Accredited U.S. Laboratory
Testing is performed by an AABB-accredited U.S. laboratory using established relationship DNA testing methods.
Aunt and Uncle DNA Test (Avuncular Testing)
Can You Establish Paternity By Testing With An Aunt Or Uncle?
An avuncular DNA test compares the DNA of a child and an alleged aunt or uncle to assess whether they may share a biological relationship. It is often used when the alleged father is unavailable for direct paternity testing. Because avuncular testing is an indirect relationship test, the strength of the statistical result depends on which relatives participate and how many genetic markers are analyzed. Testing is performed by an AABB-accredited U.S. laboratory and reviewed by qualified laboratory personnel.
Two factors can significantly improve the conclusiveness of an avuncular DNA test: including the mother and analyzing a larger number of genetic markers.
Testing Options:
34 Marker Test ($125): Recommended when the child’s mother is available to participate.
46 Marker Test ($175): Recommended when the mother is unavailable and stronger statistical support is needed.
25+ Years of Service
For more than 25 years, we have helped families arrange paternity and relationship DNA testing nationwide.
46 Marker Testing
Higher marker testing may provide stronger statistical support in certain complex relationship cases.
Fast, Private Results
Results are delivered promptly with confidential handling of samples and secure reporting throughout the testing process.
What Is Avuncular DNA Testing (Aunt / Uncle Testing)?
Avuncular DNA testing compares the DNA of an alleged aunt or uncle with that of a niece or nephew to assess the statistical likelihood of a biological relationship.
Avuncular DNA testing may help support or exclude an indirect biological relationship when the alleged father or mother is unavailable for direct paternity or maternity testing. Because it is an indirect test, the strength of the result depends on the family members tested and the number of markers analyzed.
An avuncular test is best when performed with the alleged parent’s full sibling, (brother or sister), sharing the same mother and father. Avuncular testing is most informative when the tested aunt or uncle is the alleged parent’s full sibling, meaning they share the same mother and father. Testing a half sibling can reduce the strength and reliability of the statistical result. It is also very helpful to add the mother of the child (Free) if possible to help conclusiveness, or upgrade to the 46 marker avuncular DNA test.
Two factors dramatically help an avuncular DNA test achieve the most conclusive answer: adding the mom and/or analyzing more markers.
24-34 Marker Test: Our 34 marker avuncular tests include the mom at no additional cost, analyze up to 34 markers, and is competitively priced at just $125. This testing option also includes fast shipping both ways at no extra cost. This is a good option when the mom is available, and will help you save money.
46 Marker Test: Our 46 marker test for aunts/uncles will analyze 46 markers, which is twice as many markers than competitors’ 20-22 markers, and is modestly priced at only $175. This testing option likewise includes fast shipping both ways at no additional cost.
Aunts and uncles are indirect relationships, therefore a higher marker count or the inclusion of the mother is recommended to support more conclusive results.
Confidential results are typically available in 2–3 business days after samples are received in lab.
Our 34 Marker Test
$125
-
24-34
Marker Count
-
FREE
mom inclusion
-
High
Conclusiveness
-
FREE
2-Way Shipping
-
Our 46 Marker Test
$175
-
46
Marker Count
-
Extra Fee
for mom inclusion
-
Highest
Conclusiveness
-
FREE
2-Way Shipping
-
Typical Competitors
Up to $299
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16-22
Marker Count
-
Extra Fee
for mom inclusion
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Variable
Conclusiveness
-
Variable Pricing
on 2-Way Shipping
-
How the Avuncular DNA Testing Process Works
Our avuncular DNA testing process is straightforward, from ordering your kit to collecting cheek swab samples and receiving confidential results after the laboratory begins analysis.
Order Aunt/Uncle DNA TestOrdering & Shipping
After you order online or by phone, we ship a sterile avuncular DNA collection kit that includes the required swabs and a prepaid trackable return mailer for sending samples to the laboratory.
Sample Collection
DNA sampling is performed with a buccal cheek swab by painlessly rubbing what looks like an oversized Q-tip along the inside of the cheek and gum. Then you simply insert the swabs in the provided sample envelope.
Sample Analysis
Once the samples arrive, the laboratory analyzes the DNA profiles and performs a statistical comparison to assess the likelihood of the tested biological relationship. Results are reported in an easy-to-understand format based on the laboratory’s relationship analysis.
Results Reporting
Once testing is complete, the results are delivered via email to the email address on the order, and if a hard copy is ordered, the report is also sent via mail.
Home Paternity DNA Testing Reviews
For over 25 years, families across the United States have trusted PaternityUSA for reliable DNA testing and knowledgeable client support, serving hundreds of thousands of clients nationwide with fast, confidential results.
