Every branch in your family tree begins at your core.
CoreWise sequences your DNA to uncover your ancestral origins, connect you with living relatives, and trace your maternal and paternal lines back thousands of years — from one simple cheek swab.
Start where your story does
Three DNA testing lines, each tracing a different part of your ancestry. Combine them for the fullest picture of where you come from.
Maternal Deep Trace
mtDNA · for genetic males and females
- Full mitochondrial genome sequencing for the highest-resolution maternal results
- Refined maternal haplogroup with a migration timeline spanning 150,000+ years
- Matching against our dedicated maternal-line database
CoreLine Ancestry
Autosomal DNA · for genetic males and females
- Percentage breakdown of your ancestral origins by region
- Matches you with relatives across every branch of your family tree
- Pairs with our Maternal and Paternal Line tests for the complete picture
Paternal Line
Y-DNA · for genetic males only
- Entry-level test for the direct paternal line
- Connects you with distant paternal-line relatives
- Predicted haplogroup with migration insights
- Everything in Origin 37, plus deeper marker resolution
- Finds closer matches within recent genealogical timeframes
- Well suited to surname studies and line-specific research
- Everything in Origin 37 and Precision 111
- The highest-resolution Y-DNA sequencing we offer
- New matches and refinements delivered as the science advances
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Every CoreWise kit arrives ready to use, with clear instructions and a prepaid return package — no lab visit required.
- 01
Two snap-off cheek swabs
Individually sealed, barcoded, and linked to your account at activation.
- 02
Sample collection vials
One for extraction, one held in reserve for future tests or upgrades.
- 03
Prepaid return envelope
Domestic postage included; simply seal and drop in any mailbox.
- 04
Step-by-step instructions
A quick-start card that walks you through activation and collection.
Three lines of ancestry, one clearer story
Every test reveals a different lineage. Compare what each can uncover about your history.
Maternal Ancestry
- Traces your direct maternal line back over 150,000 years
- Reveals a refined maternal haplogroup and migration story
- Connects you with maternal-line matches and dedicated reports
Family Ancestry
- Matches you with DNA relatives across every branch, back roughly five generations
- Breaks down your ethnic origins by region with percentage estimates
- Explore deep ancestry alongside your closest matches
Paternal Ancestry
- Traces your direct paternal line through your family surname
- Reveals your paternal haplogroup and surname-line connections
- Connects you with paternal-line matches and dedicated reports
A preview of your CoreLine Ancestry report
An illustrative sample — your actual composition, regions, and match count will be entirely your own.
Follow the migration behind your haplogroup
Maternal and paternal tests each reveal a haplogroup — a genetic marker that traces one continuous line of ancestors across tens of thousands of years.
East Africa
~60,000 years before presentThe deep origin point shared by nearly all maternal and paternal haplogroups.
Western Asia
~45,000 years before presentA major branching point where lineages began to diverge toward Europe and beyond.
Central Europe
~12,000 years before presentSettlement patterns following the retreat of the last glacial period.
British Isles
Present dayWhere your line's most recent common ancestors are estimated to have settled.
Three independent databases, not one blended pool
Most tests fold everything into a single autosomal database. CoreWise maintains three separate matching databases, so connections that would otherwise be missed rise to the surface.
Family-wide matching
Connect with relatives who share your autosomal DNA across every line, roughly five generations back.
Mother-line matching
Connect with people who share your mtDNA and trace your mother's line to a single common ancestor.
Father-line matching
Connect with men who share your Y-DNA and trace your father's line to a single common ancestor.
Four simple steps to your results
Order
Order your kit online. Already have one? Sign in to add upgrades to an existing sample.
Swab
Swab the inside of each cheek with the snap-off swabs provided. No spit, no blood, no needles.
Return your kit in the prepaid envelope included. International orders ship return postage separately.
Receive
Results are typically ready in 4 to 8 weeks. We'll email you the moment your report is live.
Test more lines, save more
Pair CoreLine Ancestry with a Maternal or Paternal Line test — one kit, one swab, results across every line you choose.
