DNA Grandparent Test

Grandparent DNA Testing Kit Lab
This DNA test helps families determine whether a biological relationship exists between a Grandparent and Grandchild.
  • Results in 3 to 5 Days
  • Easy to use Mouth Swabs
  • All Lab Fees Included

Overview – DNA Grandparent Testing

The DNA grandparent test is generally used under circumstances where the alleged father is not available for testing. Either the grandmother, the grandfather, or both can undergo this quick and easy test to investigate whether they are the true biological grandparent(s) of a grandchild. As there is no age limit for DNA testing, the test can be performed on infants as well as adult grandchildren. 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 Grandparent Test.

How does the DNA Grandparent Test work?

The DNA grandparent testing kit contains four easy-to-use mouth swabs designed to painlessly collect a DNA sample from each individual 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 grandparent(s) are then compared with the DNA pattern of the grandchild. Based on the comparison performed, a statistical analysis is generated based on the match type typically expected for true biologically related grandparent and grandchild pairs. A “grandparentage index” is obtained in this analysis.

INTERPRETING YOUR RESULTS 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 biologically related as grandchild/grandparent 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 grandparent/grandchild pair are related. Likewise, the lower the grandparentage value is below 1.0, the lesser the likelihood that the two individuals are related.

Private Home DNA Grandparent Test vs. Legal DNA Grandparent Test

PRIVATE HOME DNA GRANDPARENT TEST If DNA grandparent 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 grandparent(s) and grandchild 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 GRANDPARENT TEST The Legally Admissible DNA Grandparent 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 Home DNA Grandparent Test as accurate as the Legal DNA Grandparent 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 Grandparent Testing 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. 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 the Private DNA Grandparent Test be used in court?

There is no difference in the accuracy between the private knowledge DNA Grandparent Test and the Legal DNA Grandparent 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 Grandparent Test take?

The turnaround time for DNA Grandparent Testing is 3 to 5 business days from the date samples are received by our laboratory. The results of the grandparent 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.