RELATIONSHIP DNA ANALYSIS
What is it?
Relationship DNA analysis is genetic testing used to determine if there is a relationship between the parties in question. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing is the most accurate technology available to perform a relationship test and relies on the fact that DNA is passed down from individuals in a family indicating a genetic relationship. There are many relationship DNA tests available and the test used is dependent on the circumstances at hand and the inheritance pattern of DNA.
Types of Tests Available
Paternity DNA test: The most common relationship test is a paternity test, which is used when the paternity of a child is called into question. For a paternity test, DNA samples (oral swabs from the cheek area) are taken from the alleged father, the child, and the mother, if available. LSD&FC tests at least 27 different genetic locations from a child(s) DNA and compares them with the same locations from the mother and alleged father. A child inherits one copy of this genetic segment from the mother, and one copy from the father, thus allowing the alleged father to be either not excluded or excluded as the biological father of the child.
Maternity DNA test: A maternity DNA test is used when the maternity of a child is called into question. For a maternity test, DNA samples (oral swabs from the cheek area) are taken from the alleged mother and the child, as well as the father, if available. LSD&FC tests at least 27 different genetic locations from a child(s) DNA and compares them with the same locations from the mother and alleged father. A child inherits one copy of this genetic segment from the mother, and one copy from the father, thus allowing the alleged mother to be either not excluded or excluded as the biological mother of the child.
Sibship DNA test: A sibling DNA test is a process that is performed to determine if two or more people share one or both parents to determine if they are full or half siblings. A sibling test starts with the analysis of known relatives to determine if siblings share the same biological mother and/or biological father.
Avuncular DNA test: This test determines if a person is biologically related to a sibling of the father in question. Siblings can be expected to share approximately 50% of their DNA with each other. Therefore, an aunt or uncle can be expected to share approximately 25% of their DNA with a niece or nephew. It may not be possible to achieve a conclusive result with an avuncular DNA test, therefore, testing of additional relatives may be requested.
Grandparent DNA test: In this test a child’s DNA profile is compared with the DNA profiles of the father’s parents. It is important to note that the grandparents must be from the paternal side of the family. Since a child inherits half of his or her DNA from their mother and half from their father, the DNA passed down from the grandparents to the father would also be passed down to the child.
How to take a DNA test
Appointments are recommended prior to arrival at the laboratory. Appointments are accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 4pm. To schedule an appointment for DNA Collection, an email may be sent to info@lsdfc.org or by calling +2348147411921.
Please bring a government issued form of identification with photo. For a child, please bring a government issued ID or birth certificate.
During the collection appointment, a Relationship Case Submission form will need to be completed. We will inquire about the name of the individual to receive the report. The LSD&FC team will meet you, ensure completion of the form, photograph you and verify the identity of all individuals to be tested. We will collect a DNA sample from each person with a cotton tipped swab by gently rubbing inside the mouth to collect skin (epithelial) cells.
Payment can be made onsite via transfer or with cash.