DNA Paternity, Identity, and Twin Testing
Benefits Of Choosing GeneCare

● 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.

● 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 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.
  

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/Airborne (800) 247-2676 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/Airborne airbill tracking number.