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Explain more about how the tests work.
Explain more about test results.
Explain more about the Home Test Kit?
Explain more about how the tests work. How does a DNA parentage test work? A child inherits DNA from the mother’s egg (23 chromosomes) and the father’s sperm (also 23 chromosomes). Each parent contributes half of the child’s DNA. The child (and every person) has 23 pairs of chromosomes. For each location (“locus,” plural “loci”) in a chromosome pair there is a specific DNA sequence in each chromosome. A DNA parentage test works by identifying the specific DNA sequences for multiple loci in the mother, child, and father. If the mother and father are the parents of the child, the two DNA sequences at each locus in the child’s chromosomes must have been inherited from each parent. By determining these DNA sequences, paternity or other familial relationships can be established. For more information, see How To Interpret A Parentage Test Report. Where are the tests performed? DNA samples are collected from family members by simply swabbing the cheeks with a special swab like a large Q-Tip. This is quick and painless. You can order a Home Test Kit or call to make an appointment for us to take samples in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, or El Paso. What standards are used to ensure tests are performed correctly? We follow the standards set forth by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for performing DNA parentage tests. Because we use 16 genetic markers, results usually are completely definitive. In the case of any ambiguities (perhaps caused by a poor sample), tests are repeated. We offer an Accuracy Guarantee. We employ specific procedures to protect against switching of samples and to maintain the confidentiality of our customers. What is the difference between an AABB accredited test and an unaccredited test? Actually, we have devoted a whole page to address this issue. Please see About Accredited Tests for an explanation of accredited vs. unaccredited tests. Is the legally-binding test different from the informational test? No. The DNA tests are exactly the same. The difference is that legally-binding tests require witnesses, proof of identity, and special chain of custody procedures. The basic Home Test Kit therefore is not legally binding. It is intended as a discrete and private way whereby families can resolve questions without involving outside parties. The GTL also offers a Court-Admissible Home Test Kit that requires a disinterested witness to oversee sample collection and verify identities and chain of custody. What is a buccal swab and is it as accurate as blood? A buccal swab is soft and resembles a large Q-Tip. It is used to collect a sample of cheek cells by simply rubbing the inside of the cheeks. It is as accurate as blood, as the DNA is the same. A person should, however, abstain from drinking coffee for a few hours before taking a sample, and smokers should rinse and brush their cheeks with a toothbrush before swabbing. Can a paternity test be performed without the mother? Yes, although results cannot be as conclusive. This is why we offer an Accuracy Guarantee for a paternity test with the mother. Why is it better to include a sample from the mother? In a matter as important as paternity, especially Court-admissible cases, it is never good to leave room for doubt. Ideally, the mother, child, and alleged father should be tested. A child receives half of their DNA from their mother, and the other half from their father. Because the DNA half that the child receives from the mother will match the mother's DNA exactly, the remaining unmatched DNA will match that of the biological father. Without the ability to remove the mother's DNA from the equation, the possibility increases greatly that results will not be conclusive, which may require testing of additional genetic markers, thus extending the time and cost needed to achieve conclusive results. In general, if the mother is available for testing she should be included. In any event, the testing can still be performed and accurate results achieved without a sample from the mother. What if I want to test more than one child or alleged parent? Additional family members can be included in the tests. See Services and Fees. How old does a child need to be? A newborn infant can be tested. Since taking a sample with a buccal swab is painless, this is not traumatic for the child. Explain more about test results. How accurate is the DNA paternity test? DNA testing is the most accurate method available for determining paternity. It's power lies in the ability to trace the pattern of inheritance for separate regions of the genetic material (chromosomes). From this information a probability of paternity can be calculated. This number can reach 99.99999% in some cases. The percentage of random men of the same race that can be excluded as the biological father is also computed for every case. Some companies test as few as 5 chromosomal locations for the same price (or more) that we charge for 16 (15 identity markers plus one to confirm the sex of the person). The statistics generated with only 5 locations, however, are not nearly as conclusive, and in some cases can result in wrong conclusions, such as the father being excluded when, in fact, he is the true father. What is your accuracy guarantee? Click here to see our accuracy guarantee. We guarantee such results because of the accuracy of the test (see previous question) and the standards we adhere to in the performance of the tests. First, we participate in proficiency testing conducted by the College of American Pathologists three times per year. Second, our external Director, Dr. Arthur Eisenberg, oversees the operation and personally reviews and signs all legally binding reports. Dr. Eisenberg was Chairman of the FBI DNA Advisory Board and is a member of the National Forensic DNA Review Panel. You can be assured that our methods and practices adhere to the strictest standards in the nation. How long does it take to get the results? We guarantee to have the results ready in 5 days from receipt of samples. A shorter turnaround time of 3 working days can be arranged for an additional charge (see Services and Fees). How will I receive my results? The test results will always be mailed to you or a designee, per your instructions. For all internet orders, you can follow your order status and get test results over the internet as soon as they are ready. As a rule we do not give results over the phone, unless we have made prior arrangements with you to do so. How do I interpret the Paternity Test report? In the vast majority of cases the results produce an unequivocal result. The alleged father is either "excluded" or is "not excluded" as the biological father. Each of the 15 identity loci are analyzed separately to calculate a paternity index, and all the individual indexes are combined to calculate a "combined paternity index". For more information see How to Interpret a Parentage Test Report. What is the Combined Paternity Index? The Paternity Index is a number that represents the likelihood of Paternity. The number is calculated based on how common the genetic information found in your test result is within your race population. The Paternity Indices for each genetic locus tested are used to calculate a Combined Paternity Index which can result in a 99.999% Probability of Paternity, or even higher in the case of a true match. As an example, if the CPI is 9,999,987 it means the odds of the tested father being the unique biological father are 9,999,987 to one. Can my results be used in court? Yes, if you purchase a Court-Admissible Test. This kind of test has additional proof of identity and chain of custody requirements. A Court-Admissible Test is available either by having GTL collect the DNA samples or by ordering a Court-Admissible Home Test Kit. We maintain careful records on every sample processed. Results from the Genetic Testing Laboratory are admissible in a court of law. Your results will be held in strictest confidence and released only to you. Furthermore, the information obtained from testing the 15 identity loci relate only to identity, and do not reveal any additional information of medical relevance. What happens to the test samples (cheek swabs or blood) after the test? Our normal procedure is to retain the samples for six months in case additional testing approved by the customer is necessary, and then destroy the samples. If you wish, however, you may request that we destroy all samples containing the tested persons' DNA immediately after completing the test.
Explain more about the Home Test Kit. How does the Home Test Kit work? The Home Test Kit contains illustrated instructions, 2 cheek swabs for each person, and a consent form to be filled out with information about each family member providing a sample. Except for infants and very young children, each person swabs his or her own cheeks; this is simple and completely painless. This takes about 20 minutes for 3 people, with an additional 25 minutes for the swabs to dry. The swabs are then returned to labeled tubes and sealed. The tubes, plus the paper forms, are placed in the included mailing envelope and sent by mail back to our laboratory. If you wish, you may send the kit back via express mail or other carrier for faster results. Can you send a kit to me discreetly? We understand the sensitive nature of paternity tests. The kit is sent in a plain mailing envelope with “GTL” and a PO Box as the return address. The included mailer to be sent back also is addressed like this. Are results from the Home Test Kit admissible in court? The basic Home Test Kit is intended as a discrete and private way whereby families can resolve questions without involving outside parties and is not court-admissible. We do offer, however, a Court-Admissible Home Test Kit for a small additional charge. Do I need a court or doctor’s order for a paternity test? No, you do not need such an order to have GTL perform a parentage test. |
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