Can You Establish Paternity By Testing With An Aunt Or Uncle?
YES! We offer Avuncular DNA testing from an Accredited USA lab
34 Marker Test $125 Or 46 Marker Test $175
What Is Avuncular DNA Testing (Aunt / Uncle Testing)?
Avuncular DNA testing is a DNA comparison performed between an aunt or uncle and a niece or nephew. This uncle - aunt DNA test will determine the statistical probability of participants sharing a biological relationship as that of aunt - uncle and niece-nephew.
Avuncular DNA testing can provide a conclusive result to indirectly establish paternity or maternity when the alleged father or mother is not available for a paternity or maternity test.
An avuncular test is best when performed with the alleged parent’s full sibling, (brother or sister), sharing the same mother and father. Performing an avuncular DNA test with the alleged father's half sibling, increase risks of weak or wrong leaning conclusions. It is also very helpful to add the mother of the child (Free) if possible to help conclusiveness, or upgrade to the 46 marker avuncular DNA test.
There are 2 factors that dramatically help an avuncular DNA test achieve the best and most conclusive answer: adding the mom and/or analyzing more markers.
24-34 Marker Test: Our 34 marker avuncular tests include the mom at no additional cost, analyze up to 34 markers, and is competitively priced at just $125. This testing option also includes fast shipping both ways at no extra cost. This is a good option when the mom is available, and will help you save money.
46 Marker Test: Our 46 marker test for aunts/uncles will analyze 46 markers, which is twice as many markers than competitors' 20-22 markers, and is modestly priced at only $175. This testing option likewise includes fast shipping both ways at no additional cost.
Aunts and uncles are indirect relationships, therefore a higher marker count or the inclusion of the mother is recommended to support more conclusive results.
Confidential results are typically available in 2–3 business days after samples are received in lab.
Our avuncular DNA tests are affordable.
Clinically Reliable and Trusted
AABB Accredited • CLIA Certified • Private
How to Improve the Accuracy of an Avuncular DNA Test
The accuracy of an avuncular (aunt/uncle) DNA test depends on marker count and if the mom is participating in the test. Because avuncular testing evaluates an indirect biological relationship, using a higher number of genetic markers and/or adding more participants can be critical for reliable results.
Although avuncular DNA testing may be performed with only the aunt or uncle and child, it is recommended to add any known parent(s) to the test to increase the level of conclusiveness. The need to add the mother is decreased when choosing the 46 marker test.
The reason is simple: In each person, half of their genes will come from the mother and half will come from the father. In a scenario where the known mother takes part in the avuncular test, all of the DNA inherited from the mother is eliminated from the child's genetic profile. Thus, we are able to isolate the DNA inherited from the father and compare only that paternal DNA to the possible father's brother or sister. Doing so can provide a more conclusive and accurate test result.
If the mother is not able to take part in the test, we recommend choosing the option for testing additional markers to ensure your test result is as conclusive as possible.
Analyzing 46 genetic markers, provides a stronger statistical foundation than lower-marker tests often used in basic comparisons. Evaluating a larger marker set improves result confidence, particularly in more complex family relationship cases.
It is important that the tested aunt or uncle is a full sibling of the alleged parent, meaning they have the same mother and father. Performing a test with a half sibling of the alleged parent can reduce conclusiveness due to the lack of shared DNA.
Furthermore, if both testing participants are male, as in the case with uncle and nephew, the Y-STR male lineage test is a better option. The Y-STR test very conclusively confirms or denies if the test participants come from the same paternal line.
How Does the Testing Process Work?
Ordering & Shipping:
After you order online or over the phone, we will ship you a free sterile avuncular DNA test kit which includes all required swabs along with a prepaid trackable return envelope to send samples back to the lab.
Sample Collection:
DNA sampling is performed with a buccal cheek swab by painlessly rubbing what looks like an oversized Q-tip along the inside of the cheek and gum. Then you simply insert the swabs in the provided sample envelope.
Sample Analysis:
When samples arrive back at lab, you are notified via email that the analysis has begun. The lab then analyzes the genetic profiles and calculates a percentage of probability of the biological relationship.
For easier interpretation, the reported percentage of probability ranges from 0–100%.
In general, a probability greater than 90% supports a positive conclusion, while a probability less than 10% supports a negative conclusion.
Results Reporting:
Once testing is complete, the results are delivered via email to the email address on the order, and if a hard copy is ordered, the report is also sent via mail.
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Questions About Avuncular Testing
Can Avuncular DNA Tests Prove Paternity?
YES! Avuncular DNA testing will determine the statistical probability of participants sharing a biological relationship as that of aunt-uncle and niece-nephew. Thus, an avuncular test can conclusively prove or disprove paternity.
Scientific Advantage of 46 Markers
A standard DNA test analyzing 20–22 markers is often sufficient for direct paternity (parent-child), where the child inherits exactly 50% of their DNA from the father. However, in an avuncular (aunt/uncle) test, participants only share roughly 25% of their DNA.
- Higher Statistical Power: Analyzing 46 markers provides more than double the genetic data of a standard 22-marker test. This significantly increases the "Power of Exclusion" and the "Likelihood Ratio," which are the statistical tools used to determine a match.
- Reduced Inconclusive Results: Because the shared DNA between an uncle/aunt and niece/nephew is much lower than in direct parentage, standard 20–22 marker tests have a higher risk of falling into the "inconclusive" range (typically 10%–89%). A 46-marker test is often the most powerful option available to avoid this.
- Comparing 46 marker tests Against 20-22: While 20-22 marker tests are generally accurate for direct father/mother -child relationships, 20-22 marker test are more often insufficient for more distant "relational" testing (like aunt - uncles, siblings, or grandparents). The 46-marker test is the "Premium Gold Standard" for relational cases and help to ensure the results are conclusive.
