Do something grand this Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day celebrates the special bond shared by grandparents and grandchildren and is held in the UK on the first Sunday in October. In 2023, it will take place on 1st October.

The day, which was first celebrated in America, is dedicated to acknowledging the important contribution that grandparents make to their families, and is also an opportunity for us to show our appreciation and respect for older generations.

As a leading DNA and health testing laboratory, we want to highlight how deep the connection with our grandparents really goes. So join us as we look at how grandparents and grandchildren share DNA, and how grandparent DNA testing can be used to verify family relationships.

Do we share DNA with our grandparents?

Every child inherits half of their genetic profile from each of their parents – half from the mother and half from the father. This means that genetic information is passed down from grandparents to parents, and then from parents to their children.

We inherit some DNA from each biological grandparent. However, due to the random nature in which we inherit DNA, it’s unlikely that you’ll inherit an equal share of DNA from each grandparent.

Even so, this shared DNA makes it possible for expert geneticists to analyse and compare the DNA samples of grandparents and grandchildren in a laboratory to confirm whether they are biologically related.

What is a grandparent DNA test?

A grandparent DNA test is a type of complex DNA relationship test used to verify a biological relationship between grandchild(ren) and grandparent(s).

The test is most used when a child’s possible father or mother is unwilling or unavailable for paternity or maternity DNA testing.

Other than a paternity or maternity test, a grandparent DNA test is one of the most accurate and reliable tests available to confirm a biological relationship between a child and their father or mother, due to the way in which we share DNA with our grandparents.

However, it’s worth noting that, because of the way in which we share DNA with our biological parents, a paternity or maternity test is always the most conclusive way of confirming who a child’s biological parents are.

A grandparent DNA test is more likely to be conclusive if both grandparents from either the paternal or maternal side are tested, but it can also be performed with just one paternal or maternal grandparent.

How does a grandparent DNA test work?

For an AlphaBiolabs grandparent DNA test, cheek (buccal) DNA samples are collected from each sample donor (grandparent(s) and grandchild(ren)) using simple and painless cheek swabs.

Our at-home grandparent DNA test kit includes everything you need to collect these samples and return them to our laboratory for testing. Once the samples arrive at our laboratory, testing can begin. If the grandparent(s) and grandchild(ren) share enough DNA markers, this indicates a biological relationship.

However, in tests of a more complex nature, such as a sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent test, the chance of obtaining a conclusive result will always be lower than the more straightforward paternity or maternity tests. This is because the DNA hasn’t been directly inherited.

One thing that sets our grandparent DNA test apart from other testing laboratories is that we can analyse an industry-leading 45 DNA markers, compared to the industry standard of just 16-21 DNA markers.

This allows more genetic material to be analysed and therefore increases the chance of getting a conclusive result.

Where can I buy a Grandparent DNA test?

It’s easy to order a grandparent DNA test online with next day results from just £199 and you can even upgrade to same-day results for an extra £70. This makes our grandparent DNA test the fastest grandparent DNA test in the UK.

Plus, in the unlikely event that we cannot provide you with a conclusive result, we will give you a full refund!

Want to know if this test is right for you? Email our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Services team at info@alphabiolabs.com or call 0333 600 1300 now.