Siblings DNA Test
Overview – DNA Sibling Test
The DNA Sibling Test is generally used under circumstances where the alleged parents are not available for testing. It is not as powerful as the paternity or maternity test in regards to providing absolute conclusive results regarding sibling relationships. However, in situations where the alleged parents are missing or deceased, then the sibling test is the next best option for investigating the relationship of potential siblings – whether they be full siblings, half siblings, or not related at all. A DNA sample is collected in the privacy of your own home using buccal swabs (mouth swabs) and sent to our laboratory for testing. The typical turnaround time for testing is 3 to 5 business days. When testing is complete, you will receive a full laboratory report certifying the results of your DNA Sibling Test.
How does the DNA Sibling Test work?
The Sibling testing kit contains four easy-to-use mouth swabs designed to painlessly collect a DNA sample from each participant for analysis. The mouth swab collected contains cells in which most of them contain a full set of genetic information in the form of DNA, short for deoxyribonucleic acid. An individual’s DNA acts as a “genetic blueprint”, and like a fingerprint, is unique between each person. Once the sample has reached the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cells and undergoes a process called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which amplifies specific regions of the DNA. These amplified regions are carefully examined for a DNA pattern. The DNA patterns of the alleged siblings are then compared with each other. Based on the comparison performed, a statistical analysis is generated based on the match type typically expected for true biologically related sibling pairs. A “full sibling index” and “half sibling index” are obtained in this analysis.
FULL SIBLINGS True biologically related full sibling pairs (same father and mother) are typically expected to have a full sibling index value that is greater than 1.0 in their DNA Sibling Test Report. Individuals who are not full siblings are expected to have a full sibling index value that is less than 1.0. HALF SIBLINGS True biologically related half sibling pairs (only one parent in common) are typically expected to have a half sibling index value that is greater than 1.0 in their DNA Sibling Test Report. Individuals who are not related are expected to have a half sibling index value that is less than 1.0. The greater the sibling index value over 1.0, the higher the likelihood that the two individuals are biologically related as siblings. Likewise, the lower the sibling index value is below 1.0, the lesser the likelihood that the two individuals are biologically related as siblings.
Private DNA Sibling Test vs. Legal DNA Sibling Test
PRIVATE HOME DNA SIBLING TEST If DNA sibling results are not needed in court, the private home test kit option is suitable for those individuals who wish to find out the truth about a sibling relationship before deciding on the next step. This will provide the same conclusive results as the legal test. If a private test is chosen, a home kit will be sent over so that collection of the samples may be performed private. The sample collection takes just minutes to complete and is quick, easy, and discreet. LEGAL DNA SIBLING TEST The Legally Admissible DNA Sibling test is intended for court use and is accepted as legal proof in courts throughout North America. Provided that the legal test option is chosen, a chain-of-custody sample collection process will be used during the collection by an unbiased third party individual (such as a doctor or a lawyer) in order to ensure proper witnessing and fingerprinting of the parties involved.
Is the Private DNA Sibling Test as accurate as Legal DNA Sibling Test?
Both the private and the legal test provide the same conclusive results. The only difference between the two are whether the sample collection is performed and witnessed by an unbiased individual, and whether it follows a chain-of-custody.
Can the DNA Sibling Test Kit be shipped to more than one address?
Yes. If the individuals to be tested live in different cities, or even different countries, the kit can be split and have each component sent to a different address. Since the kits are individually barcode labeled, they will be tested together once the samples arrive back at the laboratory. To order a split kit, please indicate which name and address to send each component in the comment section during checkout. Please note, an extra shipping charge will apply for each additional shipment. Alternatively, the entire kit can be sent to one address in which an individual of the party splits the kit and sends the other portion of the components to the other parties involved in the test.
Can the results of a Private DNA Sibling Test be used in court?
There is no difference in the accuracy between the private knowledge DNA Sibling Test and the Legal DNA Sibling Test. However, for results to be used as legal evidence in court, proper steps must be taken during sample collection. A chain-of-custody must be performed in order to ensure witnessing and verification. The “court admissible” version of the private kit contains all documents required for third party witnessing – such as from a doctor or a lawyer – and the results can be used in court. If the results are to be used in court, the court admissible private kit, or the legal test should be chosen.
How long does the DNA Sibling Test take?
The turnaround time for Sibling testing is 3 to 5 business days from the date samples are received by our laboratory. The results of the sibling test are provided immediately upon completion. * Orders received before 2:00pm Pacific Time are shipped out the same business day, while orders received after 2:00pm Pacific Time are shipped out the next business day. Express shipping typically takes 1 business day for most addresses within North American, however delivery to some rural addresses may take 2 business days. Please contact us if you have any questions.
