What is DNA?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule in the body that carries our genetic code and makes us who we are. We inherit half our DNA from our biological mother and half from our biological father. Each person inherits a unique mixture of our parents DNA which ,with the exception of identical twins, makes each of us genetically different, and the Y-chromosome in all males. This is because the Y-chromosome DNA is inherited directly from a father to all his biological sons virtually unchanged and will be the same in all his descendants.
What is a Y-chromosome DNA test?
It tests whether a male individual is related to another male individual through the paternal line. Male children inherit their Y chromosome from their father virtually unchanged. They then pass on the same Y chromosome inherited from their father to their sons. Males believed to be from the same male line can be tested to see if they have identical Y-chromosomes. Females do not have a Y-chromosome and therefore cannot do this test DNA is present in almost all of our cells, including those lining the inside of our mouth. Simply rubbing the inside of the mouth with a swab transfers some of those cells onto the swab. The laboratory extracts the DNA from the swab and the test is conducted.
How does a Y-chromosome test work?
A Y-chromosome DNA test can help confirm if individuals share a common paternal lineage (male line). The test will compare the Y chromosome profiles (or haplotype as it is known) of the tested males. A full match between profiles confirms a shared paternal line. If the males have different Y chromosome profiles then they do not share the same paternal line.
When would Y chromosome testing be needed?
A Y-chromosome DNA test can help confirm if males share a common paternal lineage (male line). It may be brothers, or fathers and sons, grandsons and grandfathers, who want to see if they are from the same male line. This test will compare the Y chromosome profiles of the tested males. A full match between profiles confirms a shared paternal line. If the males have different Y chromosome profiles then they do not share the same paternal line. Other uses of the test include male cousins who want to see if their fathers were brothers or to check if they shared a common grandfather or ancestor.
What DNA samples can be used?
A swab from inside the mouth is all that is needed as DNA is found in our cells that line the surface of the mouth. No other samples will be accepted for this Y-chromosome test. You must use the swabs contained in the sampling kit you will receive. The sampling is quick, non-invasive and painless.
If you wish to test material from a deceased male individual please contact the lab to discuss the situation. Some alternate sample types can be accepted at an additional cost.
What is a peace of mind Y-chromosome test?
This is a test that is run for your own information. You collect the swabs at home at a time convenient for you. You post the swabs back to our laboratory for analysis and we will email the report to you. The postage for sending the kit to you, and for sending the samples back to the laboratory is all included in the cost of the test.
This test is exactly the same test that is run for the immigration tests required for court purposes, the only difference is the sample has not been sampled by someone impartial, who can verify the identification of the individuals sampled. This is a critical requirement for any test report to be used in court.
Please note that whilst you are solely responsible for home sampling it is still a legal requirement that someone with parental/legal guardian responsibility for children under 16 must sign consent to the child’s sample being taken at home.
How soon after birth can a Y-chromosome test be done on a baby?
It can be done immediately after birth. Taking a swab from the inside of the baby’s mouth is totally harmless, painless, non-invasive and quick.
What is in the Y-chromosome DNA Test kit
- Instructions For Use
- A Sample Consent Form
- The required number of;
- sterile swabs
- microtubes
- barcodes
- protective pouches
- Prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 tamperproof return box
How do I take the sample?
The Instructions For Use included in the kit detail everything to assist you in taking a mouth swab. It is very straightforward, painless and quick. The most important thing to remember is NOT taking the swab within 30 minutes of eating or drinking. Food or drink residue can result in poor quality DNA and a new sample may be requested.
How soon will the results be ready?
The Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub aims to have all samples for Y-chromosome DNA testing received back at the laboratory before 10am on a working day resulted by the end of the SAME working day. Those received after 10am will be reported within 2 working days. If a swab does not contain sufficient or adequate quality DNA the result may be delayed as we may need to request another sample.
The results will be emailed to the email address provided on the sample consent forms.
Are the home sampling kits discreet?
Yes our kits are posted out in plain grey or white plastic envelopes with no branding on them.
How do I go about doing the Y-chromosome DNA test?
Order and pay for a test kit online. A kit will be shipped to you 1st class via Royal Mail. When you receive the kit follow all the instructions carefully and post the samples back to the laboratory in the prepaid tamperproof box.
How do I arrange for an at home DNA test?
Click HERE to take you to the online link to order your test. Everything you need take the samples will be sent out to the address of your choice.
What happens to my DNA samples after testing?
The samples are destroyed after THREE months unless we are otherwise prior instructed in writing or the samples relate to a case where we have been notified of possible fraudulent activity. All other confidential documentation will be destroyed after TWELVE months unless we are otherwise instructed. All DNA profiles retained for up to 6 years.
How much does it cost?
£199 for an at home Y-chromosome DNA test between two male individuals. There are no additional charges for an electronic full report. The report will include each individual’s Y-chromosome DNA profile (haplotype) and a summary of the findings. There are no additional charges for the rapid turnaround time of next day results.
The only additional charges that apply are if more than two males are to be tested. Each additional male will be charged at £99. All postage costs are included in these costs.
Can a Y-chromosome DNA test establish paternity?
No, it cannot. A Y-chromosome DNA test only identify if the males tested are from the same paternal line. If a mother of two male children had a relationship with two related males from the same male line both boys would have the same Y-chromosome but not necessarily the exact same biological father.
It can however accurately rule out if they are NOT brothers. If two male individuals have DIFFERENT Y-chromosome DNA profiles (haplotypes) they definitely DO NOT have the same biological father.
Can a Y-chromosome DNA test be carried out when a father is deceased?
It is possible to identify if a male child belongs to a particular paternal line using the Y-chromosome DNA test, even after his father has passed away. A male child can be linked to male cousins and father of the biological father (ie the child’s grandfather) where necessary.
Is home Y-chromosome DNA testing legal?
Yes, it is legal, as long as the correct consent is given for the sample donors participating in the DNA test.
The Human Tissue Act 2004, which covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland, includes a section (Section 45) on the non-consensual analysis of DNA and creates a new offence of DNA ‘theft’.
It is unlawful to have human tissue with the intention of its DNA being analysed, without the consent of the person from whom the tissue came. In Scotland, The Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006 deals with the uses of human tissue, and also covers the non-consensual testing of DNA. Failing to obtain or abusing consent will result in consequences and even punishments. Therefore consent is needed from, or on behalf of, each person whose samples are provided for DNA testing.
Anyone aged 16 or over must provide their own consent (a signature) to take part in DNA testing. For children under 16 years of age, consent must be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for the child. In the UK, a mother has parental responsibility for her child automatically from birth. A father usually has parental responsibility if he’s either: married to the child’s mother, or named on the birth certificate (after a certain date, depending on which part of the UK the child was born in).
