Home Grandparent DNA Test With 34/46-Marker Analysis

A 46-marker test analyzes additional genetic data compared to standard 20–22 marker tests because it analyzes more than twice the genetic data to prove a biological link.

• Analyzing More Markers Reduces Inconclusive Results: Grandchildren only share roughly 25% of their DNA with a grandparent, therefore, a standard 22-marker test increases the risk of an "inconclusive" result if the shared segments are small. A 46-marker test however examines nearly twice as as many genetic markers, which helps differentiate between a true biological relationship and just coincidental genetic similarities.
• Statistical Power: Increasing markers is essentially like adding more "puzzle pieces" to a picture. Our 46-marker test is designed to provide a high probability of relationship even when only one grandparent and the child are available.
• Comparison: While a 22-marker test is generally accurate for direct parent-child relationships, it is often insufficient for more distant "relational" testing (like grandparents or siblings). The 46-marker test is designed for complex indirect relationship cases to ensure the results are definitive.

If you are testing only one grandparent, the 46-marker test is scientifically superior for obtaining a conclusive answer compared to a 20 or 22 marker test.

Reliability, Affordability, and Speed, that’s our commitment!  We do not offer our low pricing on the back of a low quality DNA test. Our 46 marker test is competatively priced in an effort to make this test affordable to more people, and so margins have been reduced to a minimum.

All relational DNA tests are performed by an experienced USA based AABB-accredited laboratory.

It is not uncommon for test participants to live too far apart to get together and do the DNA collection.  For this reason we offer an option to have multiple collection kits shipped out for these situations.

When ordering, simply choose the option for an additional address, and complete the address in the order. We will send then second collection via the same shipping method as the first.

The collection kits are linked using a reference number and bar codes. When the samples are received back in lab, they are matched to your case using the bar code and reference numbers. This will generate an email advising you that we receives the samples.

In a scenario where the alleged grandchild is a male and the paternal grandfather is able to take part in the analysis, a Y-STR will conclusively determine whether or not they share the same male lineage.

On the other hand, if the relationship that is trying to be determined is on the mother’s side, an mtDNA will offer a conclusive answer regardless of gender.

Other relationship analysis may also be performed to help establish paternity or maternity, such as an Aunt Uncle or Sibling DNA test.

Lastly, if other paternal relatives are available to participate, a Family Reconstruction Test can offer a combined probability of relatedness to the family members.

The process is very simple. DNA is painlessly collected using a cheek buccal swab. Simply painlessly rub the swab against the inside of the cheek. In this process, skin cells collect on the swab.We conduct all of our analysis twice. For that reason, there will be 2 buccal swabs per person in your collection kit.

When all samples are in the lab, you are notified via email that the analysis has begun along with the expected release date. We email the results after the test has completed, and the hard copy results will follow as ordered.  The report is sent to the billing address unless otherwise noted.

We ship our collection kits with free USPS rushed delivery Monday through Friday to physical addresses in the contiguous USA. Orders received and processed by 12:00 PM EST ship the same business day.

Our grandparent DNA tests are highly accurate, typically providing very conclusive results with a high degree of certainty. The accuracy of the test depends on various factors such as how many markers are tested, if the mother or other grandparent is included, the quality of the samples collected, and the testing methodology used.

• PaternityUSA: Specializes in high-marker count (46 markers) specifically to handle difficult relational cases where other labs might return inconclusive results.
• Standard Labs (20–22 markers): These are often highlighted for their lower price points or widespread availability for standard paternity cases where fewer markers are typically required for a 99.9% result.

Analysis uses 46 genetic markers to support conclusive results.

Lastly, legal grandparent DNA tests are AABB accredited and valid for court in all 50 states.

Grandparent DNA test results are reported using probability values between 0-100 and likelihood ratios that indicate how strongly the genetic data supports or refutes a grandparentage relationship.

Because these numbers can be confusing without context, we provide a free Grandparent DNA Test Results Explained PDF that walks through a real report and explains what each section means, including how to interpret inconclusive results and when additional testing may help.

An informational test can provide you with the peace of mind of whether or not a biological relationship exists between the tested participants.

However, if you need the results to be admissible evidence in a court of law or other governmental domestic agency, then purchase our AABB accredited legal test.  Legal results can be submitted as evidence in child support, visitation rights, change name on the birth certificate, estate, wills, probate situations, and/or any other domestic legal case.

If your results are for immigration purposes, the USCIS/ICE & Dept. Of Homeland Security may require accredited DNA evidence of the grandmother or grandfather biological relationship. If so, contact us for information on a DNA test for immigration purposes.

The most common method of DNA collection is through a cheek swab. However, we understand there are times when test participants are unable to submit a swab.  When a family member is deceased, incarcerated or otherwise unavailable, you have the option to submit other types of DNA samples.  For these reasons, we offer forensic analysis for other types of DNA samples.

Ear wax, hair (must have the root ball attached), mucous on a tissue, finger or toe nail clippings, and toothbrushes are common forensic samples. Additionally, in certain cases tissue and/or blood samples may be available from a medical examiner or coroner’s office. Forensic sampling prices apply for any non-standard DNA sample. For pricing and more details on the process, please contact a Case Manager.

Our package comes complete with collection kits, lab analysis and results. Some companies advertise that you can make your own collection kit by using your own Q-tips®. However, we do not recommend this practice unless no other options exist. This mitigates the risk of multiple genetic profiles  being found on Q-tips® that are not sterile, or  handled by more than one person.