What’s the purpose of a Sibling DNA test?

Sibling DNA tests are used to determine if two individuals are biologically related as siblings. The results can be used for personal information or legal information. Because Sibling DNA tests can be required for legal purposes (such as the inheritance of assets), this type of DNA test should be performed in an AABB-accredited laboratory, such as our lab. Courts and other legal entities will not accept DNA evidence as valid unless it is performed in an accredited lab.

Besides being used to determine if two people are biologically related as siblings, the test can also be used in parentage cases to help establish the paternity or maternity of a parent when that person is unable to have their DNA tested, either because they are deceased, unavailable, or unwilling to have their DNA tested.

It is also common for mother to seek a Sibling DNA test on behalf of her children to obtain Social Security survivor benefits for them. Sibling DNA tests can also be part of the immigration process as a DNA test requirement.

Sibling DNA tests can be used to determine if two individuals are full siblings, half siblings, or are unrelated to each other. Depending on the type of Sibling DNA test, we may also require DNA samples from the mother, father, and/or other undisputed siblings. 

How does a Sibling DNA test work?

When we perform a sibling DNA test, we usually collect buccal cells, or cheek cells, from inside a person’s cheek using a cheek swab made of cotton. We will need swab samples from both individuals to be tested.

Each person has a unique set of DNA. All of a person’s DNA put together is called a genome. When people are related, their genomes are more similar to each other than when they are not related. When we compare the genomes of multiple people, we are able to see how similar the genomes are. This comparison is called DNA profiling or Genetic Fingerprinting, and is the same process used in criminal investigations to see if someone’s fingerprint or hair matches the genome of the suspect. For a Sibling DNA test, we use this method to compare the two genomes to confirm if two people are biologically related as siblings.

What kind of results will I receive?

After we perform the Sibling DNA test, you will receive a percentage result. This percentage represents the probability that the two individuals are biologically related as siblings. If the probability is 0% then they are not related. If they are related, the probability may be as high as 99.99%. It is important to note that the accuracy of Sibling DNA tests is not always as high as that of paternity or maternity DNA tests due to more complex inheritance patterns. But the more genetic information we have available (aka, the more family members we are able to test), the more accurate the DNA test results will be.

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In order to take a legal DNA test in the state of New York, you are required to get permission from a physician or legal entity, such as a court. At our lab we have a physician on the premises ready to make this referral for you, making this DNA testing process as easy and convenient as possible. We are the one-stop-shop for all of your DNA testing needs.

Contact us today to schedule a Sibling DNA test appointment, or any other type of DNA test, with the best DNA testing lab in NYC.

AB DNA Testing
63-11 Queens Boulevard
Woodside NY 11377
718-701-0292

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References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_paternity_testing