GenQuest receives many inquires about its service. Many common questions are answered below. If you have other questions about our service, feel free to contact our friendly staff toll free at (877) 362-5227 or (775) 358-0652.
General Questions
- Can parentage be established for a deceased or missing individual?
- Yes, if blood or tissues are collected at postmortem and properly stored, they can be sent to the laboratory and used in paternity tests. If the alleged father’s parents are available, they can be used in grand parentage testing.
- Can paternity be established in cases if the mother does not participate in the test?
- Yes, DNA testing is so powerful that the mother does not have to participate in the test. *Although in some cases, additional alleles have to be examined to achieve a probability of paternity greater than 99.0%.
- Can accurate results be obtained from brothers or other related individuals of the alleged father?
- Yes, the laboratory should be notified of circumstances involving relatives. Although related individuals have similar genetic markers, additional testing can be performed until one man is excluded.
- How do I pay for the tests?
- Tests can be paid for by certified check, money order, Master Card, Visa, Discover or American Express.
Sample Collection
- How is a sample collected?
- Cells from buccal swabs are used for the test. A buccal swab is a specialized applicator which is rubbed on the inside of the cheek to collect epithelial cells. This procedure is noninvasive and pain free. Then cells are then transferred to special FTA cards or dried on the Dacron swabs.
- What is the difference between a court admissible paternity test and a personal paternity screening test?
- The sample collection for a personal paternity screening test is completed by the individuals involved in the test in the privacy of their homes. The photographs, finger printing and strict chain of custody are not implemented thus making the results inadmissible in a court of law. The alleles (genes) examined, accuracy, and the results are the same as a court admissible paternity test. The personal paternity screening test is for circumstances where legal proceedings are not needed. The results of a personal paternity screening test can not be used in a court of law.
- Are buccal swabs contaminated because they are taken from the mouth?
- No, the swabs contain bacteria and food but the tests are very specific for only human DNA. The DNA from bacteria, food, or other organisms does not affect the tests if the swabs are stored properly.
- Do all parties have to be collected at the same time?
- No, arrangements can be made to collect samples from people at different times and/or places.
- Can different specimens (i.e. blood and buccal swabs) be used in the same case?
- Yes, DNA tests are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a person’s body.
- What do I need to bring to the sample collection appointment?
- Legal photo identification (e.g. drivers license, state I. D. card, passport), Social Security Card (if applicable), Birth Certificate (for child).
- Can buccal swabs or FTA cards be stored for future tests?
- Yes, cells on swabs and FTA cards have been shown to be stable for many years and cells on the Dacron swabs are stable for 6 – 12 months.
Test Results
- Do you have to be a certain age to undergo testing?
- No, the collection of cord blood at birth and the use of buccal swabs allow for testing at any age.
- Are there differences in test results between buccal swabs, blood or other tissues?
- No, DNA test results are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a person’s body.
- Can the results be admissible in court?
- Yes, if samples are collected according to legal requirements; a government issued identification (i.e. drivers license, state id, or passport), photos, fingerprints, strict chain of custody, and documented procedures produce results that are admissible in a court of law. In addition, expert witness services can be arranged.
- How long does it take to get results?
- Results are released in 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of the samples of all tested parties in the laboratory.
- How will I receive the results of the test?
- Results can be mailed, emailed or faxed. Results are not released over the phone.