Sibling / Avuncular / Cousinship Testing
Indirect biological kinship tests—such as sibling, avuncular (aunt/uncle–niece/nephew), or cousinship testing—are used when it is not possible to directly analyze the DNA of the alleged parent (for example, due to absence or death). These analyses allow the evaluation of the probability of a biological relationship between two or more individuals by comparing their respective genetic profiles.
How the test works: the analytical phases
Collection of the biological sample: buccal swab, non-invasive, suitable even for newborns
DNA extraction and purification
DNA quantification and amplification (PCR)
Capillary electrophoresis for fragment separation
Statistical analysis and calculation of paternity probability
Useful information
Required documentation
On the day of the appointment, please bring:
- A valid ID for all individuals involved
- Self-certification of family status (required only in the case of a minor)
Arrival at the laboratory
- A forensic biologist will explain the procedure, the purpose of the test, and the contents of the informed consent form
- Subjects will be identified through document verification (stored together with the consent form and the report)
- After signing the consent, the buccal swab—simple and non-invasive—will be performed
- Samples are registered, anonymized, and immediately sent for analysis
Reporting times
- Standard paternity test: approximately 7 working days
- ONE-DAY paternity test: 24 hours from sample collection
Report delivery
The report may be:
- Picked up in person or by a delegated individual
- Sent via email (in protected format)
Legal warnings
In accordance with the Authorization for the Processing of Genetic Data issued by the Italian Data Protection Authority (Official Gazette No. 3, 4 January 2013), and in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR), the following practices are strictly prohibited and punishable under applicable law:
- Performing genetic testing without the free, specific, informed, and explicit consent of all individuals concerned;
- Collecting biological samples from minors without the authorization of the holder of parental responsibility or legal guardianship;
- Using anonymous, illicitly obtained, or clandestinely collected biological samples.
The Laboratory processes genetic data exclusively for lawful purposes, in accordance with the principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimization, purpose limitation, and security, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects.
Legal validity of the test
The test performed at our laboratory complies with current regulations and is legally valid like any other medico-legal report.
