DNALabs can test for biological relationships to a legal standard. This legal standard is a legislative process that is outlined in the Family Law Regulations 1984.
Kinship
DNA testing methods can provide information about relationships within a family. The biological relationships available with our laboratory are as follows:
| First degree relatives: | Full siblings |
| Second degree relatives: | Half siblings, Aunt/Uncle to Niece/Nephew, Grandparent to Grandchild |
A parent will pass on 50% of their DNA to their child, the likelihood of two children inheriting the same alleles changes depending on the number of parents in common. A first degree relative (i.e full sibling/both parents in common) will share on average, 50% of their DNA. A second degree relative (e.g half sibling) will share on average 25% of their DNA. By chance, some relatives may share a significant number of alleles whilst others may share very few or even none. It is also possible that unrelated individuals may share alleles in common, particularly if they are frequently observed in the population.
To determine biological relationships, comparison of DNA profiles is performed, and used to generate a likelihood ratio (LR). This likelihood ratio is the relative likelihood of relatedness between two individuals based on the number of allele(s) they share at several locations in the DNA (loci). This likelihood ratio ranges in size where the larger the number, the greater the likelihood of relatedness.
It is important to note that unlike mother-child-father relationships, kinship testing results are not conclusive. Results may therefore not be informative and this will only be evident to the laboratory after testing has been completed.
Y Chromosome testing
Males have a single Y chromosome passed on from biological father to each son. The inheritance of the Y chromosome is strictly from male to male and will be shared by all male members of a common male predecessor, providedthemale line is in place.
This testing can be used to establish if two men come froma common paternal line, which can include relationships such as siblings, uncle/nephew, cousins and many other possibilities. It should be noted that while this testing links back to a common line, it does not distinguish brothers from paternal cousins or sons from grandsons etc.
Samples from the different males are analysed at polymorphic sites and compared to distinguish whether the individuals share a paternal line (a common Y chromosome).
Who needs to be tested?
Each relationship enquiry is different and the testing may be determined by who is available to test.Our team will assist with your enquiry to determine the best test available to establish if a biological relationship exists.
Pricing
Includes the following analysis for up to two donors: Kinship or Y-Chromosome
| Relationship testing of two people | $1,078 | 10-14 working days |
| Additional person in the same case | $240 | 10-14 working days |
More information
Relationship testing application formcan be downloaded here or please contact us on 1300663 244 or emailinfo@dnalabs.com.auto discuss your enquiry.
