About this test

The test has been optimised to cope with low amounts of DNA, as well as degraded DNA, and specifically targets 24 predictive DNA regions in following genes:

MC1R, SLC45A2, ASIP/PIGU, EXOC2, HERC2, IRF4, KITLG, OCA2, TYR, SLC24A4, and TRYP1.

The Phenotype panel can be used independent of bio-geographic ancestry.

What will the results show?

Your report will suggest the probability of blue, intermediate (including green), or brown eye colour as well as shade of black, brown, red, or blond hair.

(Please note: This test is not able to accurately predict age-dependent colour shade changes, such as blond to brown or dark blond to light blond.

Non-blue and non-brown eye colours, such as green, will be stated as Intermediate, as there are currently no DNA-markers with the ability to strongly predict non-blue and non-brown eye colours.)

What kind of sample is required for testing?

All we need is a simple and painless mouth swab. DNA is then extracted from the cells collected from inside of the cheek. The test can also be performed using blood for an extra cost.

Results:

Results will be available within 14-21 working days after receipt of specimen at our Brisbane laboratory and will be emailed to you as soon as they are available.

Reference

Walsh, S., Liu, F., Wollstein, A., Kovatsi, L., Ralf, A., Kosiniak-Kamysz, A., Branicki, W. and Kayser, M. (2013). The HIrisPlex system for simultaneous prediction of hair and eye colour from DNA. Forensic Science International: Genetics, 7(1), pp.98-115. [online] Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872497312001810