What is a Grandparent DNA Test?
A Grandparent DNA Test determines the biological relationship between grandparents and a grandchild. Grandchildren typically share 25% of their DNA with each grandparent. This test is often conducted when the alleged father is unavailable for testing. Including the child’s mother in the test can improve accuracy.
Common uses include establishing paternity for legal custody cases or adding a deceased father’s name to a child’s birth certificate or for peace of mind.
DNA Testing Options:
At-Home Grandparent DNA Test Kit
At-Home Grandparent DNA Test Confirm or disprove a biological relationship between a grandparent and grandchild with this test. It requires self-collection of samples.
Home Testing Kit:
Pricing Starts at $299.99
At Home Grandparent Testing option is for peace of mind purposes only. Results cannot be used for legal purposes. Below are the contents of DNA test kit:
- 4-6 sterilized buccal swabs (2 swabs per person)
- Sample collection instructions
- Contact identification form
- Prepaid overnight FedEx return shipping
How The Process Works:
- Starting a peace of mind test is simple. Follow this outline for our At-Home DNA paternal Grandparent Testing process:
- Order your DNA kit by contacting our office at 888-204-0583 to purchase by phone, or click here to buy online.
- Allow up to 24 hours or one business day for your test kit to ship to your home after purchase.
- Upon receiving your kit, follow the instructions to collect your DNA samples. Sign the chain-of-custody form.
- Place all contents in the prepaid return envelope provided and ship your genetic samples back to the lab for analysis.
- Once the lab receives your genetic samples, allow 2 to 3 business days for your results to be completed.
- After completion, a copy of your results will be sent to your physical home address and by email.
Legal Grandparent DNA Test
Legal Sibling tests can be used for any legal purpose. All DNA samples are performed by our partner AABB accredited lab. Pricing for legal sibling testing starts at $499.99.
Below are common applications to perform legal DNA test.
- Immigration cases
- Child Custody
- Birth certificate amendments
- Social Security Benefits
Scheduling an appointment
Scheduling an appointment is simple, call 888-204-0583 and allow one of DNA consultants to schedule near your city today.
DNA Testing Services By State
What method of DNA sample collection will be performed?
The standard method used to perform a DNA sample collection is cheek swab. Blood samples are via testing option with the accuracy as buccal swabs.
Alternative DNA samples:
- Hair follicles
- Toothbrush
- Earwax
- Dried blood on a tissue/napkin
Please note, forensic samples listed above cannot be used for legal purposes.
Results Turnaround Times
The average turnaround time is 2 to 3 business days from the date all samples arrive at the laboratory.
Privacy
Please note that the IDTO DNA Testing Center’s partner laboratory does not share any personal or genetic information with third-party companies.
All information provided to our partner laboratory is kept secure and will only be released to third parties with the explicit consent of the participants involved or by court order. DNA samples on file are kept for 3 months on average and then destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a grandparent DNA test?
DNA Grandparent Tests are designed to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship between grandparents and a grandchild. These tests are processed and analyzed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Accuracy Details:
Probability of Relationship: The results will demonstrate a probability of 90% or higher if a biological relationship is likely. Probability of No Relationship: The conclusion will support the analysis when the probability suggests no relationship. Inconclusive Results: A report may indicate inconclusive results, particularly if the child’s mother cannot participate in the test. Inconclusive results range from 9% to 89%.
How much DNA do grandparents and grandchildren share?
Grandparents and a grandchild share roughly 25% of their DNA.
Can a Grandparent Request a Paternity Test?
A grandparent can request a paternity test only if they are the legal guardian of a child under 18 years old. In other circumstances, the child’s legal guardian must consent to the DNA test.
How to read grandparent DNA test results?
To read grandparent DNA test results effectively, below is a brief overview:
Understanding the Structure
- Genetic Markers: The report lists specific genetic markers (loci) examined.
- Alleles: Each individual has one or two alleles at each marker. A match indicates a potential biological relationship.
Interpreting Results
- Positive Result:
- A match occurs when the child matches at least one allele with either grandparent across all markers.
- The probability index (PI) indicates the likelihood of the grandparents being the biological grandparents. A higher PI suggests a stronger relationship.
- The conclusion states that the grandparents cannot be excluded as biological grandparents.
- Negative Result:
- Inconsistencies in alleles between the child and both grandparents indicate no biological relationship.
- The report concludes that the grandparents are not the biological grandparents of the child.
Important Considerations
- Including the mother improves accuracy. Without her, a biological relationship may go undetected.
- Legal tests require strict protocols and are more reliable for official matters. Non-legal tests can be less rigorous and serve for personal knowledge.
Conclusion
Review each section of the report carefully. Focus on allele matches and the probability index to understand potential biological connections. Following these guidelines promotes clarity on grandparent DNA test results and their implications.