are assigned a batch number the week they are ordered and paid for. In the event an additional DNA sample is required to perform the test(s), the batch number will not accurately reflect the date the test began if we are awaiting a fresh sample.