AlphaBiolabs USA Blog
DNA testing brothers for paternity
It is illegal to obtain a DNA sample from a father for testing without his knowledge. Written authority is needed from all adults whose samples are provided for testing. This is required by all testing laboratories, not just accredited laboratories like AlphaBiolabs. All home DNA relationship tests, which are for personal use only, require signed consent forms. These are included in all the testing kits mailed out from our website.
However, if a father refuses to consent to a DNA paternity test, alternative DNA relationship tests can be performed to establish a direct biological relationship via other family members. Sibling DNA testing, for example, can DNA test brothers or sisters to establish whether or not they have the same father.
How can DNA testing brothers prove paternity?
Both siblings are required to provide a DNA sample by rubbing the inside of their cheeks with a swab to collect cheek cells. The DNA is extracted from the cells when these swabs are returned to our laboratory. Our in-house DNA experts then use statistical analysis to evaluate the amount of DNA shared between the siblings tested.
Another option is Y-DNA testing, which can prove that brothers share a common paternal line. All male children inherit their Y chromosome from their father; these children will in turn pass the Y chromosome inherited from their father to their children when they become fathers. A full match between profiles confirms a shared paternal line. If the males have different Y chromosome profiles then they are not related.
Find more about a Y-DNA TestCan other forms of DNA testing prove paternity?
Alternative DNA relationship tests can also be used to get the answer you need. Grandparent DNA tests can prove a link between an individual and one or more of their father’s parents. In a grandparent test, a DNA profile for each individual taking part in the test is produced. Since a child inherits half of his or her genetic profile from each biological parent, when a child’s father is unavailable for testing, we can look to the grandparents to determine if they contributed DNA to the child’s genetic profile.
In the same way, aunt DNA testing or uncle DNA testing can be performed on a father’s sister or brother to establish a biological relationship to a child.
If the father has only recently deceased. There is another method that could be used but which would require consent from the next of kin or another qualifying relative. A viability study involves analysing the deceased’s toothbrush to see if a DNA profile can be achieved. If DNA can be analyzed, a paternity test can be performed in the usual way. If you’re unsure on which DNA relationship test is right for your particular case, please visit our website. Alternatively, contact us via Live Chat or call now at 727-325-2902.
