Cousin Test

About the Cousin Test

Because of variables like the inheritance pattern of genes within the family, cousin DNA tests often result in inconclusive or inaccurate outcomes.

First cousins only share about 12.5% of their genes. Children share around 50% of their genes with each parent, while aunts and uncles share around 25% of their genes with nieces or nephews. In comparison to these, 12.5% is an insignificant figure.

Because first degree cousins do not share 87.5% of their genetic makeup, establishing their biological relationship is very challenging. Strangers also tend to share an amount of DNA, so if two individuals happen to have common genes, it would be difficult to determine whether this is because of a biological relationship or random chance.

Hence, even though some companies offer cousin DNA tests, EasyDNA does not recommend undergoing these tests because accurate, conclusive results cannot be guaranteed.

Alternatives to the Cousin DNA Test

Instead of a cousin DNA test, we recommend other DNA tests that are proven to be more accurate in determining the biological relationship of alleged relatives.

Paternity and Maternity Testing

We often get requests from individuals wishing to obtain a cousin DNA test because they want to know if they are biologically related to their parent. If this happens to be your purpose, too, we recommend considering our Paternity Test or Maternity Test to make sure your test results are accurate and conclusive.

Y Chromosome Test

For male cousins who wish to seek their biological relationship through the paternal line, we recommend carrying out a Y Chromosome Test. If male cousins share the same Y chromosome profile, then it is safe to assume that they also share the same paternal bloodline.

Aunt & Uncle DNA Test

To determine the biological relationship between aunts and/or uncles and nieces and/or nephews, avuncular DNA testing can be done. This is often done in lieu of a paternity test when the alleged father is not available as it can establish the child’s biological relationship to the alleged father’s family. If your purpose is to establish paternity and the father is not available, an Aunt & Uncle DNA Test will yield more accurate results compared to a cousin DNA test.

mtDNA Test

Finally, individuals who wish to establish their biological relationship through the maternal line can consider mitochondrial testing or the mtDNA Test. By analysing the maternally inherited mtDNA and identifying if both parties tested have the same mtDNA profile, this test can establish two individuals’ common maternal lineage. Because the birth of a male child interrupts the mitochondrial line, it is important that the individuals tested must have an unbroken, traceable maternal line to carry out this test.

  Click here for the full list of EasyDNA Relationship Testing. .

We recommend that you contact our customer service team to discuss your case and see if we can provide an optimal testing solution.