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Cases where you would need this test

This test can be used for various reasons including to establish a relationship between male siblings, cousins, uncle and nephew as well as for immigration purposes.

The test is often used in cases where male siblings want to know if they have the same biological father but where the biological father cannot be directly tested. In this case, testing the Y chromosome of the alleged father’s male children will confirm whether they were fathered by the same man.

By analysing the Y chromosome profile of tested parties, this test can identify if the participants are from the same paternal line. The Y chromosome is inherited and passed on from father to son through the generations. Since it has a relatively infrequent mutation rate, it will remain the same through many generations. It is only broken by the birth of a daughter but if a direct male line can be traced then all males in that direct male lineage will have an identical Y chromosome profile.

Testing between females

Females do not have a Y chromosome and therefore cannot do a Y chromosome test. However, females wishing to establish paternal lineage can do so by asking a male blood relative to take a Y chromosome test for them. Females who wish to establish if they have the same father can opt for an X chromosome test.

Notes about the test

It is important to understand that this test does not specify how the participants are related, meaning it cannot distinguish between male cousins, brothers, or uncle and nephew etc.

We can only guarantee standard result turnaround time when testing takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a discreet sample for your test may lead to an increase in turnaround time.

Collecting samples

Samples collection for a Y chromosome test is quick and complete in just a few simple steps – homeDNAdirect provides a self-sample collection kit which you can use to collect samples yourself. The sterile mouth swabs we provide in our kit are ideal for testing and just require a rub inside the mouth and under the tongue to collect the DNA required for your test. Read our DNA sample collection procedure here.