Avuncular DNA Test

Learn if a child is related to a possible father’s sibling.

DNA from an Aunt or Uncle can Help Answer a Paternity Question

Do you need to confirm a biological relationship between a child and an aunt or uncle to help determine paternity? When a possible father isn’t available for paternity testing, one or more of his siblings can participate instead. The child’s mother is encouraged to add her DNA to the test as well since it expedites analysis and can help produce more conclusive results. Results are posted to your secure online account 5 business days after all samples are received at the lab. The report can be for personal knowledge only, or it can be used in court if you choose to do legal testing. Contact our experts today for a free consultation.

The DDC Promise

Results in 5 Business Days

Once all samples arrive at the lab.

PhD-Reviewed Results

Our in-house team ensures accuracy.

Team Support

We keep you informed every step of the way.

Our experts can help determine the best avuncular DNA-testing choice for your unique situation.

Reasons to get an Avuncular DNA Test

  • To confirm the truth about a biological relationship
  • Medical history
  • Social Security benefits
  • Inheritance claims
  • Immigration cases
  • Insurance claims

Results are completely confidential, and your private genetic information is never shared with or sold to outside parties. See our privacy policy here.

Testing Options for Avuncular DNA Testing

Legal: Legal results for this type of testing can be submitted to court as legal proof of a biological relationship. DDC coordinates DNA-sample collection at an approved location near you. The professional collector then compiles all identification, completes paperwork for the test, and sends the package to DDC for testing.

Personal Knowledge: If you need avuncular DNA testing results solely for peace of mind and not for legal reasons, you have the option to collect your DNA at home and send it to DDC for testing. Keep in mind results are not court-admissible.

TIP: If you think you may need results for court in the future, we suggest you do a legal test in the first place so you only have to test once.

To order an Avuncular DNA Test, call

More about this Test

Q: What relatives should participate in an avuncular DNA test?

A: Generally, participants in an avuncular DNA test are the child and either a brother or sister of the possible father in the case. Whenever possible, the mother of the child should also contribute her DNA to testing since her participation can definitely help to strengthen results.  

Q: What if the paternal aunt is not a full sibling of the possible father?

A: We cannot test half-siblings of a possible father. It must be a full-sibling relationship in order to obtain the most conclusive results possible. 

Q: For an avuncular DNA test, can first or second cousins be tested instead of an aunt or uncle?

A: No; the participation of cousins isn’t helpful for avuncular DNA testing or any other type of relationship test, since the percentage of DNA they might share with the child in question is low. The participants in the test should be the child, the possible father’s sister or brother, and the mother of the child.

Q: How do I understand results for an avuncular DNA test?
A: Understanding results for an avuncular DNA test is a little tricky, since there can never be a straight “yes or no” answer in relationship testing. Calculations for relationships such as grandparent, avuncular (aunt/uncle), and siblings all involve statistics, and a probability of relationship is given as a percentage in the report:

  • 90% or higher: the relationship is supported by DNA testing
  • 9% – 89%: inconclusive result, and additional parties need to be tested
  • Below 9%: the relationship is not supported by DNA testing

If a probability of relationship (PRI) of 92% is given for an avuncular test, the result could be understood as: “There is a 92% probability that the persons tested share an avuncular relationship.”