Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic material that determines all our biological characteristics. DNA is a stable molecule which is inherited unchanged from generation to generation. Some regions of DNA are polymorphic or variable. Within each region are numerous markers or alleles. Every individual has two alleles in each region, having inherited one allele from each parent. These alleles can be identified in any individual and used to determine parentage.
Testing Services
- Determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. The tested parties include the alleged father, child, and mother (trio). It is recommended that the mother participate in the testing process in order to identify the maternal alleles inherited by the child. The remaining alleles can then be compared to the alleged father’s DNA. If the mother is unable to participate, paternity testing can still be performed. This is called motherless testing. Please note that the legal guardian of a minor child must give consent to testing.
- Although not as common as paternity testing, this test determines whether a woman could be the biological mother of a child. The tested parties include the alleged mother, child, and father (trio). It is recommended that the father participate in the testing process in order to identify the paternal alleles inherited by the child. The remaining alleles can then be compared to the alleged mother’s DNA. If the father is unable to participate, maternity testing can still be performed. This is called fatherless testing. Please note that the legal guardian of a minor child must give consent to testing.
- Determines whether twins are identical or fraternal. The tested parties include the twins only. There is no need for the mother or father to participate in this test. The twins’ alleles at each region are compared to see if they match. If the alleles don’t match, this is proof of fraternal twins. If there is an exact match, this is strong evidence of identical twins.
Chain of Custody
The laboratory follows strict Chain of Custody procedures for sample collection, sample transport, and sample handling in the laboratory. This is to ensure accurate identification of all individuals throughout the testing process. Following Chain of Custody procedures also allows the laboratory to issue reports that are legal documents.
Sample Collection
Parentage testing is by appointment only. Laboratory business hours are weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are made daily from 9 am to 11 am, and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Individuals come to the laboratory to complete paperwork and have their samples collected. For individuals living outside the area, arrangements can be made for sample collection under Chain of Custody at facilities throughout the country. Adults must present photo identification at the time of the appointment such as a driver license, identification card, passport, or military ID. For minor children, parents must present a birth certificate, birth record, or some form of identification. Please note that the legal guardian of a minor child must give consent to testing.
Sample collection is by buccal (cheek) swab although a blood sample may be collected in some cases.
Reporting
A confidential Parentage Report is issued following each test. The report is signed by the Laboratory Director and is a notarized legal document. The report is mailed only to the testing participants unless otherwise indicated in writing.
The report includes either a statement of exclusion or inclusion depending on the test results. A statement of exclusion is a finding that the alleged father is not the biological father. A statement of inclusion is a finding that the alleged father is considered to be the biological father. For inclusions, a probability of paternity is also reported. The probability of paternity will always be at least 99%. For a trio, the probability of paternity will typically exceed 99.99%. For a motherless case, the probability of paternity will typically exceed 99.9%.
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the laboratory at 858-822-0100 or click here to send us an email.