Short Tandem Repeats (STR) analysis is a vital technique in DNA testing, particularly for relationship testing and genetic sequencing. STR testing involves comparing specific regions of DNA to identify shared genetic markers between individuals, allowing us to establish familial connections with high accuracy.

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Including Additional Participants for Improved Accuracy

Since STR testing compares shared DNA sequences, we highly recommend including the sample of any known parent of the individuals being tested. This helps distinguish between maternal and paternal DNA, enhancing the precision of the analysis and making it easier to identify and evaluate the genetic material passed from each parent.

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Understanding the Outcome of Your STR Analysis

For more information on how to interpret your STR analysis results, we invite you to visit our Interpreting the Result of a DNA Relationship Test page, which provides further details on the outcomes of your STR test.

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What Are Short Tandem Repeats (STR)?

STRs are short sequences of DNA that are repeated multiple times. DNA is made up of repeated sequences called nucleotides, which pair up to form base pairs. The four possible base pairs are adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).

An STR sequence may consist of a repeated pattern of base pairs, such as an ATAT (adenine-thymine) sequence. The number of times this sequence repeats can vary between individuals. These variations, occurring at specific locations on the DNA (STR loci), are what make STR analysis an effective tool for identifying and differentiating genetic relationships.

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How STR Testing Helps Identify Relationships

The variations in STR sequences between individuals are used to distinguish their genetic makeup. By comparing STR markers between individuals, STR testing reveals how closely related they are, which is why it is an essential tool for paternity testing, family relationship verification, and genetic research.