If you are not testing the mom, the 46-marker test is scientifically superior for obtaining a definitive answer when compared to a 20 or 22 marker test.
Participants in Different Cities Or States?
It isn't uncommon for test participants to live too far apart to get together and do an avuncular DNA collection. We offer an option to have multiple collection kits shipped out for these situations. When you place your order, simply choose the option for an additional address. We send each collection kit for all addresses on your order within the contiguous USA with the same shipping method as the first. Before leaving the lab, the collection kits are linked through reference number and bar codes. When the samples are received back in lab, they are matched to your case through the bar code and reference numbers.
What if Both Test Participants are Male?
A Y-STR test is a good option to consider for two males that would like to determine whether or not they are related on the paternal side. For example an uncle and nephew who want to determine if the alleged uncle’s brother is the father of the nephew. The Y-STR test looks at the Y-Chromosome that is passed from male to male in any unbroken male lineage. In this case, the alleged father and uncle will share the same Y-chromosome inherited from their common father. Likewise, the nephew will also have the same Y-STR passed down to him by his father. Y-STR is very unique, similar to a fingerprint and virtually unchanged for several generations. When Y-STRs are compared, the result is accurate and consequently produces a “Yes” or “No” answer to the question of whether or not the two tested males related through the male lineage.
The purpose of most avuncular testing is to indirectly determine paternity. In contrast, if a relationship is trying to be established on the mother’s side, an X-SV test offers a conclusive answer regardless of gender. Additionally, other relationship tests may also help establish paternity or maternity, such as a Siblingship test, or a Grandparentage test with one or both of the alleged parent’s parents. Alternately, consider a family reconstruction test if more than one paternal relative can participate in a DNA test.
What is the DNA Sampling & Test Process?
The avuncular DNA test process is very simple. DNA is collected with a cheek swab, which is also called a buccal, swab. Rub the swab against the inside of the cheek to collect skin cells from the inner cheek and gums. We conduct all of our tests twice. For that reason, we supply 2 buccal swabs per person in your collection kit. Take a swab on each side of the mouth. It is best to rinse the mouth with water and refrain from smoking or drinking coffee or tea for 2-3 hours before the DNA collection. After collecting the DNA, place the samples in the prepaid return mailer. Finally, simply drop the samples off at the courier’s location or drop box to send the lab.
When all avuncular samples are in the lab, you will be notified by email that testing has begun. The test results from your aunt-uncle DNA test will be e-mailed in 2-3 business days. If purchased, hard copy results are sent to the billing address unless otherwise noted.
We ship our collection kits with FAST & FREE USPS delivery Monday through Friday to physical addresses in the contiguous USA. Orders received and processed by 12:00 PM EST are shipped the same business day. Orders received after that time ship the following business day.
Do We Use Our Own Q-tips®?
Our avuncular DNA test package comes complete with testing kit, DNA analysis and test results. Some companies advertise that you can make your collection kit by using your own Q-tips®. However, we do not recommend this. Although doing so may save the company money, it may cause costly problems for you. There is a risk of multiple DNA samples being found on Q-tips® that are not sterile, or that may be handled by more than one person. Q-tips® you may have in your home could already have DNA from other sources on them. For this reason, we send your aunt/uncle DNA collection kit containing sterile buccal swabs to you at no charge. We ship the collection kit to you via FREE USPS rushed delivery so you have your sterile medical swabs as ready for use fast.
At PaternityUSA.com you can purchase the best quality avuncular test in the industry at the cheapest prices. Our lab is the largest and most trusted name in avuncular DNA testing throughout the USA and even the world. All of our avuncular DNA tests are performed by top-notch geneticists using proven scientific methods and state of the art equipment in our accredited laboratory. Our prices are affordable and our service is simply unparalleled. You can rest assured your DNA samples are secure and your test results will be accurate. With today’s technology and inexpensive pricing on DNA relationship testing, there is no longer a need to go without knowing the truth about a biological relationship. PaternityUSA is here help you and your family find the answers you are seeking.
Do You Offer Legal Avuncular Testing?
Our informational test provides you with peace of mind as to whether or not an aunt/uncle relationship exists between test participants. For avuncular DNA test results that are admissible in a court of law or other agency, purchase our accredited legal aunt/uncle DNA test. Our legal avuncular DNA test results can be used as admissible court approved evidence in child support, visitation rights, change name on the birth certificate, estate, wills, probate situations, and more. If the embassy, USCIS or Dept. Of Homeland Security requires accredited DNA evidence of a biological aunt/uncle relationship for an immigration case, then contact us for information on how to get an immigration DNA test.
Can We Use Other Items for Samples?
The most common method of DNA collection is through a cheek swab. However, we understand there are times when a test participant is unable to submit a swab, such as may be the case where a family member may be deceased, incarcerated or otherwise unavailable. For these reasons, we offer forensic processing services for other types of DNA samples. Ear wax, hair (with the root ball attached), mucous on a tissue or handkerchief, finger or toe nail clippings, and toothbrushes are common forensic samples. Additionally, in certain cases blood or tissue samples may be available from a medical examiner or coroner’s office. Forensic sampling prices apply for non-standard samples. For pricing and more details on this process, please contact a DNA Case Manager.
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ORDERING IS EASY AS 1 2 3
CHOOSE TEST TYPE
Choose the type of relationship that you need answers for, and who is available.
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Decide if you need answers for just personal knowledge or if you need answers for court or other legal matter.
PLACE SECURE ORDER
Place order online using our secure shopping cart with credit card or PayPal, and we will deliver the DNA collection kits.
Results are probabilistic and not guaranteed; consult professionals for legal matters.