
DNA testing can help to investigate whether two individuals are cousins. Please read the information provided below to fully understand the benefits and limitations of the cousin test before ordering.
When a Cousin Test is Required
The most common reason why a DNA Cousin test is ordered is because the cousin's parents are not available for testing. Paternity and Maternity testing will always provide conclusive answers. If the required parents are not available for testing, then the next best test is the Aunt or Uncle test. However, if it is impossible to test the Aunt or Uncle, and the only remaining option is to test cousins, then cousin testing can be performed. However, please keep in mind that a cousin test is not as conclusive a a parentage test or an Aunt and Uncle test and should only be chosen if there are no other better options available.
How the Cousin Test Works
When a Cousin test is conducted, the DNA laboratory will determine the genetic profiles of the alleged cousins. Based on the type of genetic material inherited by each sibling, a kinship index is determined.
If the kinship index result is less than 1.00, this indicates non-relatedness. If the sibship index is greater than 1.00, this indicates that the two tested individuals are more likely to be true biological relatives. The higher the value of the kinship index, the greater the likelihood that the two individuals are true biological relatives.
A cousin test will help to provide you with an indication of whether you are more likely to be biological related or not biologically related.
- Check the status of your test online and download your test report instantly when it is ready
- Results in 3 to 5 business days
What if the individuals to be tested live at different addresses, can you split the kit?
Yes, if the individuals to be tested live in different cities, or even different countries, we can split the kit and send each component to a different address. Since the kits are individually barcoded, the samples will still be tested together even if the are sent back separately. To order a split kit, please write the following into the comments box of the online order form "Please split kit". Please also indicate the name and address to send each component.