Forensic DNA Relationship Testing

Discreet, Powerful, and Trusted DNA Analysis for Complex Relationship Questions

We understand some situations require discreet DNA testing. When answers matter most, Validity Genetics offers Forensic DNA Relationship Testing to help you get clarity in even the most complicated cases. Whether you're testing old clothing, hair, toothbrushes, or other discreet samples, our lab can extract and analyze DNA to confirm biological relationships. Even when standard testing isn’t possible.

What Is Forensic DNA Relationship Testing?

Forensic DNA Relationship Testing is a specialized type of DNA analysis that uses non-standard or discreet samples—like hair, fingernail clippings, toothbrushes, razors, or used clothing—to determine biological relationships.

This type of testing is ideal when:

  • A person is deceased or unavailable for testing.

  • You only have access to personal items containing DNA.

  • You need to test without someone’s direct involvement.

  • There are sensitive circumstances that require discreet testing methods.

When Would You Need a Forensic Relationship Test?

People turn to Forensic DNA Relationship Testing when a traditional swab sample can’t be collected. Here are some real-life examples:

Suspected Paternity with No Direct Access

If a potential father has passed away, we can extract DNA from items like a razor, toothbrush, or hat to determine paternity through a child’s comparison.

Clothing or Hair from a Relative

A child’s hairbrush or worn clothing can be used to help determine if a sibling or parent-child relationship exists, even if the person isn’t available for cheek swab testing.

Discreet Sibling Testing

Want to know if you and your sibling share both biological parents, but don't want to raise suspicions? You can send in their hair or toothbrush and compare it to your own.

Grandparent or Avuncular Testing

Sometimes, the only available relatives are a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. With forensic testing, we can work with items they’ve used to assess a family connection.

Commonly Tested Forensic Samples

  • Toothbrush (Highly Recommended)

  • Razor

  • Hair with root (Hair must contain the roots as this is where the DNA is stored. We recommend 5+ strands.)

  • Fingernail or toenail clippings

  • Hat, pillowcase, or worn clothing

  • Cigarette butts

  • Chewing gum

  • Dried blood stains

  • Drinking straws or bottles

Not sure if your sample is testable or if you have enough strands of hair? See our commonly used samples below, or Contact us before you send it in. We'll help you determine if it's suitable.

*Please note Special Samples do not include: Teeth, Bones, Bone Marrow, Organs or Muscle Tissue, Feces, Paraffin Embedded Tissue, or FFPE. *

To test these items or additional questions please contact us.

Discreet Forensic DNA Testing Sample Examples

Types of Relationship Tests Available Using Forensic Samples

Whether you’re confirming paternity, checking if you share the same biological father, or verifying a family connection for peace of mind or legal reasons, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose Validity Genetics?

✅ Testing done at an AABB Accredited Laboratory – High-quality, reliable DNA testing.
✅ Private and Discreet – No one needs to know you’re testing. We do not sell data.
✅ Expert Support – Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
✅ Flexible Sample Options – We work with non-standard samples everyday.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee there will be a sufficient amount of DNA to obtain results when sending in non-standard DNA samples for testing. The success rate depends on the quality of the sample provided.

In most case the final results will be completed and emailed within 5-7 business days of its arrival at our lab.

Get Started with Confidence

If you have a unique situation or need to test discreetly, our forensic relationship DNA testing service can help. We understand the emotional weight and complexity behind these tests, and we’re committed to delivering accurate, confidential results you can trust.

Ready to begin?

Contact us with any questions regarding these type of samples at Info@ValidityGenetics.com.

WHAT KIND OF SAMPLES DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

We primarily use simple oral buccal swabs (cheek cell collection) to collect samples for our quick easy home and legal DNA tests.

Validity Genetics can test from a variety of other types of samples. However, in these cases an extra fee may apply as well as a possible longer turnaround time for sample processing.

How fast can I get my results?

Validity Genetics offers a quick turnaround time of only two business days once received at the lab for all of our standard buccal swab DNA collection tests. We also have rush options available if needed (may not available on some special sample types such as Infidelity Testing).

How accurate are the tests?

Our procedures test for 22 genetic markers and the gender identification marker amelogenin. This ensures you receive 99.99% accurate test results.

A general principle for DNA testing is that the more genetic information available, the greater the precision of the test.

All of Validity Genetics' genetic testing services follow strict and validated procedures for processing samples to guarantee the utmost care of your samples.

Cart (0)