Not many people are familiar with Y chromosome testing – what it’s for and why you might need one, but at AlphaBiolabs, we undertake numerous Y chromosome tests every year.
This particular type of DNA test is used to see whether two or more men come from the same male lineage – essentially whether they are biologically related in their male, paternal ancestry.
The test requires the collection of cheek cells (also known as buccal cells) from the inside of a man’s mouth. Back at our laboratory, DNA is extracted from these cells and compared with those of another alleged male relative.
Where there is a full match between the tested samples, this confirms the men share a paternal line. If the results show different Y chromosome profiles however, then conclusively, we can say they do not share the same paternal line.
Some uses of the Y chromosome test include male cousins, who might wish to check if their fathers were siblings, or brothers who want to check whether they share the same grandfather or even great-grandfather.
Y men only?
This test can only be undertaken by men because, of the two sexes, only they carry the Y chromosome.
Women do not – they carry two X chromosomes, whereas men carry one X and one Y.
Every man inherits his Y chromosome from his father, and he from his father and so on. The same Y chromosome is passed down from generation to generation meaning a clear paternal line can be detected in related males who undergo this test.
Biological brothers, male cousins, paternal uncles, father and son – they will all share the same Y chromosome.
Although females do not carry the Y chromosome themselves, a male biological relative can take the test on their behalf, which can be useful when proving relationships between paternal cousins, for example.
For more information about Y Chromosome Testing
You can find out more about AlphaBiolabs Y chromosome testing on our website, or you can call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email us at info@alphabiolabs.com
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