GeneTrace DNA Cousin Test (lab fees included)

Get answers to commonly asked questions about this test kit.

What if the parties to be tested live in different cities?
If the parties to be tested live in different cities, we can split the kit for you and send the kit components to different addresses. Since the cousin test kit components are individually barcoded, the samples will still be tested together once they arrive at the laboratory. To order a split kit, simply enter the following information in the comments box of the order form when you check out.

“Please split this kit. Send one cousin’s portion of the kit to (Cousin’s name and shipping address), and send the other cousin’s portion of the kit to (Cousin’s name and shipping address).”

An extra shipping fee of $10 will be automatically applied for each additional address within the US. Split kits will be shipped out using USPS First Class Package Service.

How conclusive are DNA cousin tests?
The DNA cousin test not as powerful as a DNA paternity test so this test should only be considered in situations where it is absolutely impossible to test the alleged father using a DNA paternity test. The paternity test will always give an absolutely conclusive result regarding paternity. Whenever the alleged father is available for testing, the paternity test is always the recommended test as it is the most powerful and conclusive test. However, in cases where the alleged father is not available for testing and there is no other option but to test the cousins, the DNA cousin test can provide a statistical analysis of the probability of relationship.

What will my DNA cousin test tell me?
When a DNA cousin test is performed, the autosomal STR profiles of the alleged cousins are obtained and compared. A statistical analysis is performed based on the match type typically expected for true biological cousins and a “Combined Kinship Index” value is obtained. The value is compared against the following chart:

Combined Kinship Indexes and their verbal equivalent:
Combined Kinship Index >10000 = Practically proven
Combined Kinship Index from >1000 to 10000 = Highly likely
Combined Kinship Index from >100 to 1000 = Very likely
Combined Kinship Index from >10 to 100 = Likely
Combined Kinship Index from >1 to 10 = Slightly more likely than unlikely
Combined Kinship Index of 1 = Inconclusive
Combined Kinship Index from 0.1 to <1 = Slightly more unlikely than likely
Combined Kinship Index from 0.01 to <0.1 = Unlikely
Combined Kinship Index <0.01 = Highly unlikely

What if I need to use the results in court?
The private DNA cousin test is for personal knowledge only. It is intended for families to find out the truth before deciding on the next step. If you are interested in using the results in court, you will need to choose the legal DNA test. If the choose the legal test, you cannot collect the sample in private. The sample collection must be witnessed by an unbiased third party. Click here to learn more about legal testing.

I need to bring this kit out of the country. How soon do I need to collect the sample?
The DNA cousin test kit does not have an expiration date, so you can purchase it in advance and take it at any time. After the samples are collected, the DNA is good for at least 3 months at room temperature so you have lots of time in the event that you cannot send it back right away for testing. Just remember to follow the instructions in the kit to ensure that you collect the samples correctly.

Does the DNA kit have an expiration date? Do I need to use it right away?
The DNA test kits have no expiration date so you can use them at any time.

Can this DNA cousin test be done on newborns?
Yes, the DNA cousin test can be done for individuals at any age, even newborns.

How will I get my DNA cousin test results?
When you activate your DNA cousin test kit online, you will have a secure online login to check test status and download your DNA cousin test results as soon as they are ready.