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The Y-STR Paternal Lineage Test is a specialized DNA test used to confirm whether males are related through their paternal line. Since the Y chromosome is passed virtually unchanged from father to son, this test is especially useful when the alleged father is unavailable or deceased, and other paternal relatives are tested instead.

Who Needs to Be Tested

• Two (2) or more males who believe they share the same paternal lineage

Turnaround Time

• Standard: 5 business days from receipt of all samples

Chain-of-Custody Testing (For Legal Purposes)

For legally defensible results, strict chain-of-custody procedures are required:

• Samples collected by a neutral third party (clinic or laboratory)

• Positive ID verified with government-issued ID, photo, and/or fingerprinting

• Official DDC DNA kit used

• Each participant completes and signs a Client Identification & Consent Form (COC-4002)

• Guardianship of tested minors verified at time of signing

• Kits cannot be in possession of clients before or after collection

Important Legal Requirement:
If a Y-STR test is performed for legal purposes, an additional test must be performed to determine the underlying relationship (e.g., a siblingship test if testing possible brothers). This is an AABB accreditation requirement and carries additional costs. Please contact us for pricing.

Non-Chain-of-Custody Testing (For Personal Knowledge)

For informational purposes only (not valid for court use):

• At-home buccal (cheek swab) kit provided

• Samples collected by individuals themselves

• Results for personal knowledge only

• Names on the report match how they are labeled on the samples

• Each kit assigned a unique barcode for tracking and account reference

Important Notes

• The Y chromosome is passed only from father to son. Example: a grandfather → father → grandson.

• Y-STR testing identifies haplotypes (combinations of alleles on the Y chromosome) to establish paternal lineage.

• Haplotypes are not unique—common patterns can appear multiple times in the population.

• Y-STR testing is not as definitive as direct parentage testing but can provide powerful evidence when combined with other relationship tests (siblingship, reconstruction, avuncular).

• Results provide either inclusionary or exclusionary evidence of paternal lineage.

Key Features

• Confirms whether two or more males share the same paternal ancestry

• Results in 5 business days

• Legal (chain-of-custody) and non-legal options available

• Useful when the father is unavailable for testing

• Supports other tests such as siblingship and reconstruction