FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is DNA?
What is paternity testing?
Do you need a sample from both parents?
What will the results of a paternity test tell me?
What type of samples do you need?
How are samples taken?
What’s the difference between an at home test and an in‐laboratory test?
Can samples be collected from babies?
Do I need to pay extra for a written report?
What is DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material that encodes information regarding the development and functioning of all known living organisms. DNA is present in the cells of all living things and is stably inherited from one generation to the next. Although the DNA within a species is highly conserved, variable regions of DNA exist and can be used to distinguish one individual from another. Variable regions may vary in size or in nucleotide content, and the ‘genotyping’ of many such variable sites allows determination of a DNA genotype for a particular individual and differentiation of one individual from another.
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What is paternity testing?
Paternity testing uses heritable nature of DNA to determine the likelihood that an individual (e.g. a father) is related to another individual (e.g. a child).
Children receive half of their DNA from each of their biological parents. By comparing a DNA sample from a child to that of its mother we can determine which DNA markers originated from its mother. The other half of the DNA markers must have originated from the father. Analysis of a sample from an alleged father will tell us the likelihood that he is the child’s father.
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Do you need a sample from both parents?
No. We can perform motherless paternity testing, however if available we prefer to include a sample from the mother in our analysis. Inclusion of a mother increases the statistical power of the results.
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What will the results of a paternity test tell me?
A paternity test can prove than an alleged father is not the biological father. That is, it can exclude an alleged father from being the source of biological material for the child in question.
Statistical analysis of the alleged father’s DNA sample can determine the likelihood that he is the biological father. The likelihood calculation is determined by comparing the frequency of a DNA profile contributed by the alleged father to the child, compared to a man chosen at random from the population.
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What type of samples do you need?
We require a sample of cheek (buccal) cells. Buccal cells are the cells from the inner lining of the mouth, or cheek. These cells are routinely shed and replaced by new cells. Old cells can be collected from the cheek and saliva using a foam “lollipop”.
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How are samples taken?
Samples are taken by rubbing a foam ‘lollipop’ on the inside of your cheek for 15 seconds. The lollipop collects saliva and cheek (buccal) cells which contain a sample of DNA. The cells are then transferred to a sample card and allowed to dry. Once dry, the cells become fixed to the paper and are stable at room temperature. An illustrated sampling guide can be found here.
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What’s the difference between an at home test and an in‐laboratory test?
An at home test can be completed in the privacy of your own home and we analyzed the sample you send to us. As we cannot verify the origin of the sample or its handling, we cannot vouch for the integrity of the sample. Because the chain‐of‐custody is not intact the results are not considered admissible in court.
In contrast, samples collected in our laboratory are fully documented and verified by photo identification. We ensure the integrity of sample collection and handling is maintained and because the chain‐of‐custody is considered intact, the results are typically considered admissible in court.
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Can samples be collected from babies?
Yes, samples can be collected from babies, and individuals of any age. The procedure is not technically difficult but we recommend that samples from babies must be collected by a responsible adult. Samples from young children should be collected by an adult or, for children able to use a toothbrush, under adult supervision.
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Do I need to pay extra for a written report?
No, our pricing, unlike some of our competitors, includes a written report which can be mailed or emailed to you upon completion.
Our pricing includes:
• Sampling kits for each individual to be tested
• Shipment of samples to lab
• DNA Genotyping
• Interpretation of DNA data
• Written report
•
Sending of reports to designated individuals
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