Are my twins identical? It sounds like a simple question, but getting a definitive answer can be very complicated.
For thousands of parents who have similar looking, same gender twins, it can be difficult to tell if they are identical or fraternal (non-identical) twins. Even doctors and midwives can't always be 100% sure.
There is only one way to know for 100% absolutely certain if your twins are identical or not - with a twin DNA test. Fun fact - identical twins do not share the same fingerprints. They patterns in the skin develop randomly in the womb.
Testing twins - whether they are newborns, children or adults - involves a simple cell sample from the inner cheek. It's quick & painless and safe to do on babies. A reputable DNA testing company will then be able to extract a DNA profile from the cheek cells and compare the two samples. If both DNA profiles are identical, then you've got identical twins. If you have fraternal twins, their DNA will have no more similarities than any other pair of siblings.
If you are thinking about getting you twins tested (or if you are a twin yourself), you can find further information about twin DNA testing below:
- The Paternity Company offer advice & information about all kinds of DNA testing - more info here
- DNA Diagnostics is another testing lab offering a number of different DNA tests and relates service - visit the website here
- This interesting article about twins and DNA
- "Are my twins identical?" - Another good article answering questions about twins and genetics - read it here
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