DNA Testing For Twins

A DNA test for twins can help confirm if siblings are identical twins or not. When a pair of twins is born they can either be 'identical' or 'fraternal'. The only way to confirm is through Twins DNA Testing. This is because identical twins have the same DNA profile whilst fraternal siblings do not.

Knowing whether twins are identical or fraternal is often difficult. Appearance alone often is not a reliable method in determining twin type because identical twins do not always look exactly the same, and fraternal twins can sometimes look very similar, leading to confusion about exactly what type of twins they are. Sometimes, twins grow up never knowing for sure whether they are identical.

Indetical twins occur when one egg is fertilised by one sperm and then splits resulting into two identical twins. Due to this, the DNA profile of identical twins is the same. Fraternal twins on the other hand have a different DNA profile and are born when two eggs are fertilised by two independent sperm thereby creating normal siblings that are simply born in proximity.

There may be a number of reasons for ordering a DNA Twin Test which may include personal/curiosity purposes (just to know), medical purposes (situations requiring blood transfusions and organ transplantation) or legal purposes (identification requirements).

How do I perform a Twins DNA test?

Once you place your order, we will  send you a collection DNA test kit to take the sample of the alleged twins using the oral swabs we provide. The collection procedure is simple and painless. You can refer to our Collection Procedure page for instructions and a visual presentation advising on the correct procedure to collect the samples. We are able to process a wide range of DNA samples, you can view a list of these in our Forensic DNA Testing section.

Once we receive your samples, they will be analysed using our state-of-the-art and accredited DNA testing laboratory. All tests are conducted on 16 different genetic markers. The results will confirm if the twins are identical or not. Results are available within 5 working days after arrival of the samples at our labs.

A Twin Zygosity Test costs $245 for two siblings to be tested with the additional cost per sibling being $130.

You can also find additional information in our article titled : Zygosity Twin DNA Testing