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Frequently asked questions about parentage / kinship analysis

How accurate is the biological kinship test?

LabGenetics always endeavours to offer its results with probabilities upwards of 99%. Even though, a biological kinship test precision will depend on: The distance of the relationship that is to be investigated (the farther apart the relationship, the less the probability), additional available genetic information (the higher the number of relatives analyzed, the higher the probability) and on the analyzed genetic markers (the higher the number of markers, the higher the probability). Also, in some cases, it will be necessary to study the mitochondrial DNA and/or the Y chromosome to be able to reach enough significant probabilities.

How many relatives are required for a biological kinship test to be done?

Essentially, only two individual are needed in order to carry out any kind of kinship test (uncle-nephew, grandfather-niece, etc). Nevertheless, in most of the cases, on analyzing more people (mother, another uncle, grandmother, etc) more genetic information is obtained which affects the statistical valuation of the test, obtaining higher probabilities.

Is it possible to distinguish twins with a DNA test?

No. If the twins are uni-vitelline (monozygotic) they share the same genetic information, they are, in a manner of speaking, clones; therefore it is not possible to distinguish them by using a DNA test. On the other hand, if twins are bi-vitelline (dizygotic), they are different at a genetic level, as they are as similar as two normal brothers, so a DNA test will be effective in distinguishing them.

Does LabGenetics carry out genealogical research?

Yes, LabGenetics can obtain genealogical information from any person who asks for it. In order to do this, a mitochondrial DNA investigation of the individual is done (maternal lineage) and, in the case that the petitioner is a male, the Y chromosome (paternal lineage) can be analyzed.

What is the cost of a biological kinship test?

In LabGenetics we analyze each request individually and depending on the kind of requested test, we adjust our prices to the needs of each client. Call us and ask for a quote.