Grandparents DNA Test
A child inherits exactly 50% of their genes from their biological mother and 50% from their biological father, so that child shares exactly 25% of their genes with each biological grandparent.
Based on the number of genetic matches, the lab calculates the statistical probability that the presumed grandparents are biologically related to the child. To perform this test, the grandfather and grandmother must be the biological parents of the presumed father or mother .
Since the child has only 25% of genes in common with his grandfather and 25% with his grandmother , it is mandatory that both biological grandparents participate in the test with the child .
On average, the test of grandparents parentage allows the laboratory to determine only half of the genes of the putative parent.
It is always recommended to test one or both of the known parents to get the most accurate results possible . Since the genetic heritage of children is only half of that of the parents.
The parents' participation in the grandparent filiation test makes it possible to exclude half of the child's DNA, leaving the other half for comparison with the DNA of the person sought. This improves the reliability of the results.
In this sense, it is very important to do this test with the biological parents (grandparents) of the presumed parent (of the wanted father or mother) . Otherwise, the test will not be conclusive.
If in your research of kinship, the doubt relates to presumed parents coming from the same family, then all the known relatives must participate in the test with the children . Otherwise, the results may lose precision. As a general rule, the more genetic information available, the better the chances of a successful test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a grandparent DNA test compared to a paternity test?
A grandparent parentage DNA test is less accurate than a paternity test because the conclusiveness of the results can vary. Thus the probability of a relationship will depend on the number of participants and the initial family situation. To reinforce the conclusiveness of the test results, we recommend that both biological grandparents participate in the test and if possible that the mother (or father depending on the situation) of the child also participates. When the grandparents and the mother participate in the tests, the probability of paternity is almost always lower than a paternity test.
Can we do the grandparent parentage test using only one grandparent?
In fact, it is possible. You can do this DNA test using samples from just one grandparent and the child; however, the chances of obtaining conclusive results are drastically reduced. If possible, we always recommend including DNA from the mother (or father depending on the situation) in grandparent DNA testing. Be careful, some laboratories refuse the test with only one grandparent, judging the results not reliable enough for customers.
Can the DNA test be done without the known parent (mother or father depending on the location )?
Yes, a grandparents test can be done without the mother, although it is strongly recommended that she is included as well. His participation helps analysts determine more clearly which of the child's DNA comes from the father's side and from the mother's side and can also help strengthen the relationship percentage probability. Same principle in the search for maternity with the father added to the test.
A test of filiation with grandparents be used for legal or administrative reasons?
Yes, a grandparents DNA test can be used for legal reasons provided a procedure has been put in place and followed. More information regarding legal testing here .
Test participants must provide proof of identity at the appointment and collection by a healthcare professional. The results of a legal grandparent test are admissible in court and can be used for legal reasons and administrative. The results of a grandparents' home DNA test cannot be used legally.

DNA relationship testing helps compare the genetic profile of two or more people to determine a common biological inheritance. Generally speaking, the test highlights the similarities and differences that make up your genetic makeup and assesses your match rate in order to give you results that match your relationship search.
In any case, this study cannot be established without putting different individuals in comparison, because your DNA is unique and does not contain the genetic profiles of your family, but only its heritage.
The DNA Relationship Test
Do you want to remove any doubt about your biological origin or that of a loved one? But you don't know which test is best suited for your situation, follow our guide !! Information on DNA test we propose to orientate on possible tests currently putting you in the position of a paternity or maternity. Go ahead, it's simple and free and will allow you to already have solid information before contacting the laboratory that corresponds to you.
Which DNA test to choose ?
Grandparent parentage DNA test determines probability of kinship between a child (grandson and or granddaughter) with his grandparents (grandfather and grandmother) .
The test is a genetic comparison in order to establish a biological filiation link on the side of a presumed father or mother . Parentage testing can be done with oral samples and/or non-standard samples. Those tested include a child and an aunt or uncle.
What is a grandparent parentage test ?
Unfortunately the answer is no ! Genetic analysis to determine parentage using the genetic profile of a single grandparent is not sufficient to establish accurate and reliable results. Depending on your search for paternity or maternity and depending on the participants available, you can:
Paternity research :
- You can do a Y Chromosome test between a grandfather and his grandson
- You can do a test of Chromosome X between a grandmother and her granddaughter
Maternity research :
- You can do a Mitochondrial DNA test between a grandmother and her grandchildren (boy-girl)
Can I do a test with only one grandparent ?
Consent is the agreement you give to the laboratory to use your DNA for the purpose of carrying out a genetic analysis. It is mandatory if you want to do an Avuncular test. Consent can only be given explicitly by an adult and fully lucid person. This agreement must be in writing after having received informed information about the results of the test, by a contract or a consent form.
It is against the law to do a DNA test without the person's consent.
For minors, consent must be provided by one of the legal parents.
What is consent for a DNA test ?
DNA testing with grandparents can be done with:
- Saliva samples (Sterile buccal swabs)
- Non-standard samples : Like hair, nails, toothbrush...
Be careful, you must follow the instructions and respect the conditions so that the samples provide enough genetic information for your test.
What type of sample used for the test ?

