Y-Chrom (Y-STR) Testing

This DNA test is often used to provide additional evidence in difficult paternity situations in which the alleged father is not available for testing—indirectly, it can tell you whether or not a child is related to the alleged father’s brother(s) and other male relatives who share a common paternal line.

Y-chromosome DNA testing (Y-DNA testing) is a specialized DNA test used to determine whether two or more males share a common biological father or paternal lineage.
The Y chromosome is passed almost unchanged from father to son. Because of this, males who share the same biological father — or come from the same paternal line — will have matching Y-chromosome markers.
Y-chromosome testing can confirm whether two males:
• Share the same biological father
• Belong to the same paternal family line
• Are related through the male lineage

In a paternity situation where the alleged father is missing, Y-STR analysis cannot distinguish a specific relationship between males who belong to the same paternal line. However, it is useful for excluding males from an alleged biological relationship. For example, if a male child and his alleged uncle (alleged father’s full brother) are tested, their Y-STR profiles must match. If they do not, then the alleged uncle is excluded (not considered a biological uncle) and the alleged father is probably not the biological father.

There are two types of DNA tests available: legal Y chromosome testing and private Y chromosome testing. Our fully accredited laboratory follows the same rigorous high-quality standards when processing both legal DNA tests and private DNA testing cases.

A legal Y- DNA test is required when results must be used for official or legal purposes. This type of testing follows a strict chain-of-custody process and is accepted by Canadian courts and government agencies.
Common reasons clients request court-admissible Y Chromosome testing include:
• Paternity cases when the alleged father is unavailable
• Brother-to-brother DNA testing
• Uncle and nephew DNA testing (paternal side only)
• Grandfather and grandson testing (paternal line)
• Family lineage and surname investigations
If you need a legal DNA test done, you can choose to come into one of our convenient testing locations across Canada or have a mobile unit sent to your home (in select areas). During the collection process, the individuals tested are positively identified through photographs and government-issued identification. Certified DNA specialists collect the DNA by doing a simple and painless mouth swab from the inside of the cheek. All information is documented on a Chain of Custody, which ensures all test results are accredited and legally admissible.
Once received at our laboratory, your results will be ready and sent via email within 5 to 7 business days, or for an additional $100.00 you can add a rush analysis which ensures your results are completed within 3 to 5 business days.

Private Y-DNA tests are treated the same as legal DNA tests in the laboratory, and they’re just as accurate. The difference is you can collect the DNA samples yourself in the comfort of your own home. You will receive your kit in the mail along with easy-to-follow instructions, collection envelopes, mouth swabs and a client ID form. We also include a self-addressed envelope so you can send back your samples for testing.
✔ No court involvement
✔ Confidential and private
✔ Fast results
Once received at our laboratory, your results will be ready and sent via email within 5 to 7 business days, or for an additional $100.00 you can add a rush analysis which ensures your results are completed within 3 to 5 business days.

If you have further questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact a Certified DNA Specialist toll-free at 1-877-477-5661.