Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on Avuncular (Aunt/Uncle) Testing
- When is Avuncular testing used?
People use this test when the alleged father is unavailable, and they need to prove a biological relationship through a sibling of the father.
A legal avuncular DNA test—used to determine if a child is biologically related to a possible aunt or uncle—can serve several official and court-admissible purposes:
- Immigration Cases: Prove biological family relationships when a parent is unavailable or deceased, often required by USCIS.
- Social Security Benefits: Establish eligibility for survivor benefits after a parent’s death.
- Inheritance or Estate Claims: Support legal claims to inheritance by proving biological connections in probate court.
- Custody or Guardianship Petitions: Assist in family court cases where an aunt or uncle is seeking legal custody.
- Citizenship Applications: Help prove blood relationships to U.S. citizens for derivative or acquired citizenship claims.
- General Legal Use: Provide peace of mind with results that are notarized, court-admissible, and follow a strict chain of custody.
Because it’s a legal DNA test, all samples must be collected by an authorized professional, with proper ID verification and documentation.
- Who should take the Avuncular test?
Anyone wanting to determine paternity, when the alleged father is not avaialbe, or willing, to do a direct paternity test. The test requires DNA from the child and at least one full sibling of the alleged father—usually an aunt or uncle. The mother's DNA can be included at the time of testing for no additional cost, if desired. Some court orders require the mother's DNA to be included.
- What is a full vs. half avuncular relationship?
A full aunt or uncle shares both parents with the alleged father, while a half-aunt or uncle shares only one. We suggest only testing full relationships for the strongest results. If an half uncle or aunt submits DNA, at most those being tested will share 12.5% of DNA. A full aunt or uncle will share 25% of the DNA, which is twice the amount, and makes for a much stronger result. Half uncles or aunts submitting DNA for an avuncular test do run the risk of an inconclusive result, even with the mother of the child's DNA being submitted also.
- Can both aunts and uncles take the test?
Yes. Either a biological full brother or full sister of the alleged father can participate in the test. We do not recommend testing half aunts or uncles as there is such a small amount of shared DNA , that while an inconclusive result is not common, it can occur in these situations.
- Can I test more than one potential aunt or uncle?
Yes, however if this is the case, we strongly recommend choosing our Genetic Reconstruction DNA Test . This will be a less expensive, but equally accurate option. Testing additional biological siblings of the alleged father , as well as the mother of the chilld, can increase the strenght of the test.
- How accurate is avuncular testing compared to paternity testing?
Paternity testing is more direct, and the recommended option if the alleged father is available and willing to test.Avuncular testing provides indirect proof or exclusion of paternity. The accuracy of the DNA report we deliver in all cases is guaranteed to 100%.
- Can the test prove someone is NOT related?
Yes. It can exclude a person as a biological aunt or uncle. When this happens it indicates their brother is NOT the biological father of the child tested again.
- Can this test help with inheritance or immigration?
Yes. A legal avuncular test can support cases involving estate claims or family-based immigration petitions.
- Do I need a doctor’s order to take this test?
No. Anyone can purchase and perform a home avuncular DNA test without a prescription. A legal avuncular test can be done in all 50 states, however in the State of New York to have a chain of custody DNA test done, you will need one of the following: a court order, an attorney request, or a physcian's letter requesting the testing.
- What if the child is too young?
The cheek swab is safe for children and infants. Many infants have a cheek swab done as early as an hour after birth. Just follow the collection instructions carefully.
- Does the mother need to provide DNA?
No, we can do the testing is a mother's DNA is not included. We do suggest, if possible, to include it however. This allows us to "subtract" the mother's DNA from the child's DNA, which leaves on the genetic profile from the suspected father to compare to the aunt or uncle. Including the mother’s DNA can increase the test’s strength for the strongest probability findings for the relationship.
- How long is the sample good for?
Once collected and sealed, cheek swab samples remain viable for testing for several weeks. We recommend sending them to our lab for processing shortly after collecting them, to make certain that they are not accidently contaminated.
- Can I get expedited results?
Express 2 day processing is already included. The average processing time for other lab is around 3-5 business days. If you really need your results in 1 business day, please contact one of our Genetic Consultants at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (362-5224). There is an additional resh processing fee for 1 day results.
- Is the test private if ordered online?
Yes. We ship discreet kits and protect your personal information. Your information will never be used for any purpose except your specific DNA test, and we never sell data, or provide it, to any company, organization, public or private database, or governmental agency. To view our commitment to you, click on PRIVACY POLICY.
- Is a blood sample required?
No.Mouth swaba are preferred, however if requested we can test a whole blood sample. Blood stains can be tested, however they are considered an Alternative DNA Sample .
Cheek swabs (buccal swabs) are the most commonly used method for DNA testing today—and for good reason. Here’s why they’re preferred over blood samples:
Non-Invasive & Painless: Swabbing the inside of the cheek is quick, simple, and completely painless, unlike drawing blood.
Just as Accurate: DNA from cheek cells is identical to DNA from blood. There's no difference in the results—only in the collection method.
Easier Collection: You don’t need a trained medical professional to collect a cheek swab. This makes it ideal for at-home test kits.
Safer & Cleaner: There’s no risk of contamination from needles, and no biohazard disposal is needed.
Lower Cost: Since swabs don’t require special handling like blood, the entire testing process is more affordable and convenient.
Potential Issues with Blood Samples:
- Risk of Contamination: If not properly handled, blood can be contaminated with bacteria or other substances that interfere with DNA extraction.
- Degradation Over Time: Blood samples can degrade if not stored or transported correctly, potentially making the DNA unreadable.
- Invasive Collection Process: Drawing blood requires needles and a sterile environment, which can be uncomfortable or even a barrier for some individuals.
- More Complex Logistics: Blood must often be refrigerated and shipped under stricter conditions, increasing the cost and complexity of the process.
- How much does the avuncular test cost?
$129 for the home avuncular DNA test and $299 for legal avuncular DNA test . The price is all inclusive including collection appointment and laboratory processing fees.
- Can I do this test at home?
Yes, for peace-of-mind purposes. You’ll receive a kit with swabs and instructions to collect samples and mail them to the lab.
- What is the difference between legal and home testing?
Home tests offer answers for personal peace of mind. Legal tests follow strict protocols and are accepted in court. For more information on the differenc, click on our article Legal vs. Non-Legal Paternity Tests: Key Differences You Should Know.
- Is this test admissible in court?
Only legal avuncular tests with proper chain-of-custody procedures are court-admissible.
- How long do results take?
Almost every Avuncular DNA test result is available 2 business days after the lab receive all the samples.
- How are DNA samples collected?
DNA is usually collected with a simple cheek (buccal) swab from each participant. For step-by-step directions on how to collect DNA samples using an at home DNA test kit, please click on our DNA Mouth Swab Instruction Sheet.
- Is the test confidential?
Yes. All information and results are strictly confidential. Click tom view our Privacy Policy .
- Where can I get help ordering the test?
You can call us at 1-855-362-5224 or click Order A DNA Test for help ordering, collecting samples, and understanding results.