Order your DNA test kit on the laboratory website

Receive your DNA kit
home

Take samples
at home

To return to
your
samples

Discover your results
by email
DNA test procedure
You can do a DNA test to find out the parentage at home in a private setting . The order can be made directly on the internet from your home in order to receive the sampling equipment at home.
Unfortunately it is still impossible to obtain a DNA test in a pharmacy, moreover only a laboratory with genetic analysis equipment and accredited by international standards can provide the result for a Paternity test.
How to do a DNA test between grandchildren and grandparents?
Participants of the Grandparent Test


- The biological grandfather must participate in the test
For a paternity search between exclusively a grandfather and a grandson, we advise you to use the Y Chromosome test

- The biological grandmother must participate in the test
For a maternity search between a grandmother and her grandchildren, we advise you to use mitochondrial DNA test
For a paternity search between the grandmother and a granddaughter, we advise you to use the X Chromosome test

- One or more children can participate in the test
Children can be complete brother and sister
Children can be half-brother and half-sister
Parent involvement
- 5-7 days using buccal swabs for all participants
- 10+ days if a participant uses discrete samples
This time is calculated from the moment your samples arrive at the laboratory. The delivery time is not taken into account.
What are the analysis times for an Uncle and Aunt test ?
The reliability and authenticity of the test between the nephew and/or niece and his uncle or aunt depends on several factors:
- The quality of the samples
- Laboratory accreditation
- The choice of the test according to the family situation
How reliable are the results ?
The quality of the DNA will depend on the collection and storage of the samples . It is therefore important to follow the instructions of the laboratory in order to ensure that you receive results.
Accredited laboratories meet the requirements relating to the analysis process, management of resources and equipment, impartiality and confidentiality of information. For a DNA test with grandparents, the laboratory must have ISO 17025 accreditation .
The reliability of the result depends on the number of genes compared. All the laboratories offer tests on an average of 15 to 22 genes (STR Loci) to perform the comparison between the participants. Depending on your situation, you have the possibility to ask the laboratory for an extended comparison of the number of loci. The extended comparison improves the precision and therefore the reliability of the results.
The results are presented in the form of a table:
- Each column corresponding to a participant
- Each line to a compared gene
- The composition of the gene is represented by one or two numbers/per person
How to read the results of an avuncular test ?
DNA analysis with grandfather and grandmother is an indirect relationship test. The genetic laboratory is trying to recreate the genetic profile of a father or a mother with only the information of the biological parents (grandfather and grandmother). Thus the test is based on statistics and probabilities which play an important role in the interpretation of the results. Participants may have alleles that are different due to random, yet common, inheritance. Conversely, it is not because the alleles are similar that they necessarily confirm the parent in common.
It is possible to obtain inconclusive results .
Verification of relationship of participants:
The DNA test for parentage comes with a relationship index . This index in base of 1 expresses the probability of gene in common between the participants. The relationship index is then converted to a relationship percentage.
Parentage test results with grandparents must be interpreted in terms of probability and the parentage relationship index is translated into a percentage that can be between 0% and 99.99% .
- If the index is greater than 1 and your percentage is greater than 90%, the test is positive
- If the index is less than 1 and your percentage is less than 10%, then the test is negative
Results of the DNA Relationship
The choice of laboratory is a very important step when you want to do a parentage test. You should know that not all laboratories offer the same services and depending on several factors it is better to make the choice that suits you.
You must choose a laboratory according to:
- Your family situation and available participants
- The confidence that the laboratory inspires through customer feedback
- The transparency of the company concerning its activities and your expectations
How to choose a reliable Laboratory ?
Genetic laboratory
Test Grands-Parents | EasyDNA | EDC | Force ADN | DNA Solution |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prix | 329€ | 415€ | 189€ | 299€ |
Délais | 5-7 jours | 4 jours | 8-10 jours | 2-4 semaines |
Participant supplémentaire | +100€ | +90€ | +95€ | +99€ |
Echantillon non standard | +75€ | +90€ | +110€ | +75€ |
Inclure la mère/père biologique | Gratuitement | Gratuitement |
The Mitochondrial DNA test allows you to compare your DNA with that of your grandmother in order to define a maternal biological link.
Paternity search between sisters
Maternal line research
The analysis of the Y chromosome makes it possible to define whether the grandfather and the grandson come from the same paternal line. By deduction if they are biologically related.