Origins Bundle
- Family-wide matching plus your full maternal migration story
- One combined dashboard for both sets of results
Direct Line Bundle
- Family-wide matching plus your direct paternal surname line
- Upgrade your Paternal Line tier any time, no new swab needed
Complete Ancestry Bundle
- All three ancestry lines from a single kit
- The fullest picture CoreWise offers, in one order
Upgrade your results without swabbing again
With your consent, we retain any remaining DNA from your original sample in our in-house lab. That means you can add a test or move up a tier at any time — no second kit required.
- Stored samples are viable for 20+ years under lab storage conditions
- If additional material is ever needed, we'll send a fresh kit at no charge
- Manage upgrades any time from your CoreWise account
Your sample. Your data. Your call.
We built and operate our own laboratory rather than outsourcing testing, so every sample stays under one roof from intake to result. Genetic data is stored de-identified, encrypted at rest and in transit, and is never sold or shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
- Samples and results are stored without names or identifying details attached
- You control whether your matches can see and contact you
- Data is disclosed to outside parties only with your consent or a valid legal order
Compare every test at a glance
Not sure which line to start with? Here's how all five tests stack up.
| Feature | Maternal Deep Trace |
CoreLine Ancestry |
Origin 37 | Precision 111 | Summit 700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA type | Mitochondrial | Autosomal | Y-chromosome | Y-chromosome | Y-chromosome |
| Traces | Direct maternal line | All family lines | Direct paternal line | Direct paternal line | Direct paternal line |
| Time depth | 150,000+ years | ~5 generations | Broad, predicted | Recent centuries | Highest resolution |
| Turnaround | 6–8 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 3–5 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Price | $149 | $79 | $89 | $199 | $449 |
Connect your results, expand your tree
Link your CoreWise results with independent tree-building platforms to collaborate with matches and go further with your research.
A free, collaborative global tree. Link your CoreWise matches directly to shared ancestors and see how you connect at a glance.
- Free collaborative tree-building tools
- Already used by well over a million researchers
- Linking your tree makes shared-ancestor matches clearer
Build a private tree of up to 250 people with free mobile and desktop apps, and split your matches by maternal and paternal side.
- Free mobile and desktop applications
- Free tree hosting for up to 250 individuals
- Automatically sorts matches by side of the family
Join, contribute, or start a Group Project
Work alongside other CoreWise researchers to answer genealogical questions that traditional records alone can't resolve.
Surname Projects
Groups working together to uncover the history and branches of a specific surname.
Haplogroup Projects
Groups tracing the deep migratory history and evolution of a specific haplogroup.
Regional Projects
Groups researching the shared ancestry of a particular geographic region.
What our customers found
CoreLine Ancestry connected me with a cousin I never knew existed. Within three weeks of messaging back and forth, we'd pieced together our great-grandparents' entire immigration story.
The Paternal Line test broke down a brick wall I'd been stuck on for over a decade — matched me to a distant cousin who had records tracing our surname back to the 1700s.
As an adoptee, the Maternal Deep Trace test was the first real thread I had. It didn't just give me a haplogroup — it gave me a direction to start searching in.
Customer support walked me through upgrading from Origin 37 to Summit 700 without a second swab. The added resolution changed how far back I could confidently trace.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Visit our Help Center or reach out to Customer Support.
CoreWise is a genetic genealogy company offering autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-chromosome DNA testing. We operate our own laboratory in the United States and maintain three independent matching databases so customers can trace their maternal, paternal, and family-wide ancestry with precision.
No. If you've already submitted a sample, we use the DNA already stored in our lab for any additional tests you order. On the rare occasion no further material is available, we'll send a replacement collection kit linked to your original order at no cost.
You decide how your genetic information is used and shared. Samples, results, and personal data are stored securely and without identifying details attached. We do not share your identity linked to genetic data with third parties except with your consent or as legally required.
Each kit includes two collection vials, barcoded to your order. One vial is processed for extraction and testing; the remainder is stored for any future tests you order. The second vial is kept as a secure backup in case additional material is ever needed.
Yes. At checkout you can ship a kit directly to the recipient, and we also offer gift cards redeemable for new kits or upgrades on an existing account.
Kits typically arrive within 5–7 business days domestically. Once received, processing runs roughly 6–8 weeks for CoreLine Ancestry and Maternal Deep Trace, and 3–10 weeks for Paternal Line tests depending on tier.