“Our boys wanted to know for sure – so we took a Twin DNA Test”

Confirming identical twins with AlphaBiolabs

For Claudia Contreras and her husband, finding out they were expecting twins was a life-changing moment.

Already parents to their son Luca, age 9, the news of twins – which came at the 14-week ultrasound scan – wasn’t something they expected.

“I was in shock – a mix of disbelief and excitement!” says Claudia.

“I called my husband, Fernando, who was driving at the time. He thought I was joking.”

As her pregnancy progressed, Claudia’s ultrasound technician discovered that the twins – both boys – were in separate amniotic sacs but shared a placenta, a finding often seen with identical (monozygotic) twins.

The specialist also spotted the ‘twin peak’ (or ‘lambda’) sign, a feature that ultrasound technicians look for early in a twin pregnancy to help determine whether each twin has their own placenta or if they are sharing one.

Are they truly identical?

As the boys grew up, Ethan and Nathan – now age 8 – began to question whether they were truly identical.

While Claudia had always been pretty certain they were, the boys queried how anyone could possibly know for sure.

“When the boys were around 4, we started getting comments from people in public,” says Claudia.

“People began to question whether they were truly identical, saying they didn’t look the same age. It also became more of a question at school in their first year, as they started to look different from one another.

“When they were smaller there was no question, they looked identical.”

So, what exactly does identical mean?

An AlphaBiolabs Twin DNA Test can tell you whether multiples are:

Identical (Monozygotic)	Non-identical (Fraternal / Dizygotic)	Semi-identical (Sesquizygotic)
Formed when one fertilised egg splits into two embryos	Occur when two separate eggs are fertilised by two different sperm	Extremely rare. Formed when one egg is fertilised by two sperm at the same time
Share 100% of their DNA (though small differences can occur)	Share as much DNA as siblings from different births – about 50%	Both twins will share 100% of their mother’s DNA, but only about 50% of their father’s DNA
Always the same sex, with extremely rare exceptions	Different sexes	Can be the same sex or different sexes

“Ordering a test from AlphaBiolabs was easy!”

During encounters with other multiples at local clubs and events, Ethan and Nathan could easily identify whether other twins were identical or non-identical (fraternal/dizygotic) – but they really wanted to know whether they were genetically identical.

That’s when Claudia began researching options for twin (zygosity) testing – and found AlphaBiolabs’ Twin DNA Test.

“As we read about the DNA testing process, the boys and I became more excited,” Claudia continues.

“Ordering a test from AlphaBiolabs was easy, because everything takes place exactly as outlined on the website. It was straightforward and, after collecting the cheek swab DNA samples and returning them to the lab, we soon had the answers we’d been searching for.”

When the results came back, Claudia and her family were delighted to find out that Ethan and Nathan are genetically identical.

Learn more: Fun facts about twins!

Extra reassurance

Claudia’s experience with the Twin DNA test has provided clarity and reassurance after years of uncertainty.

“For other parents considering the test, I’d definitely recommend it,” she says.

“It gives you reassurance if you or your multiples are wondering about it. I know adult twins that still question if they are identical or not, and others who discovered later in life that they were fraternal when they believed they were identical.

“The customer service was great. The process was so easy, and you get answers very quickly.

“I do recommend others use AlphaBiolabs if they’re looking for a reliable company for a twin DNA test.”

Learn more: Can identical twins look different?

Order a Twin DNA Test

Inspired by Claudia’s story?

Find out whether your multiples are genetically identical, with our Twin DNA (Zygosity) Test.

What makes our test the best available:

• €119 + Free shipping
• Results in just 2-3 days
• Find out if your twins/multiples are identical, non-identical or semi-identical
• ISO 17025-accredited lab
• Quick and easy cheek swab sample collection – do it yourself at home
• Cost of the test includes your test kit and all lab fees
• Option to test up to five siblings  
• Zygosity certificate included – a unique keepsake for multiple birth parents/siblings
• We’ll NEVER share your DNA results or data with any third-party organisations or DNA matching services

Order online now and get answers, fast.

Need support? Call our friendly, knowledgeable Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie.