The purpose of the twin test
The twin test offered by DNS Központ can clearly determine whether a pair of twins is identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic). Twins and their parents are often curious about this. It can also be important to know with regard to the future: identical twins are perfect organ and tissue donors for one another in the event of an accident or illness. Identical twins develop from the same fertilised egg: it is created from the union of a single egg and a single sperm cell. Since they originate from the same cell, their genetic material is perfectly identical.
Fraternal twins develop from two separate zygotes — two separate fertilised eggs: two separate cells, fertilised by two separate sperm cells at roughly the same time. As a result, their genetic material is not identical; it differs to the same extent as that of non-twin siblings. DNS Központ can determine with complete certainty which type of twin pair is involved.
The subjects (participants) of the twin test
The twin test has two participants — the two twins. A sample from the parents is not needed in this case.
The laboratory compares the DNA patterns of the twins and determines whether they are identical or fraternal. The DNA pattern of identical twins is the same; that of fraternal twins differs.
Results of the twin test
The results of the twin test tell you whether the twins are identical or fraternal. Comparing the twins' DNA patterns clearly shows whether they developed from the same fertilised egg or from two separate cells.
The turnaround time for the twin test is 14 working days. The results are sent by post or by e-mail.
