Determine if twins are identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic)
A twin zygosity DNA test helps determine whether the twins are identical or fraternal. The most common reason for carrying out twin DNA tests is parental curiosity. Results of this test however can be used in situations where organ or bone marrow donations are required. Curious to know if twins are identical or fraternal? our twin zygosity test can answer all your questions.
About identical and non-identical twins
Twins test also known as zygosity test helps us find out whether twins, triplets or more are identical.
Identical Twins– Identical twins result from one zygote i.e. one egg is fertilized by one sperm cell and then splits into two embryos. Identical twins will have identical DNA profiles.
Fraternal Twins –When two eggs are independently fertilized by two different sperm cells, the resultant twins are fraternal.
Reasons For A Twins DNA Test?
Parents want to know all they can about their babies and especially when they have twins or triplets or more. When these twins grow up they also get curious to know. Here are the reasons why parents want to know about the zygosity of their babies:
- Just for their curiosity
- To answer the question ” Are they identical?”
- To find out the odds of having twins/triplets again especially for women with non-identical twins
- For any other reason where knowledge of zygosity is essential
- To find out their suitability for organ or bone marrow donation
A simple cheek swab is good enough to perform a twin DNA test. The DNA analysis is the same as is used for paternity tests. Canadian Forensics will provide details of the DNA profiles for each child/individual and confirm whether the results are consistent with them being identical or fraternal.
Twins can be identical and non-identical. Identical or monozygotic twins share the same DNA while non-Identical twins or heterozygotic twins in some rare cases could have a different father. Sometimes appearance doesn’t give you an answer to a question if twins are sharing the same DNA.
Note: Standard result turnaround time (7-10 business days) takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a discreet sample for any DNA test may lead to an increase in turnaround time.