This list of questions and answers provide basic information about the twin DNA testing services offered by Proactive Genetics. If you can not find the answer to your question, please contact us and we'll promptly provide you with an answer. How is twin DNA testing performed?

How old must the multiples be to have the test?

How long does it take to get test results?

In what form can I receive results?

Can these test results be used for medical or legal purposes?

What if the DNA swabbing didn't work the first time?

What if the DNA test doesn't work?

How accurate are the test results?

Would it be better to do a blood test versus a cheek swab?

Can you test for polar body twins?

How can you offer zygosity testing at such a low cost?

How do I get the swab kit?

Do you offer paternity testing?

What is your refund policy?

How is twin DNA testing performed?

It's very easy since the same DNA is found in every cell in the body. We will send regular, cotton-tipped swabs and a vial containing buffer solution through the mail. The twins (or parents of twins) should rub the inside surfaces of their mouths with the cotton swab, painlessly removing cells from the surface of the cheek and gum. The swabs should then be mailed back in the envelope we provide. We will analyze the DNA from these cells and be able to determine if the twins are identical or fraternal. back to top

How old must the multiples be to have the test?

Zygosity testing works on multiples of any age, newborns to adults. The simple and non-invasive swabbing procedure allows for the rapid and painless collection of a DNA sample. See our Zygosity FAQ for more information back to top

How long does it take to get test results?

After you place your order, allow 2-3 days for your kit to arrive. Your samples can be mailed back the next day. Then allow another 2-3 days for the completed samples to be received by our lab. After they have been received, your results will be available within 10 business days. From start to finish, expect a maximum of 20 days and a minimum turn around time of 12 days. back to top

In what form can I receive results?

During the ordering process, you may elect to receive a copy of your results via email. This is the fastest method to receive your results. All clients are also mailed printed copies of results and receive duplicate copies for twins and triplicate copies for triplets for record keeping and scrap booking purposes. Results are also available by phone provided that we can determine we are speaking with the person who ordered the test. back to top

Can these test results be used for medical or legal purposes?

Although Proactive Genetics uses the same genetic testing techniques offered by other clinical testing labs, we do not offer an accredited test that could be used for medical or legal purposes. We receive DNA samples provided by our clients through the mail and therefore we can't be certain that the samples were correctly obtained and cannot monitor the chain of custody. However, the results of the test are 99.9% accurate and are suitable for informational purposes such as the satisfaction of curiosity of parents of twins or adults twins who never definitively knew their zygosity status. back to top

What if the DNA swabbing didn't work the first time?

Although this is very uncommon, we will send you another swabbing kit at no additional charge and expedite your results. back to top

What if the DNA test doesn't work?

In the rare case that the test can not prove with 99.9% accuracy the zygosity status of the twins, you will receive a full refund. back to top

How accurate are the test results?

When all of the 15 of the markers we examine are the same for a pair of same-sex twins, we can be greater than 99.9% confident that the twins are identical or monozygotic. When there are differences between the markers, it is certain that the twins are fraternal or dizygotic. back to top

Would it be better to do a blood test versus a cheek swab?

The answer to this question is somewhat surprising. Actually, a cheek swab is preferable to a blood test. The reason is that blood chimerism has been shown to exist between twins and the mother. What this means is blood stem cells can co-mingle between twins and the maternal circulation during development. This can cause some populations of blood cells to have an origin that is different from the person in which descendants of those cells are now circulating. For this reason, it is preferable to look at body tissues such as from the inside of the cheek which are not typically affected by this sort of chimerism. back to top

Can you test for polar body twins?

No, we are not able to test for polar body or half-identical twins. Read more about polar body twins here. back to top

How can you offer zygosity testing at such a low cost?

Proactive Genetics specializes in zygosity testing for multiples and is able to pass cost savings onto clients by focusing on a single genetic test. back to top

How do I get the swab kit?

Go to our Order Test page to learn the different ways you can place your order. A swab kit will be shipped within two business days of our receiving your order and payment. back to top

Do you offer paternity testing?

No, we do not offer paternity testing. back to top

What is your refund policy?

If you would like to cancel your order after your kit has been shipped, we will refund the total cost of your kit less $20.00. For more details, please read our complete Refund Policy. back to top