DNA testing can show a number of things, such as biological relationship or genetic heritage; specifically, avuncular testing determines the relationship between a child and an aunt or uncle. When would someone choose this type of testing? Check the guide below to see if this is an appropriate choice for you.

A Guide to Avuncular Testing

How Does It Work?

Children inherit half of their genes from each parent. A father will share half of his genes with his full siblings; therefore, his child would also share an average of half of his or her genes with the biological father’s full sibling. Avuncular testing answers the question of whether the father’s full sibling’s DNA contains the genes of the child. DNA testing calculates the statistical probability of the relationship.

Determining Suspected Paternity

If a person wants to determine paternity, and the suspected biological father is unavailable — either through death with no autopsy performed, incarceration, or unwillingness — then avuncular testing is the best way to determine if a biological relationship exists. Tests between a male child and an alleged uncle are the most conclusive of these tests because of Y chromosome typing. Specific Y chromosomes are handed from a father to each son; if a child and alleged full blood uncle to the father do not share this marker, then the suspected father is eliminated from paternity.

For best results, DNA from the child’s mother should be tested, as well. This would eliminate matrilineal markers from the child’s test results and prove a more conclusive relationship between the avuncular DNA and the child’s DNA.

Uses for Avuncular Testing Results

DNA testing is most useful, if conclusive, in determining social security beneficiary benefits, establishing paternity in custody hearings, clarifying estate or insurance claims, or proving relationship for legitimate sponsorship in immigration. Of course, testing can help bring families together and establish relationships for personal reasons, too.

Avuncular testing is one way to establish paternity. AccuDNA in St. Louis, MO, performs paternity and avuncular testing to establish siblingship and grandparentship. Locally owned and operated, they are committed to obtaining quality results with accuracy and care. Call (314) 845-9997 to start the collection process or visit their website to learn more about their services.