Find out whether you are biological cousins
This DNA Cousin Test (Private Home Kit) is an ideal way to determine the likelihood that individuals are first cousins, when the parent(s) in question are not available for testing. The mouth swab can be collected quickly and discreetly in the privacy of your own home and sent to our laboratory for analysis. You will receive your results in your online account or by mail or email.
Usage
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.
Methods
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). Our test analyzes 16 to 27 of these specific regions, called short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are regions of DNA in which a short DNA sequence is repeated multiple times. They are found throughout the genome and are highly variable, providing an accurate way to confirm or refute biological relationships.
Results
Your results will show two numbers (alleles) that indicate the number of repeats that you received from each parent at each STR. You may have two identical alleles at a marker, or you may have two different alleles. These allele numbers are compared between the two alleged cousins, and a statistical analysis is performed based on the match type typically expected for true biologically related cousins.
Three Easy Steps
Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online
Click here for more details and to watch our explanatory video.
| Benefits |
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| ✓ Painless buccal (mouth) swab sample collection |
| ✓ All tests are run 2x for absolute accuracy |
| ✓ Final report available 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the samples |
| ✓ Quickly collect samples in the privacy of your own home |
| ✓ 24/7 online test status check |
| ✓ Discreet online results option available |
| ✓ No age limit |
| ✓ Private and confidential |
| ✓ State-of-the-art accredited testing laboratory |
FAQ
What if the parties to be tested live in different cities, can you split the kit?
Yes, the kit can be split and the sample collection components sent to each address separately. The collection components are individually barcoded, and will be tested together once the samples arrive at the laboratory. To order a split kit, please write the following into the Order notes box of the online order form “Please split kit”. Please also indicate the name and address to send each component. For example, please state “send one Cousin’s portion to… (specify name and address)” and “send the other Cousin’s portion to… (specify name and address)”.
What if I need a legal test?
Legal testing requires you to attend an appointment for sample collection. If you need a legal test, purchase this kit and follow the enclosed instructions to pay the difference and switch to legal testing. Legal testing is available in the US, Canada and UK.
Is there an age limit?
No. Any of the DNA tests can be performed on individuals of any age, even newborns. If the patient is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the DNA testing consent form.
How are the test kits stored?
All test kits are stored at room temperature before and after sample collection.
Do the test kits expire?
No. Test kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection. Test kits should be returned for testing within 3 months after sample collection.
How is the DNA sample collected?
DNA is collected by rubbing a brush gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The collection is safe and painless.
| Test Options | 2 cousins $150, 3 cousins $245 |
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