Questions and Answers about DNA Testing

• To establish an accurate medical history for the child.
• To prevent disputes in adoption
• To create a record for immigration
• To foster peace of mind for all involved parties
• To obtain child support.
• To determine the birth father.
• To determine the birth mother (cases of switching babies in the hospital shortly after birth.)

The test is based upon the principals of inheritance. A child gets one half of his/her genetic makeup from the mother and the other half from the biological father.

The test reveals a control batch of genetic markers from all parties. The genetic markers that the child shares with the mother are first located. Then to determine paternity, the child's remaining markers are compared to the alleged father. If the man is indeed the father, all of the markers that did not match the mother's should match his. If all of the child's remaining markers match the alleged father, evidence is provided that he is the biological father of the child. If they do not match, he is excluded as the biological father of the child.

When the mother is not tested, a larger batch of control markers are revealed from the alleged father and child. If these markers show that the man is contributing half of the genetic makeup of the child, he is given evidence that he is the biological father of the child. If markers are found not to match between the alleged father and child, the man is excluded from being the biological father of the child.

A self Collection Kit can be sent to your home if you do not need a legal notarized result.

• DNA - To confirm the birth parents of a child.
• Buccal Swab - samples for testing may be obtained by using cotton swabs to collect cells by stoking the lining of the inner cheek. This procedure is especially useful for newborns and small children. It is painfree and as effective as a blood sample with virtually no recollection.
• Forensic Testing - Genetic testing may be used as evidence in comparing samples of victims and suspects in violent and non-violent crimes such as homicides, breaking and entering, incest, rape, etc.
• Abnormal Specimen Testing - Genetic testing can sometimes be performed on an aged blood, bone or tissue sample.
• Family Studies - It is possible to do genetic testing on remaining family members, when a party in question is unavailable.

• Routine Paternity, Additional Sample/Mother, child, alleged father
• Motherless Paternity Additional Sample/Child, alleged father only
• Prenatal Paternity - Amniocentesis CVS/Mother, fetus, alleged father
• Absent Alleged Father Paternity/Mother, child, both paternal grandparents.
• Routine Paternity STAT Results/3 Business Days/Mother, child, alleged father
• Siblingship Studies/Two siblings, mother (if available)
• Identical Twin Studies/One set of twins
• Sperm Detection/One garment sample
• Marital Fidelity Studies-Control Samples from Two People/One garment sample\
• Forensic Studies/One evidence sample, one suspect sample, one victim sample (if any)

• The process is relatively easy and reasonable.
• Costs very but figure around $500 for a trio with Buccal swabs or blood samples.
• Additional cost would be to a private clinic for specimen collection, which may be around $20 per person.
• If you prefer not to go to a medical site and do not need a legal notarized result, a self-collection kit can be sent to your home for around $350. One kit will collect up to three people. Cost of testing is usually separate and additional cost.
• Results will take around 2 weeks.

• You can often set-up the process over the internet. However, to have legal clout, a lab visit is necessary.
• Discuss testing options with a private consultant (see resources)
• Usual prepay for testing by cashier's check, money order, attorney's trust account check or credit card.