Avuncular is a term that refers to “uncle” or relating to “uncle”. In anthropology it is taken as being adjective that relates to the relationship between an uncle and his nephew. It has however wider applications in the DNA testing industry and can refer to the relationship between aunts as well as uncles with their nieces or nephews.
An alternative means of DNA testing to the more conclusive DNA paternity test is the avuncular test. This kind of test is done when the biological father of the child is unavailable for testing. The test will work out the statistical probability that the paternal aunt and/or uncle are in fact biologically related to their nephew or niece. In the test, it is usual to provide samples of an uncle or aunt and a nephew or niece, though one may choose to add more relatives. The mother’s DNA is also of great help for the laboratory testing of the DNA as it will strengthen genetic proof of relationship. The number of genes an aunt or uncle has in common with their niece or nephew is far lower than the number of genes shared between father and child. Should you wish to have more information please click on Aunt-Uncle DNA testing.
Testing the alleged father’s brother and sister is an alternative means for a paternity DNA test in a scenario where the alleged father is unavailable for testing. An avuncular test is usually the next best option when a grandparentage test is not possible. In an avuncular test, the laboratory will advise sending in the mother’s DNA samples as well. The test will calculate an avuncular index which will tell whether there is a biological relationship between the alleged father’s child and the child’s paternal aunt and/or uncle. The statistical probability will be an inclusion of relationship if it is 80% or higher and an exclusion of relationship should it be 20% or lower. Further information on Avuncular Testing can be found by visiting Aunt-Uncle DNA Testing.