Y-Chromosome DNA Test
$159.00
What Is A Y-Chromosome DNA Test?
The Y-Chromosome DNA test, sometimes referred to as a Y-STR comparison, is a test that can be performed between two males to determine if they share the same male ancestral line. It is often used in paternity cases where the alleged father is not available for testing. This test can indicate whether or not a child is related to the alleged father’s brothers or other male relatives who share a common paternal line. It can also be done between alleged two or more alleged half-brothers. The DNA of the mother is not needed when this option is used to determine paternity.
A Y-STR analysis cannot distinguish a specific relationship between males who belong to the same paternal line. However, it is very useful for excluding males from an alleged biological relationship. For example, if a male child and his alleged uncle (alleged father’s full brother) are tested, their Y-STR profiles must match. If they do not, then the alleged uncle is excluded (not considered a biological uncle) and the brother of the uncle tested is probably not the biological father.
How Does A Y-Chromosome DNA Test Work?
Y- STR is an abbreviation for Y Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) which are found on the male-specific “Y” chromosome. The coding genes, mostly found on the short arm of the Y-chromosome, are vital to male sex determination and other male related functions. Based on the genetic fact that the Y-chromosome is passed from father to son(s) relatively unchanged through many generations and has an infrequent mutation rate, this DNA test examines highly differential markers on the Y chromosome and DNA profiles for these markers are generated. These Y-STR profiles are then compared to determine if there is a match. Males related through their fathers will have the same or very similar Y-STR profiles, and those who are not have different profiles.
Although the Y-Chromosome is only found in males, women can also indirectly participate in a Y-STR DNA test if they are interested in determining their paternal relatives. They would need to ask a biological male relative, such as a father, brother, paternal uncle, or paternal grandfather to contribute a sample for comparison testing with her potential paternal relative.
How Accurate Are Y-Chromosome Test Results?
This test is based on the genetic profiles found in the Y-Chromosome of the males testing. It is 100% accurate showing either that the two males do belong to the same male line, meaning they are related through a common paternal relative, or an exclusion showing they do not share the same male line. A Y-Chromosome test will not identify the specific relationship of those testing, however.
Male Lineage DNA Sample Collection
The most accurate method of obtaining DNA for an Y-STR 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.
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.
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.
How Much Does A Y-Chromosome DNA Test Cost?
Journey Genetic Testing is able to perform the most accurate Y-Chromosome DNA testing available, comparing 22 specific genetic markers on the Y-Chromosome. All pricing is determined by the number of males being tested and the type of sample being sent. When ordering a Y-STR test you may choose to either use a testing kit from Journey Genetic Testing or have the option to make your own DNA collection kit. This may be especially helpful if you need to have non-swab samples tested, or do not want to wait for the DNA kit to arrive to your shipping location if you are facing time constraints to obtain results.
| Number Of People Testing |
|---|
| Two males – $159.00 |
| Three males – $269.00 |
| Four males – $337.00 |
| Non-standard DNA sample (each) – $100 |
Y-Chromosome Male Lineage Test Results
A Y-STR report is one of the most direct, and easy to understand, DNA tests. The results report will show the genetic markers that have been tested, and will provide the summary of the findings at the bottom of the page. The results are always conclusive and there is no “maybe.” There will only be one of two results listed:
- The genetic evidence show the male donors share the same male lineage, meaning the are related through the paternal line.
- The genetic evidence excludes the make donors from being related through the same male line.
Often Asked Questions About Y-STR Testing
When Should I Choose A Y-Chromosome Test?
- Y Chromosome testing can be used to establish indirect paternity when the alleged father is unavailable to test, or will not submit to the test. In these situations, we can test a direct male relative of the alleged father with the DNA of another male to confirm whether the untested alleged father is in fact related to the person claiming to be a biological relative.
- It can be used when two siblings wishing to confirm whether or not they have the same biological father can do so by doing a Y Chromosome test. If there is a possibility that both alleged fathers are related, then either a sibling test, or direct paternity test, is recommended.
- Adopted children who are searching for their real biological fathers, and perhaps have found a possible male family member, can use a Y Chromosome test in order to include, or exclude, potential fathers or paternal relatives.
- Legal Y Chromosome testing can sometimes be used in cases requiring legal proof of relationship between males such as probate or inheritance cases, or DNA proof for immigration.
Are There Limitations To A Y-Chromosome Test?
Since every male from the same paternal blood line have the same Y chromosome, the results of a Y-STR DNA test cannot tell you the specific relationship between the males tested. You will need to draw your own conclusions based upon the result of the test and what you are attempting to determine.
Can A Y-STR Test Be Done Between A Male And Female?
No. Unlike a mtDNA test where the mother passes mitochondrial DNA to all her children, only a male child would inherit the Y-Chromosome from his biological father. Since females do not have the Y-Chromosome, this test cannot be used in these cases.
What Else Can Y-STR Testing Be Used For?
Y chromosome testing is used in criminal forensic investigations and cases involving rapes. If a genetic sample is found at a crime scene, testing for the Y chromosome can establish whether there is any male DNA in the sample. Once the Y chromosome has been confirmed, it can be compared to the Y chromosome profiles of suspects to confirm a match.
What If Those Being Tested Live In Different Cities?
A Y-Chromosome DNA test can be easily conducted even if the different parties to be tested are in different locations. Each DNA testing kit is assigned a unique identification number. If each person lives in different cities, or different countries, Journey Genetic Testing DNA Test Kits with the unique case number can be sent directly to each person. After the DNA collection, the DNA samples can be sent separately to the laboratory.