“In my opinion I am very satisfied. I have an adult daughter that’s 24 years old now that I did not know I had. The results came in very quickly, took a couple of days, and I am very pleased with this product. If I need it again, this is what I’ll get. I will definitely recommend this to anybody that needs to do a DNA test.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Avuncular DNA Testing
Get answers to common questions about avuncular DNA testing, including how the test works, who should participate, and how avuncular testing can help establish a biological relationship when a parent is unavailable. This information has been reviewed by a DNA testing specialist with over 20 years of experience, and all testing is performed by U.S. AABB-accredited laboratories.
YES! Avuncular DNA testing will determine the statistical probability of participants sharing a biological relationship as that of aunt-uncle and niece-nephew. Thus, an avuncular test can conclusively prove or disprove paternity.
Standard DNA tests analyzing 20–22 markers are usually sufficient for direct parent-child testing, where the child inherits about 50% of their DNA from the father. However, aunt/uncle (avuncular) testing involves individuals who share only about 25% of their DNA, making higher-marker analysis more important. A 46-marker test analyzes significantly more genetic data, increasing statistical power, reducing the chance of inconclusive results, and providing stronger, more reliable conclusions—especially when the mother is not available for testing.
Avuncular Aunt/Uncle DNA test results are reported using probability values between 0-100 and likelihood ratios that indicate how strongly the genetic data supports or refutes a aunt/uncle relationship.
It isn't uncommon for test participants to live too far apart to get together and do an avuncular DNA collection. We offer an option to have multiple collection kits shipped out for these situations. When you place your order, simply choose the option for an additional address. We send each collection kit for all addresses on your order within the contiguous USA with the same shipping method as the first. Before leaving the lab, the collection kits are linked through reference number and bar codes. When the samples are received back in lab, they are matched to your case through the bar code and reference numbers.
A Y-STR DNA test is often used when two males want to determine whether they share the same paternal lineage, such as an uncle and nephew attempting to confirm whether the uncle’s brother is the biological father. The test analyzes the Y chromosome, which is passed from father to son with little change across generations, allowing the laboratory to determine whether the two males share the same male line. Matching Y-STR profiles indicate a shared paternal lineage, while differences confirm that no paternal relationship exists. Other relationship tests—such as sibling, grandparent, or family reconstruction testing—may also be used depending on the family situation and whether the relationship being evaluated is on the paternal or maternal side.
The avuncular DNA testing process is simple and convenient. DNA is collected using a painless cheek swab (buccal swab) by gently rubbing the swab inside the cheek to collect skin cells. Each kit includes two swabs per person so the laboratory can perform duplicate testing for accuracy. After collection, the samples are placed in the prepaid return mailer and sent directly to the lab. Once all samples arrive, you’ll receive an email notification that testing has begun, and results are typically delivered by email within 2–3 business days, with optional hard copies mailed if requested. Collection kits are shipped quickly with free USPS delivery to physical addresses within the contiguous United States, and orders placed before 12:00 PM EST are usually shipped the same business day.
Our avuncular DNA test package includes everything needed for accurate testing, including the collection kit, laboratory analysis, and final results. While some companies suggest using household Q-tips® to create your own kit, this is not recommended because they are not sterile and may contain DNA from other sources, which can compromise sample quality. To avoid this risk, we provide sterile medical-grade buccal swabs at no charge and ship your DNA collection kit quickly with free USPS delivery so you can collect samples properly and send them directly to the laboratory. All avuncular DNA tests are performed in an accredited laboratory by experienced geneticists using validated scientific methods and modern DNA technology, ensuring reliable and confidential results. With affordable pricing and professional testing standards, PaternityUSA helps individuals and families obtain clear answers about biological relationships.
Our informational test provides you with peace of mind as to whether or not an aunt/uncle relationship exists between test participants. For avuncular DNA test results that are admissible in a court of law or other agency, purchase our accredited legal aunt/uncle DNA test. The legal avuncular DNA test results can be used as admissible court approved evidence in child support, visitation rights, change name on the birth certificate, estate, wills, probate situations, and more. If the embassy, USCIS or Dept. Of Homeland Security requires accredited DNA evidence of a biological aunt/uncle relationship for an immigration case, then contact us for information on how to get an immigration DNA test.
The most common method of DNA collection is through a cheek swab. However, we understand there are times when a test participant is unable to submit a swab, such as may be the case where a family member may be deceased, incarcerated or otherwise unavailable. For these reasons, we offer forensic processing services for other types of DNA samples. Ear wax, hair (with the root ball attached), mucous on a tissue or handkerchief, finger or toe nail clippings, and toothbrushes are common forensic samples. Additionally, in certain cases blood or tissue samples may be available from a medical examiner or coroner’s office. Forensic sampling prices apply for non-standard samples. For pricing and more details on this process, please contact a DNA Case Manager.
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