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Understanding at home DNA test results
At AssureDNA, our DNA relationship testing is a science-based, accurate method for confirming biological connections between individuals.
But we understand that taking an at-home DNA test can be a nerve-racking and potentially stressful situation for everyone involved. For most people, trying to understand their results from their DNA test at home only adds to the uncertainty and worry.
That's why our experts at AssureDNA have put together this comprehensive guide for individuals who need to understand their home DNA test results.
What type of DNA at-home results do you get?
The type of DNA at-home test results you'll receive depends on the biological confirmation test you've selected. At AssureDNA, our services include the following test options to confirm a biological connection between individuals.
DNA sample collection process
To ascertain your DNA test at home results, you'll first have to follow our simple DNA sample collection process. Once our UKAS and ISO 17025-accredited laboratory receives the sample, our team of expert genetic scientists will extract the DNA and analyse the 25 short tandem repeat (STR) markers.
If the test results, for whatever reason, are inconclusive, we provide an additional test analysing 50 markers for free. Failing that, there’s an option to purchase an analysis of over 600 markers to determine the biological relationship.
Note: The markers vary a lot between individuals and are the industry standard for biological confirmation testing.
Our DNA at-home tests
Paternity & maternity
DNA tests
With paternity and maternity tests, we can either confirm a biological relationship with 99.9% accuracy or exclude the relationship with 100% certainty.
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Sibling
DNA tests (half & full siblings)
Our at-home DNA tests can confirm whether two individuals share both biological parents or only one. The half-sibling DNA test checks whether siblings share one parent, and the full-sibling test confirms whether they share two biological parents.
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Grandparent
DNA tests
A grandparent DNA test can confirm whether an individual is related to one or both grandparents. The test results are more accurate if both the grandmother and grandfather are available for testing. If that's the case, the results are typically over 99% conclusive.
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Aunt & uncle
DNA tests
We use an avuncular DNA test to determine whether a child is biologically related to their aunt or uncle. Tests to confirm the biological relationship of an aunt or uncle are less accurate than paternity, maternity, or sibling tests, but they do provide strong statistical evidence for a relationship. The test becomes more accurate if the mother or father is included.
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Cousin
DNA tests
This type of test attempts to establish whether two individuals are first cousins, implying a shared grandparent. Cousin DNA tests are the least accurate of the options. As with the aunt and uncle DNA tests, they still provide a strong indicator of relatedness.
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Advanced DNA test for distant relationships
For grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousin DNA tests, if the results are inconclusive, we provide an additional test analysing 50 markers for free. Or, as stated at the beginning of the article, there’s an option to purchase an analysis of over 600 markers to determine the biological relationship.
How do I read my at home DNA test results?
Process DNA results
Our laboratories will typically process your DNA results within 3-5 working days of sample arrival. We also offer a 1-day express service if test results are required sooner.
Email confirmation
To streamline the process, you'll receive confirmation that your results are available via the email you provided to us. From there, you can access our secure online portal. That way, we ensure confidentiality and prevent any externally related delivery delays.
Online portal
If you need any help with accessing your online portal, you can send us an email at info@assuredna.co.uk or call us at +44 01603 358169. Once inside the portal, you can click on the test result and download a copy if you wish.
How to interpret DNA percentages?
Our paternity and maternity tests offer the highest degree of confidence.
Based on the DNA samples provided, your results will either show a 99.99% or higher match that typically confirms the biological relationship, or 0%. A result of 0% match excludes the mother or father from having a biological relationship.
Maternal DNA tests are typically requested for adoption confirmation, surrogacy cases, hospital mix-ups, or immigration purposes, hence why there's a potential for a 0% match.
Other biological relationships are expressed as a probability score.
For sibling, avuncular (aunt/uncle), cousin, or grandparent DNA tests, the results work slightly differently. Because these relationships involve varying degrees of shared DNA, results are expressed as a probability score, reflecting the likelihood of a biological relationship rather than a simple inclusion or exclusion, supported by scientific context.
If the initial results produce a percentage that is relatively inconclusive, we automatically upgrade your test from the standard 25-marker to a 50-marker analysis for free. Failing that, you have the option to upgrade to our Advanced Test, which examines around 600 markers.
If you have any questions about the percentage shown in your test results, you can contact one of our team members, who will be more than happy to help.
At AssureDNA, our lab testing process is 100% accurate. You can be confident that the results provided in your at-home DNA test will give you the clarity and reassurance you are looking for. Our dedicated customer support team is always available to answer any further questions you may have.
If you have any questions about the percentage shown in your test results, you can contact one of our team members, who will be more than happy to help.