You can expect to receive your DNA Test Kit from FTDNA by U.S. Mail within a few days after you place an order for a test (or the Knowles Surname Project Manager places the order for you).  After using the DNA test kit that you receive, you will return the kit to FTDNA by regular U.S. Mail.

FTDNA will issue you an email when your DNA test kit arrives back at their offices, providing you with a kit number and a password.  Using the kit number and your password, you will be able to follow the progress of your test by logging on to their home page.   It is recommend that you record your kit number and password and store them in a safe place, or by keeping the email report that you receive from FTDNA.

The next step is the processing of your sample at the DNA lab at the University of Arizona.  The test process takes a number of weeks to complete (see the estimates per test below).  When the lab has completed the processing for your DNA sample, you will again be notified immediately by email.  During the time your sample is being processed by the lab, you will be able to follow the progress via the FTDNA web site (using your kit number and password.

The tests provided by FTDNA and performed at the U of A lab, meet the highest standard for precision and reliability which requires individual verification by very skilled professionals.  Therefore, typical times between the time when the kit goes to the lab for processing and the availability of results is estimated as follows:

ESTIMATED  TIME  SPAN  TO  OBTAIN  TEST  RESULTS

12 Marker Y-DNA - 4 weeks

25 Marker Y-DNA - 6 weeks

37 Marker Y-DNA - 6 weeks

12 to 25 Marker Y-DNA Upgrade - 4 Weeks

12 to 37 Marker Y-DNA Upgrade - 4 Weeks

25 to 37 Marker Y-DNA Upgrade - 2 Weeks

mtDNA Tests - 4 Weeks

Note: kits are sent to the lab in batches every 2 weeks.

The times quoted above are for tests that have a successful outcome from the first run at the lab.  Approximately 85% of the first runs are successful.  The tests are rerun on the other 15% until a good result is obtained.  Unfortunately, each rerun adds two weeks to the process.  We understand that the delay is frustrating to participants.  When a delay occurs, your sample is being rerun as many times as it takes to achieve a successful result.