FAQ: Testing

1. What is DNA Relationship Testing?
   DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): Everyone is born with a unique genetic blueprint known as DNA. A child inherits half of his/her genes (DNA) from the biological mother and half from the biological father. Relationship can be determined through a highly sophisticated analysis of the genetic probes from testing the Mother, Child and Alleged Father. Which method is used for DNA testing? STR-Short Tandem Repeat or PCR-Polymerase Chain Reaction technique is used.
   
   
2. How reliable is relationship testing?
   DNA Relationship Testing is the most accurate and definitive method of proving or disproving relationship. DNA testing offers results with a probability of 99% or greater for non exclusion (meaning not excluded as the biological father) and exclusion (meaning excluded as the biological father). This test will exclude 99.9999% of falsely accused men. Immigration is tested until it reaches 99.5% probability.
   
   
3. What if one of the parents is deceased, can you still do testing?
   Yes, results can still be achieved. Using DNA technology, genetic patterns from the deceased can be reconstructed by testing the grandparents or siblings to determine paternity. A coroner’s sample (tissue or blood) from the deceased can also be used.
   
   
4. Can samples be collected from a funeral home or hospital?
   If specimens are to be collected or picked up from a local coroner’s office, hospital or funeral home, in the Phoenix area, arrangements can be made for a courtesy collection fee.
   
   
5. In Arizona or all states?
   For out of town specimens, arrangements must be made by us directly with the facility. Shipping and other fees will be determined on a case by case basis.
   
   
6. Can we do the testing for Immigration (Maternity Testing)?
   Yes, DNA Relationship testing is recognized and accepted by the U.S. Court System and U.S. Immigrations. If requested, a report will be sent to the U.S. Consulate as directed.
   
   
7. What is the difference between blood and buccal swab test, and results?
   The test is the same whether DNA samples are obtained by blood or buccal swabs. Accuracy will be the same.
   
   
8. Can siblings be tested to see if they have the same parent? Or that they are in fact siblings?
   DNA testing can be done to determine if they share similar DNA profiles, however, at least 1 parent should be tested. If parents are unavailable for testing, other siblings can be tested to increase the probability.
   
   
9. What can you test besides blood & buccal swab?
   We can use DNA from tissue (brain, kidney or spleen).
   
   
10. Can you test blood from the same individual drawn at different times (ex. Blood from DWI/DUI taken at scene and new specimen)?
    Yes, it’s a comparison test. The cost may increase if DNA is to be extracted from stain on cloth.
    
    
11. Can you take DNA from blood or other tissue of deceased individual and hold until it needs to be tested with Mother/Child?
    Yes, the cost varies depending on the type of extraction required and shipping cost may be incurred.