Grandparentage Test – A grandparentage test will determine if a tested individual is the grandparent of an alleged grandchild. This type of test typically takes place when the alleged father of a child is deceased or otherwise unavailable. It is important, when possible, to test the child’s biological mother as well as it will provide our DNA laboratory with information on which of the child’s DNA is maternal in origin with confidence that the child’s remaining DNA is paternal in origin. That paternal DNA can be compared to the DNA of the alleged grandparent(s). It is also important, when possible, to test both alleged grandparents. To order a grandparentage test from Orchid Cellmark, click here or contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362).

Full Sibship Test – A full sibship test will determine if two or more individuals have the same biological mother and father. When possible, it is important to test the DNA of any “known” parent who is alive and willing to be tested. It may also be useful to test other “known” offspring of the alleged parents in order to piece together the full DNA pattern of the alleged parents. This test may be useful in post-adoption reunion cases, immigration matters or simply to dispel family rumors. To order a full sibship test from Orchid Cellmark, click here or contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362).

Half Sibship Test – A half sibship test will determine if two or more individuals share one biological parent, usually the father. This type of test is typically conducted when the alleged father is deceased or otherwise unavailable for testing. It is important, when possible, to test the mothers of the tested individuals, in order to determine the maternal DNA pattern of the tested individuals. The DNA laboratory can then be confident about which DNA markers are paternal in origin, and can attempt to match the paternal DNA markers of each of the tested individuals. If one of the tested individuals has other siblings, known to have the same biological mother and father, it will be helpful to test two or more of those individuals. In some instances, when the alleged children in question are adult males, and when their mothers are deceased, it may be useful to conduct a Y-STR patrilineal test to determine if the two males have a common paternal ancestor.  To order a half sibship test from Orchid Cellmark, click here or contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362).

Testing of Another Biological Relationship - If your case involves testing a relationship not outlined above, please feel free to contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362). Please be prepared to provide a verbal description of which relationship is in question, who is alive and available for testing and which parties are deceased.

Y-STR Patrilineal Test - A Y-STR test is a test which types the DNA that is present on the Y chromosome of males.  This type of DNA is inherited by males from their fathers. Due to the low mutation rate of the DNA on the Y chromosome, all males who share the same paternal lineage would be expected to have the same Y-STR profile, going back many generations. A Y-STR test can establish if two living males are descended from the same paternal line. However unless the Y-STR test is supplemented with additional DNA markers, the Y-STR test result can only be used for non-legal purposes. To order a Y-STR Patrilineal test from Orchid Cellmark, click here or contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362).

Mitochondrial DNA Matrilineal Test – A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) test is a test which sequences the DNA found in the mitochondria of the tested individuals. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally but is passed on to both daughters and sons. Every child (male or female) of a particular woman has an exact copy of his or her mother's mitochondrial DNA. However when a male child has children, his own children will have the mitochondrial DNA of their mother. A mitochondrial DNA test may be useful though to test two individuals thought to have descended from the same maternal line. To order a Mitochondrial Matrilineal test from Orchid Cellmark, click here or contact one of our sales consultants at 1-866-TEST-DNA (837-8362).