DNA testing can be used to confirm if two individuals are identical or fraternal twins.

Identical or monozygotic twins develop from a single fertilized egg which then divides and develops as two separate embryos. Identical twins will have exactly the same DNA. They will be the same sex and they are more likely to look like each other.

Fraternal or dizygotic twins develop from two separate fertilized eggs. These dizygotic twins will share approximately 50% of their DNA, similar to the percentage of DNA that two non-twin siblings share. They can be the same or different genders.

In most instances, the parents of twins are curious about the zygosity of their children, but do not intend to use the results in a legal matter. Therefore, most often, the parents will choose to conduct a Curiosity Twin Zygosity test which involves the collection of painless cheek swab specimens in a home setting, using specimen collection kits provided by Orchid Cellmark. However a Court Ready Twin Zygosity test can also be conducted if the samples are collected in one of our 500 specimen collection sites nationwide.

Regardless of the testing option which is chosen, Orchid Cellmark will ensure the secure and expedient shipment of samples to our laboratory.

With a routine turnaround time of 5 days from the date of receipt of the last sample, you will not have to wait a long time to get an answer on the zygosity of your children.