Can A DNA Test Be Done With Just The Grandmother And The Child?
When it's just grandma and the grandkid, what you'd be looking at is something called a "grandparent DNA test." Pretty self-explanatory name.
Here's a super-fast rundown of how it works:
- Grandma and the child each give a DNA sample, usually by swabbing the inside of their cheeks.
- The lab analyzes and compares parts of their DNA.
- They look for specific markers that indicate if grandma is indeed biologically related to the child.
But it's smart to know that these kinds of tests do have limitations compared to tests with both parents involved.
Let's dig into those!
Why Grandparent Tests Can Be Tricky
Doing a test with just grandma and the grandkid is definitely possible, but there are a few reasons the results may not be as straightforward as you might hope.
It's More Accurate with Both Grandparents
Ideally, you'd test both paternal grandparents - the father's mom and dad. Testing just one grandparent instead of both makes the analysis a bit murkier.
Here's why:
The lab is trying to figure out if the grandkid got any of their DNA from grandma. But some portions of DNA are specific to either the maternal or paternal line.
So if possible, having both grandparents involved gives the lab more data to pattern match. It helps them trace the DNA back more definitively on either the mom's or dad's side.
Results May Not Be Conclusive
Even with both grandparents, there's still a chance the results could come back inconclusive.
Some reasons this might happen:
- Not enough DNA samples were usable. For example if mom is not part of the test.
- The samples that were usable showed conflicting results.
- There weren't enough genetic markers in common between grandma and the child.
Labs have cutoff thresholds where they will decline to issue a result if the DNA findings just aren't robust enough.
At-Home Tests Won't Cut It for Legal Issues
Something to be aware of - at-home, direct-to-consumer DNA test kits won't provide legally recognized results. PaternityUSA does however offer a legal grandparent DNA test that is valid for court in 50 states.
These types of home tests are fine for curiosity purposes. But if you need conclusive answers for legal reasons like:
- Establishing legal paternity
- Determining inheritance rights
- Obtaining social security benefits
- Child support payments
Then you'll need to arrange for specialized legal DNA testing done in an AABB accredited lab, following strict legal chain-of-custody procedures. Not something you can DIY.
The good news is that going through proper legal channels, they can sometimes get useful results even from pretty distant family connections like an aunt or half-sibling.
But back to the original question - let's look at what you can accomplish with just grandma and the kiddo.
Useful Things a Grandparent DNA Test Can Tell You
While a home test is not valid for legal reasons, testing just grandma and the child can still provide useful personal information, like:
Confirming the Biological Relationship
The test results can suggest if grandma is indeed biologically related to the child. Not in a black-and-white way, but more of a probability.
They'll look for telltale patterns in the DNA that indicate a grandparent-grandchild link.
From this, you may be able to surmise possible options about the kid's absent parent - grandma's son or daughter.
Of course, without having that parent's DNA directly tested too, it still may be an educated guess. But it's a useful data point.
Tracing Deeper Family Ancestry
These tests can also pick up on genetic markers for deeper family heritage. Things like:
- Ethnicity estimates
- Geographic ancestral origin
- Potential health risks linked to lineage
For an adopted child, it might offer some clues into biological ancestry that could be meaningful later on.
Identifying Other Relatives
Some testing services will let you search their databases for possible matches.
You likely won't find close family with only a grandparent link. But potential distant cousins or other relations could show up.
Again, it provides more puzzle pieces, if not definitive proof on its own.
Tips for Getting the Most from a Grandparent DNA Test
If you decide to forge ahead with testing just grandma and the grandkid, here are a few tips:
- Start with the right expectations. Don't expect 100% definitive answers without parental DNA. But view it as one insightful data point particularly if only testing grandma and not adding the mom.
- Choose an advanced test. If both grandparents and mom are not tested, consider buying the more advanced 46 marker Grandparent test that analyzes a larger number of genetic markers across the genome. The more data, the better, and thus the more conclusive the DNA test results will be.
- Use only reputable USA labs. Stick with established testing companies known for accuracy, analysis rigor, and data security. Beware of out of country labs offering cheap 16-22 markers test.
- Consider testing both grandparents. If possible, test both grandparents, and add mom if possible.
- Get FREE genetic consultation. Contact PaternityUSA if you're unsure which is the best test for you.
PaternityUSA stands out as the best choice, offering the most comprehensive 46 marker DNA testing options, reliability, and affordability. PaternityUSA offers Results you can trust at prices you can afford!
Speak directly with a Case Manager at 877-786-9543.
