Today (26th July) is National Aunt and Uncle Day: a special day for families across the US to come together and celebrate aunts and uncles.
In many families across the US, aunts and uncles play a significant role, sometimes acting as a second set of parents for nieces and nephews.
But did you know that the DNA of aunts and uncles can also help you find answers to your questions about biological relationships?
This National Aunt and Uncle Day, we’re taking a closer look at aunt and uncle DNA testing – also known as avuncular testing – and what can be learnt from an aunt DNA test or an uncle DNA test.
How do aunt and uncle DNA tests work?
As an accredited DNA testing laboratory, we are often asked how we can tell that people are related just by looking at their DNA.
Every person inherits half of their genetic material from each of their parents, with related people sharing more DNA than people who are not related.
This means that aunts and uncles share DNA with their biological parents, siblings and their biological nieces and nephews.
Order an Aunt DNA Test OnlineDuring an aunt or uncle DNA test, a cheek (buccal) swab is used to collect a sample of cheek cell DNA from each of the donors taking part in the test (e.g. possible aunt/uncle and niece/nephew).
Once the samples have been received at the laboratory, expert geneticists will compare the child’s (niece/nephews) DNA with the DNA of the possible aunt or uncle, to identify matching DNA markers (loci).
At AlphaBiolabs, we use the most up-to-date DNA testing processes and technology to ensure the reliability of our genetic testing, analyzing up to 42 DNA markers (loci), for an accurate and reliable result.
Geneticists then make a biostatistical calculation to confirm the relationship between the tested individuals.
A score of 10+ is supportive, meaning that there is very strong evidence that a relationship does exist. A score of 0-0.1 would be classed as not supportive of a relationship and any calculation falling within 0.1-9.9 would be considered inconclusive.
If the result is inconclusive, it means that it is not possible to determine if a biological relationship exists between tested individuals.
It’s important to note that the possible aunt or uncle being tested must be a full biological sibling of the child’s possible father or mother – not a half-sibling.
What are aunt DNA tests and uncle DNA tests used for?
Peace of mind aunt and uncle (avuncular) DNA tests are mostly used in situations where a possible father or mother has passed away or is unavailable or unwilling to take a DNA test to prove paternity or maternity.
In these instances, an aunt DNA test or an uncle DNA test can be used to verify a biological relationship between a niece/nephew and their aunt/uncle.
Order an Uncle DNA Test OnlineAs the name suggests, a peace of mind Aunt DNA Test or Uncle DNA Test can help you find answers to your questions, but the results are for your information only and cannot be used in court.
Although aunt and uncle DNA tests are accurate and reliable, it’s the best kept secret within the DNA testing industry that aunt and uncle testing can be up to 40% inconclusive, meaning that 4 in 10 people will typically receive an inconclusive result after buying a test.
At AlphaBiolabs, we’ve reduced this inconclusive rate to 28%, so only around 1 in 4 will not get a conclusive answer.
However, we understand that if you order an Aunt DNA Test or an Uncle DNA Test, it’s because you want an answer to your questions.
That’s why we offer a money back guarantee on our aunt and uncle DNA tests. This means that if you’re one of the few customers who does not receive a conclusive result, we’ll refund the cost of your test – guaranteed.
Where can I buy an Aunt DNA Test or an Uncle DNA Test?
If you’re looking for answers to your questions this National Aunt and Uncle Day, it’s quick and easy to order an Aunt DNA Test or an Uncle DNA Test online now for just $249, direct from our award-winning laboratory.
Your test kit will be sent to your chosen address in discreet, plain packaging, for full confidentiality, and will include full instructions on how to collect your DNA samples and return them to our accredited laboratory.
Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 3-5 days after your samples have been received by our laboratory.
Got questions? Visit our Learning Center to learn more about our DNA testing. You can also contact our friendly and discreet Customer Services team by emailing info@alphabiolabsusa.com.