Twin DNA Test
Use DNA to understand the relationship between twins.
What is Twin DNA Testing?
Only twin zygosity DNA testing can positively confirm whether twins are identical or fraternal. Although more than 70% of Dichorionic Diamniotic (Di/Di) twins are fraternal, they can also be identical. A twin zygosity analysis compares the twins’ DNA profiles to see whether they match—an exact match proves they are identical. Twins of any age can be tested. The report is posted to your secure online account just 2 business days after all samples have been received at the lab.
How the Twin DNA Test Works
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Initial Consultation with Support
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Scheduling & Financial Considerations
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DNA Sample Collection Procedure
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Result Delivery & Interpretation
Schedule an Appointment
If you are adult twins living in different states, we’ll send out separate testing materials—easy!
Reasons to get a Twin DNA Test
To confirm the truth about a twin relationship
Medical and/or health reasons
Lost medical records about zygosity
To put to rest doubt that may have arisen because of the twins’ physical characteristics as they age
Results are completely confidential, and your private genetic information is never shared with or sold to outside parties.
Testing Options for Twin DNA Testing
Legal: If you want names of the twins on their DNA-test report, choose the legal option with witnessed DNA-collection. GameDay DNA coordinates DNA-sample collection at an approved location near you. These results are court-admissible.
Peace of Mind: If you need the sibling-test results solely for peace of mind and are not concerned with having the twins’ names on the report, you can collect your DNA at home and send it to DDC for testing. Keep in mind results are not court-admissible.
Schedule an Appointment
To order a Twin DNA Test, call 302.527.1789
Frequently Asked Questions About the Twin DNA Test
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Twins with separate placentas are not always fraternal. Only a twin zygosity DNA test can confirm the exact relationship between twins.
Before the widespread use of DNA testing, medical professionals (and therefore parents) assumed that, if twins had their own amniotic sacs and their own placentas, then they must be fraternal.
Fraternal twins come from two eggs being fertilized by two sperm. The zygotes implant separately, have their own in-utero “condos,” and can be girl/girl, boy/boy, or boy/girl.
Identical twins come from a single fertilized egg that splits in two. This division happens usually around days 4 or 5, and after the placenta and amniotic sac have started developing.
BUT :
If the fertilized egg splits before the placenta and amniotic sac normally start forming for identical twins, say around days 2 or 3, then each zygote develops its own sac and placenta.
So what could look like fraternal twins to medical pros is actually a set of identical twins!
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Results from a twin DNA test can be used for legal reasons if a chain-of-custody process is followed: the test is set up by a GameDay DNA specialist, DNA collection is witnessed at an approved facility, and samples are sent directly to our partnered lab for testing from the facility. If you just want answers for personal knowledge or as a guide for possible future medical treatment, then a home twin DNA test is an option.
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No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit for a twin DNA test. Testing is routinely performed for newborn, toddler, teen, and adult twins.