Can you do a cousin DNA test?

Reliable confirmation of a 1st cousin biological relationship using DNA technology to directly compare their DNA profiles is NOT possible due to the relatively low amount of DNA shared between cousins (12.5% between 1st cousins). DNA tests are conducted by comparing parts of your DNA road map to see what they have in common. We use complex statistical programmes to provide a probability of how likely the biological relationship might be. There is natural variation in the regions of DNA we look at and this make it very difficult to give a reliable statistic about how related two “cousins” might be, compared to unrelated people.

However, by using common ancestors, such as parents, uncles, aunts or grandparents, we can usually give a helpful result. If you wish to undertake such a test, it is really important that we talk to you first as we would like to establish the best route for the DNA testing and find out from you who might be available to provide a DNA sample. Please call us on 0203 603 1189 (see www.thatdnacompany.com) and ask to speak with one of our DNA profiling experts, we would be happy to help.