Genetic Reconstruction DNA Test
$179.00
What Is A Family Reconstruction DNA Test?
When close potential relatives are unavailable for testing, there may be other relatives who can help to fill in the gaps and determine a child’s genetic relationship to the family. DNA Family Reconstruction Testing is one of several tests that can help you get accurate answers fast. This type of DNA testing is most often used for paternity tests, but can also be used to establish a genetic similarity between mother and child, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, and other familial relationships.
How accurate is a Genetic Reconstruction test?
The results provided on the results report are accurate for the relationship tested for, as they are based directly on the DNA profiles of those being tested. Wherever possible, we encourage the submission of a mother’s DNA sample to be included in the testing.
Once the DNA analysis is performed, the markers are compared between the mother (if included), the relatives and child to establish if the child carries the genes inherited from his or her biological father. In this test we are looking to answer the following question: “do the alleged father’s relatives share the same genetic markers that the child inherited from his or her biological father?”
If the child does not share any genetic markers with their alleged father’s direct relatives, then it indicates that the alleged father is not the biological father of the child.
Genetic reconstruction testing is only available for private, non-court admissible results. In order to be legally admissible, those family members would need to validate their relationship with the suspected father prior to testing, to allow the legal test to show that all parties are legally related, or not related.
Genetic reconstruction is most commonly used when:
- A potential father refuses to submit to a DNA test
- A potential father is unreachable or had died
- One or more parties cannot be present for a DNA test
- An individual lives remotely and cannot provide a sample
- One wishes to keep the DNA testing confidential
Reconstruction Testing Options
For example. if you want to establish indirect paternity for the child but the suspected father is not available. There are no siblings to test against, and both paternal grandparents are not available, you can use the DNA from the mother, child, and two paternal aunts of the suspected father.
For a genetic reconstruction test you have two options, depending on which paternal relatives are available for testing and whether the child’s mother is available to provide a DNA sample. If you can provide a DNA sample from the child’s mother, the test will also need to include at least two DNA samples of the alleged father’s family. The sample needs to come from a closely related, biological family member such as a mother, father, a brother or a sister.
The second option is carrying out the test without the sample of the child’s mother. In this case, DNA samples need to be taken from at least three members of the father’s family in order to get an accurate match. The reason that three members of the family DNA needs to be collected is simple, it helps provide enough DNA for a strong genetic reconstruction and will show without a doubt that the alleged father contributed, or didn’t contribute, their DNA to the child being tested.
Using the same example as before, if the mother is not available, we could test a paternal aunt, a paternal uncle, and the child’s grandmother for this type of test.
What Is The Cost Of A Genetic Family Reconstruction Test?
Journey Genetic Testing guarantees the highest quality testing at the most affordable prices. We process thousands of DNA samples every year for lawyers, physicians, adoption agencies, and private individuals. Your cost will depend on several factors, with the most important one being who is available to test. We do offer a no interest payment plan through Sezzle.
Your choices are outlined in the fee schedule below. In addition, each private test has two options available for DNA sample collection: you may choose to use a testing kit from Journey Genetic Testing or make your own DNA collection kit. If you chose to use a Journey Genetic Testing DNA Kit, you will receive detailed instructions, buccal swabs, collection envelopes and a pre-paid FedEx overnight return mailer (USA only). Once your kit is mailed, you will be provided a tracking number to be able to determine when it will arrive.
| Number Of People Testing |
|---|
| 4 – Mother + Child + 2 Paternal Relatives – $179.00 |
| 4 – Child + 3 Paternal Relatives – $289.00 |
| Each Additional Person – $110.00 |
| Each Alternative DNA Sample – $100.00 |
Family Reconstruction DNA Sample Collection
The most accurate method of obtaining DNA for an reconstruction DNA test is to use a buccal (mouth) swab, which is very similar to a “Q-tip” cotton swab. The swabs are rubbed on the inner cheeks of the mouth of those being tested. The process is simple and fast. We provide all the materials needed for the DNA collection in our Journey Genetic Testing Test Kit.
However, we know that sometimes it is not possible to obtain a buccal swab sample. We are often able to test discreet alternative DNA samples. To learn more about non-standard, alternative DNA samples that we can test, CLICK HERE.
Your DNA collection kit will have detailed step-by-step instructions on how to collect your swab sample. You can also read more about how to take a home DNA test by going to How To Collect A DNA Sample At Home.
If you need to send one or more of the DNA collection kits to a different address, we can do that as well. Just indicate how may collection kits you need when you complete the order form, and enter the addresses for each kit in the area of the form where it asks where the kits are being sent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Reconstruction DNA Testing
FAQs
This type of test is used to confirm if a child is related to the possible father’s close relatives, when the possible father isn’t available for testing. There are, of course, other scenarios when type of test can help solve complex relationship questions. If you have questions. please either call us a 1-855-362-5224, or complete our information request form and we will get back to you quickly with answers.
The minimum number of participants we recommend is 3. There is no set number of people who need to participate, as each situation is unique and this question is answered on a case-by-case basis. A general guideline is: the more close relatives who can test, the stronger the result.
No. The closer the potential biological relation to the person in question, the better. Biological cousins do not share enough DNA with the child to be helpful in confirming a family relationship.
Probably not. Unlike paternity, sibling, avuncular and grandparent DNA tests, most courts do not to accept results for a family reconstruction test, as there is no chain of custody proof of the relatives testing and how they are related to each other, established through multiple DNA tests. If you need results for court, establishing inheritance rights, or other legal reasons, we suggest a legal paternity, sibling, grandparent or avuncular tests, which are accepted in court.
It is a simple process for DNA to be collected at different locations. We understand extended family members are often living in different locations. When you order your test, just indicate how many DNA collection kits need to be mailed to however many family members are participating in the test.
Not on this test. In order to perform the complex testing involved, a buccal swab (mouth swab) needs to be sent for each person testing.