Grandparent DNA testing most
often is required when someone is seeking to establish paternity of a child, and
the alleged father is not available for DNA testing. In this case, testing the
alleged paternal grandparents (the father and mother of the alleged father) will
provide the same answers as a DNA paternity test. Maternal grandparent DNA
testing is also possible, but is rarely performed.
Grandparent DNA testing can definitively establish the relationship between any
individual and their alleged grandparent. Grandparent DNA testing is somewhat
more complex than straight DNA paternity testing, but not as complicated as
sibling DNA testing. Results from grandparent DNA testing can be obtained
usually in two to four weeks.
Single grandparent DNA
testing includes only one grandparent, one grandchild, and an optional,
but strongly suggested, parent DNA sample. This type of grandparent DNA
testing is the least precise, with best case results in the range of
greater than 90% (for inclusion, meaning the grandparent relationship
does exist) to less than 15% (for exclusion, the alleged grandparent is
not related).
Duo grandparent DNA testing includes both grandparents, one grandchild,
and again, a parent DNA sample if possible. In this type of grandparent
DNA testing, results range from 99% for inclusions to 0% for exclusions.
Grandparent DNA testing is possible because half of a child's DNA comes
from the grandparents through their son. The child's mother is also
encouraged to participate in the test so that her contribution to the
child's DNA can be eliminated. Of course, it's necessary to know that
the grandparents are indeed the biological parents of the alleged
father.
DNA samples for grandparent DNA testing are collected in precisely the
same way as most other DNA testing--through the use of buccal swabs
rubbed against the inside of patients' cheeks. If the results do not
need to be legally admissible, then at-home collection is possible.
There are other reasons for grandparent DNA testing in addition to
establishing paternity without the father's participation. Grandparent
DNA testing may be used by some grandparents to protect their rights.
Some states require grandparents to be financially and legally
responsible for the children of minor parents. Grandparents in this
situation may wish to confirm their biological relationship to the
child.
Some grandparents may seek custody of their grandchildren if they
believe the children are living in unsafe conditions. Custody cases will
usually require verification of the biological relationship. Grandparent
DNA testing may also be used to award grandparent visitation rights.
In most family situations, there is great value in a child-grandparent
relationship, and if grandparent DNA testing can facilitate forming this
relationship, then perhaps it should be considered.
