Reuniting The Family: The Sibling DNA Test

Disjointed families often have a difficult time uniting, and this happens often with siblings.  Fortunately, siblings can now request a sibling DNA test.  In this particular test, 2 children are tested to genetically determine if they have the same biological parent or parents.  Sometimes, the alleged siblings will share only one parent, in which case they would be half siblings.  Full siblings have the same biological mother and father.  A DNA test is so important in situations where there is doubt, whether it be for legal reasons, or just for peace of mind knowing the truth in a difficult family situation.  It can even prevent fraudulant situations where strangers come from nowhere claiming to be a biological sibling.

Because siblings have the same parents or parent, their genes match up much more often than unrelated individuals.  Once a match is made, a calculation must be performed to determine the probability that a sibling relationship actually exists.  A professional DNA testing lab will often find multiple DNA matches among biological siblings.  Their testing can even result in a confidence or probability exceeding 99%.  This kind of certainty is also dependent upon the prevelance of the inherited genes that exist in the population.  Also helping in determining a high probability is the testing of additional family members.  Sometimes this is required in order to get a better testing result.

Obtaining a DNA assay is very simple.  It can be taken at any time or place, which makes the process very convenient for the subjects.  The laboratory will send a swab kit which basically allows the subject to swab the inside of the mouth and mail the DNA back to the lab.  DNA can also be extracted from tissue and dried blood or mucus, but most of the time it is collected from the inside of the cheek.  In terms of the legality of a DNA test, it is important to remember that a DNA test that is to be considered in a court of law must be witnessed.  A test that is done at home is not permissable in a court of law because it cannot be verified who took the test.

DNA tests are becoming increasing popular, and the sibling DNA test is no exception.  Other tests include maternity DNA tests, paternity DNA tests, and even dog DNA tests!  With increasing technology, DNA testing has become less expensive, more available, and more reliable.  This is great news for everyone as knowing the truth often brings families together and assists in solving crimes and avoiding difficult situations.