1. DNA TESTS. DNA technology has given us the ability to answer family relationship questions in a variety of personal situations and circumstances with a great degree of accuracy. The types of DNA tests that we offer are listed below. All of these tests ultimately address questions regarding paternity or maternity, but they do so in different ways, based on the individuals available for testing as well as the particular DNA test battery used for the test.
Paternity Test
To determine if a tested man is the biological father of a tested child.
Maternity Test
To determine if a tested woman is the biological mother of a tested child.
Grandparent Test
To determine paternity of a tested child by testing the biological parent(s) of an alleged father.
Sibling Test
To determine if two tested individuals share one, both, or neither biological parents.
Family Reconstruction
To determine paternity of a tested child by testing close relatives of an alleged father.
Paternal Lineage Test
To determine if two males are in the same paternal line.
Maternal Lineage Test
To determine if two individuals are in the same maternal family line.
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2. "LEGAL" vs. "PERSONAL" TESTING OPTIONS. Most of our DNA tests are available as either a Legally-Admissible ("Legal") or a Personal Knowledge ("Personal") DNA test, depending on your particular situation.
Legally-Admissible DNA Tests are valid as evidence in a court of law and acceptable as proof by government or private agencies requiring verification of family relationship before granting certain benefits. Such agencies include the Social Security Administration, the IRS, USCIS (Immigration), the U.S. Armed Forces, and Native American tribal membership committees. For these DNA tests, participants are identified photographically; written consent is obtained by the tested parties, their legal guardian, or court order; samples are collected and processed under a strict chain of custody by neutral third parties, and analyzed by an AABB-accredited laboratory. All of our legally-admissible DNA tests are performed twice (independent testing of duplicate samples) to ensure 100% accuracy.
Personal Knowledge DNA Tests are NOT valid as evidence in a court of law or as official proof of family relationships. In most cases, this is because the samples are not collected under a strict chain of custody by a neutral third party and the lab cannot verify the origin of the samples. In some cases, this might also be because the type of DNA technology utilized for the study is not yet accepted by the judicial authority or agency. For our personal knowledge tests, samples may be collected by us (in our office) or by you (using our home test kit), and are analyzed by an AABB-accredited laboratory . All tests are performed twice, using the same quality control standards as our legally-admissible tests, to ensure 100% accuracy.
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3. SAMPLES WE CAN TEST. In most DNA tests for paternity and family relationships, buccal swabs—cotton swabs on which epithelial cells lining the inside of the cheek of the mouth are collected—are the sample of choice. Collection of cheek swab samples is non-invasive, completely painless, and can be performed as early as the day of birth. DNA tests performed using cheek swab samples have the same accuracy as DNA tests performed using blood samples, because the cells in our cheek contain the same DNA as the cells in our blood (or any other cells in our body). If properly stored, cheek swab samples are stable indefinitely. Under certain circumstances, however, testing of other types of samples can also be performed if necessary:
- Buccal (cheek) swabs
- Blood
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Ear swabs
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Semen
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Fingernail clippings
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Hair with roots
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Prenatal samples - amniotic fluid, CVS
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Postmortem samples - blood, tissue, bone, teeth, etc.
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Household items - razors, cigarette butts, toothbrushes, etc.
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4. OTHER SERVICES.
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Mobile DNA Testing Services - home, business, hospital
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Expert Witness Services - testimony, depositions
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Expert Consultation - case review, declarations
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Education - seminars, study groups
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Legal Referrals - for clients needing legal assistance
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5. FEES. All DNA tests do not cost the same. Different factors can affect the type of DNA test or testing approach that can be used (or should be used) to address a particular family relationship question, such as who is available to be tested, what kinds of samples will be tested, and if the results may be needed for legal purposes. Before we can tell you how much your DNA test will cost, we must first understand your personal situation and needs, and inform you of your options. As a locally-owned business, we are sensitive to the current state of our local economy. We will work with you to determine the most appropriate DNA test—and the most affordable cost and payment options—for your personal situation. If we don't believe that a DNA test will give you a clear answer to your question, then we will tell you so, not try to sell you a test anyway (yes, some companies do that...beware). Please call us or stop by today for a free consultation. Your complete privacy and confidentiality are assured.
