Grandparent DNA testing allows you to test if you are biologically related to your grandchildren

Some of our clients request maternity testing, usually to confirm the mother-and-child relationship for those who have been separated from their biological families at an early age. This test is also for those who suspect that their baby was switched at the hospital, and other similar situations in which maternity is in doubt.

What is a maternity test?
A maternity test is a DNA test that looks for a specific pattern of inheritance—the 50/50 contribution of the biological father and mother to a child’s DNA. Everyone inherits their DNA from their parents in two copies—one from the mother, and one from the father. In a maternity test, we examine 16 different DNA locations, designated by scientists to be the most useful for tracing heredity. On each location, there are 2 copies of the DNA, and we check to see if these copies match DNA from the possible mother and the father.

Requirements for Maternity Testing
A maternity test requires the participation of the child and the possible mother. Participation of the child’s father is encouraged, if he is available. With his participation, we can easily eliminate his contribution to half of the child’s DNA, leaving the other half to test for presence of the possible mother’s DNA contribution. We can also yield conclusive maternity test results without the father.

Samples Collected
In a DNA maternity test, the laboratory only needs cheek swab samples from the test participants. In a private maternity test, we send the participants (or those who order the test) a DNA collection kit that they can use to collect the samples, simply, painlessly, and privately. In a legal maternity test, used in child support and other legal situations, samples need to be collected by a trained professional. Please click on the links for these pages to learn more.

How long it takes
A maternity test is completed 5 working days after we receive all samples in the laboratory.

Maternity Testing Cost
Testing cost varies depending on the collection procedure (private or legal). If you do not need to use the results in court, and are taking this test just for personal knowledge, the private collection is a more affordable option at $195 because many administrative procedures, required in a legal test, are not needed. A legal test costs $420. The laboratory testing process itself is of the same quality and accuracy. Please visit our Laboratory page to learn more.

You can call 1-888-362-9814 to start the testing process. With only a $20 deposit, we will send you a free DNA sample collection kit. After collecting the cheek samples, simply send them back with your payment.