The DNA Grandparent Test is used in situations where the alleged parent is not available for testing. Either the grandmother, or the grandfather, or both, can take the DNA Grandparent Test to investigate the likelihood that they are the biological grandparents of a grandchild.

• 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 Grandparent Test online

Methods of the DNA Grandparent Test
During a DNA Grandparent Test, a painless buccal (mouth) swab sample is collected from the grandchild and the alleged grandparent. 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 pattern of the grandchild is compared to that of the alleged grandparent. A statistical analysis is performed based on the match type typically expected for true grandparent/grandchild pairs, and a “grandparentage index” is obtained.

True biologically related grandparent/grandchild pairs are typically expected to have a grandparentage index value that is greater than 1.0 in their DNA Grandparent Test report. Individuals who are not grandparent/grandchild are expected to have a grandparentage index value that is less than 1.0. The greater the grandparentage index value over 1.0, the higher the likelihood that the two individuals are biologically related as grandparent/grandchild. Likewise, the lower the grandparentage index value is below 1.0, the lesser the likelihood that the two individuals are biologically related as grandparent/grandchild.

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.