What is Relationship DNA Testing?
The DNA of two or more people is examined to see if they are related biologically. This is called relationship DNA testing. This kind of test looks at genetic markers to see if there is a strong match that points to a family connection. People are more familiar with DNA paternity testing, which proves that a father and child are biologically related. However, relationship DNA testing does more than that. It helps a lot when the potential parent is not around or when other family members are involved in the bond.
How Does a Relationship DNA Test Work?
Getting a relationship DNA test is easy and non-invasive. DNA is usually taken from the cheek with a swab, which is quick and painless. After the samples are gathered, they are sent to a qualified lab so that the DNA can be taken out and analyzed. The lab looks for matches or patterns in the DNA by looking at certain markers. More genetic material will be shared between two people if they are related biologically.
Half-siblings and full siblings share about 25% of their DNA, while full siblings share about 50%. Most of the time, an aunt or uncle would give their sister or nephew about 25% of their DNA. Scientists use these similarities to figure out if two people are connected and what kind of relationship exists in this case.
When is Relationship DNA Testing Needed?
In many cases, it's necessary to do a relationship DNA test. This test is usually performed when the claimed father is unavailable for DNA paternity testing. In these situations, checking the child with grandparents, brothers, or other cousins of the father can still give accurate results.
Also very popular is sibling DNA testing. This test is used to find out if two or more people are complete siblings, half-siblings, or not related at all. People often use this kind of test when they are adopting a child, applying for immigration, or when brothers meet again later in life and want to make sure they are related biologically.
When government documentation is not available or can't be monitored, DNA testing is often used to show familial connections in immigration cases. The results of a relationship DNA test are based on science and can be used as proof by immigration officials.
The Importance of Accuracy in Relationship DNA Testing
Accuracy is one of the most important things about relationship DNA testing. To get the most accurate results, reputable labs use innovative equipment and many genetic markers. Especially when close family members are tested, the data can give clearer results. However, precision also changes based on who is being examined. Having as many close blood cousins as possible in the study can help get an exact result.
Legal DNA paternity testing and sibling DNA testing must follow a strict chain of custody, which is different from ancestry tests. This makes sure that the samples are not contaminated, and this also ensures the identity of the people being tested. Most of the time, these legal DNA tests are used in court cases about child custody, property, or immigration.
Choosing the Right DNA Testing Service
Before you choose a service to do relationship DNA testing, make sure the lab is licensed and has experience with family relationship testing. Make sure the company gives you clear information about the process, including how long it will take and how to get help if you have questions about the results. For example, Choice DNA is an excellent lab in the US that offers both legal DNA paternity testing and sibling DNA testing.