DNA Paternity
DNA Paternity, Identity, and Twin Testing
Benefits Of Choosing GeneCare
- State of the Art DNA Methodology
- American Association of Blood Banks Accredited Lab, CLIA licensed
- Probability of Paternity > 99%
- Strict Chain of Custody Procedures for Court Evidence
- Strict Confidentiality
- Completely Painless Specimen Collection (Buccal Swabs)
- Anonymous Testing
- No AGE LIMIT
- 7-10 days Turnaround Time (*Except Prenatal = 10-15 days)
- Personalized Service
- Competitive Fees
- Expert Witness Testimony Available
- International Service
Laboratory Services
| DNA TESTS | SAMPLES NEEDED FROM |
|---|---|
| Paternity | Mother, Child, Alleged Father |
| STAT Paternity | Mother, Child, Alleged Father |
| Motherless Paternity | Child, Alleged Father Only |
| Absent Alleged Father Paternity | Mother, Child, Both Paternal Grandparents |
| Prenatal Paternity | Mother, Fetus (amniocytes or CVS), Alleged Father |
| Adoption, Identity, Maternity | Mother, Child |
| Family Studies | Two Siblings, Mother (if available) |
| Twin Studies | One Set of Twins |
DNA Paternity, Identity and Twin Testing
- How is DNA Paternity Testing Performed?
- Cheek swabs (buccal swabs) or blood specimens are obtained from the child, mother and alleged father. State of the art DNA profilig is used to determine whether the child has inherited genetic material from the alleged father. If the DNA of the alleged father does not match that of the child, he is excluded as the biological father; if a match occurs, then the probability of paternity is calcualted and reported.
- How are Paternity and Identity Testing Performed?
- Cheek swabs (buccal swabs) or blood specimens are obtained to compare the DNA of parents and their children or other relatives.
- Are These Tests Accurate?
- DNA testing can exclude a man as the biological father or provide over a 99.9% degree of certainty he is the biological father. DNA testing is accepted by the courts. Less than 1% are contested in court. Qualified experts are available for expert testimony should the need arise.
Safeguards are taken at each step of the testing to assure accuracy and reliability. At the time specimens are obtained, proof of identity is required and the identified specimens are sealed. A "chain of custody" protocol is followed during transport of blood to the laboratory. The laboratory is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and licensed under the Clinical Improvement Act (CLIA) to assure the most accurate tets results. All results are cross-checked, verified, and notarized prior to issuing a final report.
As part of the Labs Quality Assurance Program, the lab subscribes to recognized proficiency testing programs and participates in the National Institute on Standards and Technology DNA Standardization Program. DNA paternity and identity testing can be used to help resolve cases involving child support, child custody, insurance, immigration, inheritance, Social Security benefits and Native American tribal right.
- Are the Test Results Confidential?
- The results are strictly confidential and are only provided to the individual requesting the DNA testing.
- Can Paternity Testing Be Performed When Either the Mother or the Father Are Not Available?
- Yes. The child and father can be tested alone, but the mother should also be tested if possible. The mother, child and paternal grandparents can be tested if the father is not available.
- Can Testing Be Done on an Unborn Baby?
- Yes, DNA tests can be performed using fetal cells obtained by a very safe amniocentesis as early as 12 weeks.
- Can Testing be Done on Fetal Tissues after a pregnancy loss?
- Yes
- Can DNA Testing Determine Whether Twins Are Monozygotic (Identical) or Dizygotic (Nonidentical)?
- Yes, DNA testing is routinely used to determine if twins are identical or nonidentical.
- Can DNA Testing Accurately Identify Siblings or Half Siblings?
- Yes, if whole blood or buccal swab specimens can be obtained from the necessary relatives.
- How Long Does it Take to Complete Testing?
- Tests on blood specimens usually take about 7-10 days. Prenatal tests take longer because testing may require fetal cells to be grown in the laboratory before performing DNA tests. Accelerated testing for urgent cases is available for an additional fee.
- How Can Paternity Testing be Arranged?
- For additional information or to arrange testing, you may contact our counselors for a consultation. Specimens may be sent by a physician or drawn at GeneCare or other collections sites. Our kits ensure safe transport internationally. Call GeneCare at (866) DNA-4DAD or (919) 942-0021 for more information.
Payment Method:
Payment is made in U.S. dollars in the form of a cashiers check, money order or by Visa or MasterCard, payable to GeneCare. Payment must accompany samples before testing can be performed.
Expanding Blood Draw Sites:
If you would be interested in becoming a blood-draw site, please call GeneCare at (866) DNA-4DAD or (919) 942-0021 for more information.
Specimen Collection:
- Call GeneCare at 1-800-277-4363 to discuss specific specimen requirements, consents, fees, and payment method.
- Special paternity test kits MUST be used to comply with medico-legal requirements of identity and security.
- Each specimen MUST be labeled with name, date of birth, and date drawn.
- Specimen Option A: One 10ml whole blood yellow ACD tube for each individual. For infants, draw 1-2 ml of blood.
- Specimen Option B: Buccal swabs for each individual, except for sibling testing.
Specimen Transport:
- Ship at room temperature in our kit to:
GeneCare Medical Genetics Center
201 Sage Road, Suite 300
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-7085
(800) 277-4363 - (919) 942-0021 - Fax (919) 967-9519 - DHL (800) 247-2676 / FedEx (800) 463-3339 Priority Overnight (or by our local courier). Delivery required within 24 hours. For Friday shipments, mark Saturday Priority Overnight delivery.
- Notify GeneCare of shipment date and DHL/FedEx airbill tracking number.
Information provided on this site is for information purposes ONLY. This should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
