| A DNA sibling test can be used to determine the | | | | (normally the mother) as this will help improve in the |
| likelihood of two individuals having the same parents | | | | comparison and interpretation of the results. |
| in common. It is mostly applicable in situations where | | | | In specific cases, even in the absence of a parent |
| the alleged parents are unwilling or unable to | | | | being tested, the DNA laboratory is able to produce |
| participate in a DNA paternity test. In the event | | | | accurate results due to the nature of the testing |
| where the alleged parent is available of course the | | | | methodology used in the laboratory. These cases |
| preferable option would be a direct comparison | | | | include testing the Y-chromosome which is suitable |
| through a DNA Paternity Test. | | | | for male to male siblings; Y chromosome is |
| The DNA sibling testing can therefore be used to | | | | transferred through the direct male lineage whilst the |
| determine the likelihood of two or more individuals | | | | X-chromosome is suitable for female to female |
| being full siblings, half siblings or sharing no biological | | | | siblings with the same potential father and different |
| relationship meaning being not related. Full siblings by | | | | mothers. Mitochondrial DNA can test both male and |
| definition have two biological parents in common (the | | | | female siblings through the maternal lineage). |
| mother and father), whereas half siblings have only | | | | The reasons for resorting to DNA Sibling Testing are |
| one parent in common (either the mother or the | | | | many. However, some of the most common cases |
| father). | | | | include: |
| The DNA sibling test is conducted by examining the | | | | - Adopted children, or siblings that have been |
| number of shared genetic markers between the | | | | separated, who eventually find their alleged siblings |
| individuals tested to determine the probability of a | | | | but the parents are deceased; |
| biological relationship existing between the people. | | | | - Siblings who have doubts about their real paternal |
| The aim of the test is therefore to analyse the | | | | father, but the parents are unwilling to participate in |
| degree of shared DNA and to apply a scientific | | | | the test; |
| statistical analysis to deduce any possible biological | | | | - Claims on inheritance by an individual claiming to be |
| relationship. The stronger the commonality of the | | | | related to the children of the deceased. |
| DNA shared means the greater the probability of a | | | | Before embarking on a DNA Siblings Test it is |
| biological relationship existing. | | | | important to identify who is available for testing as |
| Due to the laws of genetic inheritance, true biological | | | | this will assist the DNA laboratory to decide which |
| siblings can vastly differ in how similar or dissimilar | | | | DNA test is most applicable to your case. There can |
| their genetic profiles are. Some sibling may share | | | | also be various stages of testing with additional |
| many genes in common, whereas others may have | | | | people included in the testing if the first results do no |
| inherited different genes from each parent, and | | | | yield a satisfactory result. Also in the case of minors |
| therefore may not appear to have a lot in common. | | | | (16 or 18 years of age depending on country of |
| Due to the above, it is therefore strongly | | | | location) permission from the legal guardians may be |
| recommended when undergoing a sibling analysis | | | | required. |
| especially a half sibling test, to include any parent | | | | |