A
question which is commonly encountered by families with twins is
“are they identical or fraternal?”
Knowing
whether twins are identical or fraternal is often difficult. Appearance
alone often is not a reliable method in determining twin type because
identical twins do not always look exactly the same, and fraternal
twins can sometimes look very similar, leading to confusion about
exactly what type of twins they are. Sometimes, twins grow up never
knowing for sure whether they are identical twins or not.
At
the time of birth, the physician will try to get an idea of whether
twins are identical or fraternal by examining whether they share
the same sac. Identical twins often form in a single sac, sharing
a placenta and amniotic membranes. Fraternal twins often form in
two separate sacs. However, up to 25% of the time, this method of
determining twin type is not accurate and can be very misleading.
In some cases, twins can have two sets of outer sacs (dichorionic)
and still be identical twins. Also, the two placentas of fraternal
twins can sometimes fuse together and appear to be one.
The
only way to conclusively determine whether twins of the same sex
are identical is through a simple DNA test. For this reason, many
parents of twins will consider a private DNA test for twins to determine
conclusively whether the twins are identical or fraternal. The DNA
twin test is fast, simple and painless. A DNA sample is taken from
each child by rubbing a painless swab gently inside the child’s
mouth for ten seconds. The samples are then submitted to the laboratory
for testing and conclusive results are available within 5 days.
16
Loci Premium Test Guarantee
Genetrack
offers the highest quality zygosity test for twins. Unlike lower
quality tests offered by smaller labs, Genetrack guarantees that
all 16 genetic locations are examined for the twin test. Because
fraternal twins often have very similar genetic material, it is
important for you to ensure that all 16 genetic locations are tested
to ensure conclusive results. Most smaller labs do not state how
many genes are tested unless you ask because they will cut corners
and test only 12 or less genetic locations. This test is painless
and will provide conclusive results in 3 to 5 days.
Greatest
Flexibility
If
you have a special request (e.g. split kit for testing in two different
cities, discreet shipping etc.) or if you are in a special situation,
contact us at 800-966-210 and our technical staff will be able to
assist you.
Test
Kit Guarantee
Genetrack
provides a 100% guarantee for its testing kits. Even if you lose
or damage the kit, Genetrack will replace it immediately at no cost.
Step 1 - Order the test
To
proceed with Twin testing, you can choose to proceed immediately
online
or click
here to download our requisition forms (in pdf format) and
send them in by fax or mail. The kit can also be ordered by calling
our laboratory at 800-966-210. Once you order the Twin test, a
sample collection kit will immediately be sent to the address
that you have specified for sample collection.
Step
2 - Collect the samples
The
Twin Test kit contains all of the materials and step-by-step instructions
to collect a buccal swab sample from both twins. The DNA sample
is collected by gently rubbing a soft swab inside the mouth against
the cheek for 10 seconds.
Step
3 - Submit the samples to the laboratory for testing
After
sample collection, the swabs are returned to the laboratory using
the return package enclosed in the testing kit.
Step
4 - Wait for results
Once
our laboratory receives the samples, testing begins immediately
and results are available 3 to 5 days from the day that we receive
the samples. You may call our laboratory using your file number
and password to obtain your results over the telephone, or you may
check your results online. The formal documents will follow by mail
and / or E-mail (this is specified when you order your test.) Results
of the test will indicate conclusively the type of twin zygosity
(identical or fraternal).
Toll
Free: 800-966-210, Hong Kong Office
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (Hong Kong Time)
Free
consultation & full technical support at every stage of your
entire testing and reporting progress from our technical staff and
scientists.
Superior
Customer Service
Genetrack
guarantees complete client support throughout every stage of the
testing process. Genetrack is one of the largest testing laboratories
in the world. We are famous for DNA paternity testing, and our reputation
for the best quality testing is unparalleled. We guarantee that
whether you proceed with our legal or our private test, you will
receive conclusive results with no hassle. We are here to help you
and we are confident that with our experience, technology, and dedication
to customer care, we will make this experience as easy for you as
possible.
Facts
About Twin
1.
What is an Identical Twin (monozygotic twin)?
Identical
twins form when a single fertilized egg splits into two genetically
identical parts. The twins share the same DNA because they were
originally from the same fertilized egg. Because identical twins
share exactly the same DNA, they will often look very similar. However,
environmental factors also play a role in development and sometimes,
identical twins may look very different even though they have exactly
the same DNA. Identical twins are always the same sex.
2.
What is a Fraternal Twin (dizygotic twin)?
Fraternal
twins develop from two completely different eggs which are fertilized
by two different sperm. The genetic connection of fraternal twins
is no more or less the same as siblings which are born at separate
times. Fraternal twins may be the same or different sexes, and they
may look similar to each other or they may look very different.
Applications
of Twin Test
Parents
of twins who need to
find
out for sure or to confirm their suspicion.
Twins who
want to know whether
they
are definitely identical twins or whether they are fraternal.
This test
is also applicable for
other
types of multiples (e.g. triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
