Do Ancestry DNA Kits Expire? Already Solved

Did you stash your Ancestry DNA kit in a drawer and forget about it? Maybe you needed some time to think about whether you would use a gift test that you hadn’t anticipated.

Therefore, do Ancestry DNA kits expire? Yes!

I gathered first-hand accounts from people who had used a kit for several years after buying it to try to find an answer to this question. I also examined the kits’ documentation from the manufacturer.

The Ancestry kits’ long shelf lives might pleasantly surprise you. We have good news about how to avoid paying for a second kit even if your old kit is broken.

Keep reading.

What Does Ancestry Do If A Dated Kit Is Inoperable?

You’ll find it hard to find an “official” line from Ancestry on whether their kits become outdated. There is mention of “one year” on some of their website documents.

As we have already observed, this falls far short of both manufacturer recommendations and customer reports.

The “one year” seems to be advisory only. To put it another way, Ancestry.com accepts kits that are older than a year.

In spite of your concerns that an old kit you found in a drawer is no longer usable, you should still use it and send it to Ancestry.com for processing.

Any age of DNA kit will be processed by Ancestry.com.

You will receive a replacement kit at no additional cost from Ancesry.com if the quality has deteriorated to the point where they are unable to extract enough usable DNA from the saliva sample.

Some competing DNA testing businesses refuse to replace kits that are more than a certain age. Ancestry.com does not adhere to this rule.

They will replace the kit without hesitation if they are unable to process it.

Check out our overview of how long Ancestry takes to process your DNA kit if you’re wondering how long you’ll have to wait to find out if it worked.

Exists A Expiration Date For Ancestry DNA Kits?

I have a spare kit that I bought in 2017 as a gift for someone who decided against testing.

I removed the dusty box from a drawer and searched the packaging for an expiration date. There isn’t one.

Then I looked inside at the contents, which include:

• sealed container with saliva collection tube and blue stabilizer liquid
• plastic collection bag
• cardboard box for posting

There is no expiration date listed on the packaging for any of these products.

It is reasonable to infer that the cardboard mailing box, hard plastic saliva tube, and soft plastic collection bag will not go bad or expire.

A little vial of blue liquid is included in the kit, though. That which you add to your saliva as a stabilizing fluid is this.

The real concern is whether or not this liquid deteriorates or becomes outdated. To find out, I looked over the manufacturer’s documentation.

See more about How Long Does A First Aid Certificate Last?

Does Ancestry Blue Liquid Have An Expiration Date?

DNA Genotek is the company that manufactures the test kits used by Ancestry. Some of the other significant DNA test providers rely on this market leader.

The blue stabilizing liquid in the kit’s included vial is provided by DNA Genotek.

It’s important to remember that this liquid was intended for room temperature storage. Therefore, you shouldn’t attempt to extend the shelf life of the kit by placing it in a refrigerator. Keep it in a dry place in your home for storage.

But most people are probably wondering about how long their unused kit will last. Because you haven’t opened the vial to reveal the liquid, the answer will be longer than one from a used kit.

Depending on how it is stored, the stabilizing solution for Ancestry blue may last for more than five years.

The main component of the liquid is distilled water, which explains why it can last for such a long time. Of course, additional chemicals work to keep your saliva from spoiling. However, the vial has a lengthy shelf life.

FAQs

Can A Woman Find Her Paternal DNA?

Yes, a woman can find her paternal ancestry. Since the Y chromosome is passed down from father to son, it is used to determine paternal lineage. To find out her father’s Y chromosome’s genetic make-up, a woman can take the test.

What Gender Does AncestryDNA Identify?

It is a maternal test, AncestryDNA. It examines the mother’s alone-transmitted mitochondrial DNA.

Which Ancestry Test Is The Most Reliable?

There isn’t a single ancestry test that is most accurate. An ancestry test’s accuracy varies depending on the particular test and the data used to produce the results. While some ancestry tests are more precise than others at tracing a person’s lineage back in time, all ancestry tests are constrained by the amount of information that is available.

Can DNA Samples Lose Their Potency?

Yes, a DNA sample can lose its potency. The main cause of this is that DNA is a weak molecule that is easily harmed. The environment in which DNA is stored and the kind of DNA sequencing method employed are two factors that affect how quickly DNA degrades.

For How Long Can A DNA Sample Be Kept?

A few factors can cause AncestryDNA tests to fail. One explanation is that the test kit may not have been utilized correctly. The DNA sample may not have been properly obtained, which is another explanation. Finally, there’s a chance that not enough DNA could have been extracted from the sample by the lab to conduct the test.

AncestryDNA Vs. 23andme: Which Is Superior?

The answer to this question is complex because it is based on your unique needs and preferences. 23andMe offers a more comprehensive genetic analysis, while For genealogy work, AncestryDNA is preferable. The choice of service is ultimately up to you.

How Long Is An AncestryDNA Kit Valid?

After being opened, AncestryDNA kits are valid for up to 12 months.

My Heritage Kits Have They Run Out?

Heritage kits don’t lose their validity. In spite of this, as more details about your ancestry are learned, the test results might alter over time.

Why Do AncestryDNA Tests Come Up Empty?

Several factors can cause AncestryDNA tests to be unsuccessful. The test kit might not have been used correctly, for instance. Another explanation is that the DNA sample might not have been taken properly. Last but not least, the lab may not have been able to extract enough DNA from the sample to conduct the test.

23andme Vs. AncestryDNA: Which Is Superior?

This question cannot be answered simply because it is based on your unique needs and preferences. 23andMe offers a more comprehensive genetic analysis, while For genealogical analysis, AncestryDNA is preferable. Which service is best for you ultimately depends on you.

Can DNA Samples Lose Their Potency?

A DNA sample can lose its potency, yes. DNA is a delicate molecule that is susceptible to damage, which is the main explanation for this. The environment in which DNA is stored and the kind of DNA sequencing method employed are two factors that affect how quickly DNA degrades.

How Long Can DNA Samples Be Kept In Storage?

A few factors can cause AncestryDNA tests to fail. The test kit might not have been used correctly, for instance. The DNA sample may not have been properly obtained, which is another explanation. Last but not least, the lab may not have been able to extract enough DNA from the sample to conduct the test.

Maternal Or Paternal, According To Ancestry.com?

A maternal test is AncestryDNA. It examines the mother’s alone-transmitted mitochondrial DNA.

Which Ancestry Test Is The Most Reliable?

The most accurate ancestry test does not exist. An ancestry test’s accuracy varies depending on the particular test and the data used to produce the results. When it comes to tracing a person’s lineage back in time, some tests are more precise than others, but all ancestry tests are constrained by the amount of information that is available.

Can A Woman Find Her Paternal DNA?

Women can identify their paternal DNA, yes. The Y chromosome is used to determine paternal lineage because it is passed from father to son. A Y chromosome test can be used to identify a woman’s father’s genetic makeup.

Final Words

I appreciate you reading, a lot.