Q: What is the difference between a court admissible paternity test and a personal paternity
screening test?
A: 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.
Q: How is a sample collected?
A: Samples are collected using a buccal swab. A buccal swab is a specialized applicator with a
sponge or Dacron tip, which is rubbed on the inside of the cheek to collect epithelial cells.
This procedure is noninvasive and pain free. The cells are then transferred to special FTA cards
or dried on the Dacron swabs.
Q: Can buccal swabs or FTA cards be stored for future tests?
A: Yes, cells on swabs and FTA cards have been shown to be stable for many years.
Q: Are there differences in test results between buccal swabs, blood or other tissues?
A: No, DNA test results are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of
a persons body.
Q: Are buccal swabs contaminated because they are taken from the mouth?
A: 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.
Q: How accurate are the paternity test results?
A: The probability of paternity is greater than 99.0% with an average of 99.5%. If after a
standard test the probability is less than 99.0% *additional alleles are used to achieve a
greater probability of paternity.
Q: Do you have to be a certain age to undergo testing?
A: No, the collection of cord blood at birth and the use of buccal swabs allow for testing
at any age.
Q: Can parentage be established for a deceased or missing individual?
A: 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.
Q: Can paternity be established in cases if the mother does not participate in the test?
A: 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%.
Q: Do all parties have to be collected at the same time?
A: No, arrangements can be made to collect samples from people at different times and/or
places.
Q: Can different specimens (i.e. blood and buccal swabs) be used in the same case?
A: Yes, DNA tests are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a
person's body.
Q: Can accurate results be obtained from brothers or other related individuals of the alleged father?
A: 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.
Q: Can the results be admissible in court?
A: Yes, the identification, (photos and 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.
Q: Are the test results and client information kept confidential?
A: Yes, all client information as well as the test results are strictly confidential. No
information is released except to persons directly involved in the test or to courts or
regulatory agencies.
Q: How long does it take to get results?
A: Results are released in 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of the samples of all tested parties
in the laboratory.
Q: How will I receive the results of the test?
A: Results can be mailed, emailed or faxed. Results are not released over the phone.
Q:How do I pay for the tests?
A: Tests can be paid for by certified check, money order, Master Card, Visa or American Express.
Q: What do I need to bring to the sample collection appointment?
A: Legal photo identification (e.g. drivers license, state I. D. card, passport), Social Security
Card (if applicable), Birth Certificate (for child).
Q: How do I contact the laboratory?
A: You may write the laboratory at:
GenQest DNA Analysis Laboratory
133 Coney Island Drive
Sparks, Nevada 89431
Or call us at
Toll free 877-DNA-LABS (877-362-5227) or
775-358-0652
Or fax us at
775-358-0657
Or by email: [email protected]
*There may be additional charges for extra testing
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