
Single Grandparentage Test
Confirming a relationship through one grandparent when the parent isn't available
- Participants:
- Mother, Child, One Grandparent
- Lab processing:
- 5 business days after the lab receives your samples
Quantity
Order with these add-ons (optional)
Overview
When an alleged father isn't available to test, his parent's DNA can help estimate whether a child is biologically related to that family for personal information. This single-grandparent option compares a child, the mother, and one grandparent. Including the mother strengthens the analysis because it lets the lab identify which of the child's DNA came from the maternal side.
Grandparentage results are reported as a likelihood (a combined relationship index), not a simple yes/no, and a single grandparent gives a less conclusive result than testing both grandparents. This is a private, peace-of-mind test — it is not chain-of-custody and not admissible in court.
What you get
- Cheek swabs for three participants (mother, child, grandparent)
- Step-by-step illustrated instructions
- Pre-addressed return mailer or FedEx label
- A private results report with a relationship likelihood by email
How it works
- 1
Order your kit
Choose your test and check out online. No appointment or doctor's order needed.
- 2
We ship within 1 business day
Your collection kit ships free with cheek swabs, step-by-step instructions, and a return mailer.
- 3
Collect samples at home
Each participant gently swabs the inside of their cheek. Painless and takes about a minute per person.
- 4
Mail samples to the lab
Drop your samples in the mail using the supplied envelope. Prepaid Return Mailer or FedEx Overnight Label Provided. Lab processing time starts when the lab receives your samples.
- 5
Receive results securely
The lab sends your report to us and we forward it to you privately by email.
Turnaround timeline
- 1Kit ships — Within 1 business day of your order.
- 2In transit to you — A few days, depending on your location.
- 3You collect & mail back — At your own pace. The clock for lab processing has not started yet.
- 4Lab processing — 5 business days after the lab receives your samples.
- 5Results delivered — Sent to you privately by email.
Accuracy & methodology
Grandparentage testing produces a relationship index and probability rather than a fixed 99.9% figure. Results are strongest when both grandparents and the mother are included; a single grandparent is less conclusive. The lab may recommend adding participants if the result is inconclusive. Testing is performed by our accredited partner laboratory.
Testing is performed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory.
Your privacy & trust
Your privacy matters to us, and DNA information is among the most sensitive personal data there is.
- Samples are used only to perform the test you ordered and are destroyed after testing is complete. <!-- TODO: confirm exact sample-retention window with fulfillment lab before publishing -->
- Results are delivered privately by email and are never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing.
- Your DNA data is treated as sensitive personal information. While at-home, informational tests are generally not covered by HIPAA, we handle your results with comparable care.
- You can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting us.
Frequently asked questions
- How is this different from a paternity test?
- A paternity test compares a child directly with the alleged father. Grandparentage estimates the relationship indirectly through a grandparent, which is useful when the alleged father can't be tested. It is generally less conclusive than direct paternity testing.
- Would testing both grandparents be better?
- Yes. Including both grandparents (see our Grandparentage tests) gives a stronger, more conclusive result than a single grandparent.
- Can I use this for legal purposes?
- No. It is for personal peace of mind only and is not admissible in court or for immigration.
Related tests

Grandparentage Test (With Mother)
Both grandparents and the mother confirming a relationship to a child
- Participants:
- Both Grandparents, Child, Mother
- Lab time:
- 5 business days

Grandparentage Test (Without Mother)
Both grandparents and a child when the mother isn't available
- Participants:
- Both Grandparents, Child
- Lab time:
- 5 business days

Avuncular Test (Aunt / Uncle)
An aunt or uncle and a child estimating a biological relationship
- Participants:
- Aunt or Uncle, Child (mother optional)
- Lab time:
- 5 business days
Need a legal DNA test?
Need results for a custody case, child support, immigration, or any other legal matter? An at-home test cannot be used for those purposes. You'll need a court-approved, chain-of-custody DNA test performed through an accredited laboratory, where a neutral third party verifies every participant's identity and handles the samples.