Most people assume that twins – whether identical or non-identical – share the same biological father. And in most cases, that assumption is correct. But not always. A recent documentary on BBC Radio 4 in the UK shattered this idea in the most remarkable way with the story of Michelle and Lavinia, non-identical twins who […]

When most people think about DNA relationship testing, paternity testing is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But what happens when the person you need to test is unavailable, or when the question isn’t about a parent and child at all, but other biological relationships with extended family? This is where complex DNA […]

When most people think about DNA testing, the image that comes to mind is of a simple cheek swab, a soft cotton bud, rubbed gently on the inside of the cheek to collect a DNA sample. It’s quick, painless, and highly effective. But what happens when collecting a cheek swab simply isn’t possible? Whether you […]

Finding out you’re expecting a baby is often accompanied by excitement, curiosity, and many questions. One of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: when can I find out the sex of my baby? Traditionally, parents have had to wait for the foetal anatomy scan at around 18 weeks to learn their baby’s sex […]

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has helped thousands of individuals and couples across Ireland build their families, offering hope where natural conception is not possible. The process is highly regulated and supported by rigorous laboratory procedures designed to protect patients, embryos and future children at every stage of treatment. This means that for most families, IVF […]

For as long as humans have been having babies, we’ve been fascinated by the question: is it a boy or a girl? Before modern-day scientific advancements, the only way to find out was to wait until the baby arrived. In the meantime, families would often turn to old wives’ tales or traditional beliefs in the […]

Finding out that you’re expecting a baby can be one of life’s most emotional and transformative experiences. But for some, the excitement of pregnancy can be accompanied by uncertainty, especially if you’re not sure who the baby’s father is. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many […]

DNA testing can offer clarity and answers in situations where uncertainty has lingered – particularly when it comes to family relationships. Whether it’s a paternity or prenatal paternity test to confirm biological parentage, or a sibling test to establish a shared connection, the results can bring up sensitive issues that may affect family dynamics. Being […]

As the festive season approaches, many of us begin the annual search for the perfect Christmas gift – something thoughtful, memorable, and a little out of the ordinary. In recent years, the focus has shifted away from traditional, tangible presents and towards more meaningful, experience-based gifts that bring people closer together. Whether it’s a gift […]

When questions arise about a person’s biological father, DNA testing can provide clear and reliable answers. However, there are circumstances where a traditional paternity test is not possible – for example, if the potential father is deceased, unavailable, or unwilling to participate. In these circumstances, an avuncular DNA test is a helpful alternative. An avuncular […]