If the alleged parent(s) in question is/are available for testing, we highly recommend the DNA Paternity Test or DNA Maternity Test over the DNA Cousin Test. If the parents of the alleged cousins are available, the DNA Sibling Test would be recommended over the DNA Cousin Test since the sibling test (although not as powerful as a parentage test) is more powerful than a cousin test. The DNA Cousin test should only be considered if absolutely no other test type can be taken as it is the least powerful of all of the available kinship tests. While the parentage tests will always provide absolutely conclusive results, the cousin test will only provide a likelihood that the individuals are first cousins versus not related at all.

• Quick and painless buccal (mouth) swab sample collection
• Final report available 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the samples
• Discreet online results option available
• No age limit. Can be performed on individuals of any age, including newborns and adults
• All tests are automatically run twice to ensure 100% accuracy
• Conducted using a premium 16 to 27 genetic marker system
• State-of-the-art accredited testing laboratory utilizing advanced robotics and analyzers
• 100% private and confidential
• Check the progress of your DNA Cousin Test online

Methods of the DNA Cousin Test
During a DNA Cousin Test, a buccal (mouth) swab sample is collected from each alleged cousin. The sample contains cells, and most of the cells in our body contain a full set of genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A person’s DNA represents a “genetic blueprint” and, like a fingerprint, it is unique to each individual.

At the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cell and specific regions of the DNA are amplified by a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). The DNA patterns of the cousins are compared, to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship.

Splitting the kit
If the individuals to be tested live in different cities, or even different countries, the DNA collection kit can be split and each component sent to a different address. The components are individually barcoded and the buccal samples will be tested together, even if sent back separately.