1. Paternity Test
- What It Is: A DNA paternity test compares DNA samples from a child and a potential father to determine if the man is the child's biological father. The test examines specific genetic markers and matches them between the child and the alleged father. If the markers align, it indicates a high probability of a biological relationship.
- Procedure: A non-invasive cheek swab is taken from both the child and the alleged father. The samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to identify matching genetic markers.
- Scenario: A mother wants to confirm the biological father of her child for legal reasons. She requests a paternity test to ensure the correct individual is listed on the birth certificate.
2. Maternity Test
- What It Is: A DNA maternity test compares the DNA of a child with that of a potential mother to confirm whether the woman is the child's biological mother. This test is particularly useful in cases of adoption, surrogacy, or hospital mix-ups.
- Procedure: Similar to a paternity test, cheek swabs are collected from the child and the potential mother. The DNA is analyzed to check for shared genetic markers.
- Scenario: A woman who adopted a child wants to confirm the biological connection after years of not knowing whether she was given accurate information at the time of adoption.
3. Grandparentage Test
- What It Is: A grandparentage test is used to determine the biological relationship between a child and their potential grandparents. This test can be particularly helpful if the alleged father is unavailable for paternity testing.
- Procedure: DNA samples are collected from the child and one or both of the grandparents. The lab analyzes these samples to see if the child has inherited certain genetic markers from the grandparents, which would indicate a biological relationship.
- Scenario: A woman wants to confirm that her deceased son is the biological father of her grandchild. She requests a grandparentage test to establish the connection.
4. Siblingship Test
- What It Is: A siblingship test is designed to determine whether two individuals share one or both parents. This test can be used to confirm full or half-sibling relationships.
- Procedure: Cheek swabs are collected from both individuals, and the DNA is analyzed for shared genetic markers. The results will indicate whether the two people are full siblings, half-siblings, or unrelated.
- Scenario: Two adults, who were raised separately, suspect they may be half-siblings. They undergo a siblingship test to confirm if they share a common parent.
5. Avuncular Test (Aunt/Uncle Test)
- What It Is: An avuncular test determines the likelihood that a person is biologically related to their niece or nephew through the child's parents. This test is often used when the alleged parent is unavailable for testing.
- Procedure: DNA samples are collected from the child and the alleged aunt or uncle. The laboratory then examines the genetic markers to see if there's a significant likelihood of a biological relationship.
- Scenario: A man suspects that his brother may have fathered a child out of wedlock. To confirm this, he takes an avuncular test with the child to determine if there is a biological connection.
6. Y-Chromosome (Y-DNA) Test
- What It Is: A Y-chromosome test is used to trace direct paternal lineage. Since the Y-chromosome is passed down from father to son, this test can confirm a male's paternal ancestry or relationships among males with a common paternal ancestor.
- Procedure: A cheek swab is collected from the male individual, and the Y-chromosome markers are analyzed to confirm paternal lineage.
- Scenario: A group of men with the same surname want to confirm if they share a common male ancestor. They undergo a Y-DNA test to trace their paternal lineage.
7. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Test
- What It Is: A mitochondrial DNA test traces maternal lineage because mtDNA is passed down from mothers to their children. This test is useful for both men and women who want to explore their maternal ancestry.
- Procedure: A cheek swab is collected from the individual, and the mtDNA is analyzed to trace maternal ancestry.
- Scenario: A woman wants to learn more about her maternal ancestry and decides to take a mitochondrial DNA test to trace her lineage back through her mother's side of the family.
8. Twin Zygosity Test
- What It Is: A twin zygosity test determines whether twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). Identical twins share the same DNA, while fraternal twins do not.
- Procedure: DNA samples are collected from both twins, and the laboratory analyzes the genetic markers to determine if they are identical or fraternal.
- Scenario: Parents of newborn twins want to know if their children are identical or fraternal. They opt for a twin zygosity test to find out.