A DNA kinship test will test the relationship between two or more individuals to assess if they are biologically related. Kinship tests do not include standard paternity and maternity tests.
Examples of the types of relationships which can be tested include:
- Paternal grandparents compared to a grandchild (Grandparentage test)
- Aunt and/or uncle compared to a niece and/or nephew
- Full siblings (Full Sibship test)
- Paternal half siblings (Half Sibship test)
- Maternal half siblings (Half Sibship test)
In order to conduct a DNA kinship test, cheek swab samples are collected at one of our 500 specimen collection sites or at home, depending on whether you are doing our court ready or curiosity DNA test. Orchid Cellmark representatives will help you to determine who needs to be tested and which DNA technology to use.
If one is trying to determine the paternity of a child but the alleged father is deceased, the general rule of thumb is to test at least two to three first degree relatives of the alleged father (e.g. parents, siblings, children). If there are multiple relatives who could be tested, Orchid Cellmark has a proprietary computer program that will predict the chances that a certain testing scenario will generate conclusive results. This program can be used to determine the appropriate number of individuals to test in order to obtain a conclusive result. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-563-4363 for more information. Please note that this program cannot predict the actual results - it simply generates the range of possible results.
Orchid Cellmark also has the capability of using specialized DNA technologies to test more complex patrilineal and matrilineal relationships if necessary. The two tests used to determine if two or more individuals are related through their paternal or maternal line are:
- Y-STR Patrilineal test
- Mitochondrial Matrilineal test
Orchid Cellmark representatives are well versed in all DNA technologies and will assist the client in choosing the most appropriate technology to obtain conclusive results. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-563-4363 for more information.
Once the appropriate samples are collected, Orchid Cellmark facilitates the secure and timely shipment of all samples to our DNA testing laboratory.
Orchid Cellmark recognizes that the importance of obtaining an answer to questions of kinship and to that end, we consider our full panel of DNA technologies and consult with our most experienced doctoral staff to provide a recommendation on the best technical approach to your case.
We are ready to help, when you are ready to proceed.