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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a paternity test be performed with a mother?
YES. You can obtain accurate results without testing the mother. However, in a small percentage of cases, not including the mother's sample can lead to inconclusive results, therefore it is always recommended to include the mother in the test, if she is available.
2. Is a blood sample required?
NO. Paternity testing can be performed using a buccal (cheek) swab. It is completely non-invasive, painless and convenient.
3. How are the samples collected?
A sterile swab, very similar to a q-tip is rubbed on the inside of the cheek from the child and the alleged father. If practical, the mother should also be sampled, however this is not mandatory for an accurate analysis.
4. Are you collecting saliva for analysis when a buccal swab is done?
NO. While saliva is collection on the swab, it is actually the epithelial (cheek) cells that are being collected for analysis.
5. Is the cheek/buccal swab accurate?
YES. Because DNA is the same in every cell in your body, analysis performed on cheek cells is just as accurate as analysis performed on blood.
6. How old must a child be to perform DNA testing?
There are no age restrictions. DNA testing can be performed on individuals of any age. Newborns can be testing using either a buccal (cheek) swab or umbilical cord blood, both are easy and painless procedures.
7. Can a paternity test be performed before the child is born?
YES. However it is more expensive and does involved some medical risk. Therefore any mother interested in prenatal testing should consult her OB/GYN. There are 2 procedures by which to collect prenatal DNA samples: Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS), performed at ~10-13 weeks of pregnancy or Amniocentesis at ~14-24 weeks of age.
8. Can paternity testing also show if the mother is not really the mother?YES, Although it's rare, there have been several cases in which non-maternity has been found while performing a routine paternity test.
9. Can parentage be determined when the alleged father is deceased?
YES. There are several options. Blood or buccal samples collected at the time of death can be used, tissue specimens from previous surgeries or an autopsy may be used, his parents can be tested to determine if they are grandparent, or the body can be exhumed and the tissue sample take for testing.
10. What if the mother and alleged father are related?
It does not matter, the results are still valid.
11. What if two alleged fathers are related (i.e. brothers, father-son)?
It is possible for both individuals to have the same or similar genetics markers, therefore the laboratory should be informed of these circumstances, as extended testing may have to be performed.
12. Can the alleged father's test results be used in another paternity case?
YES. But ONLY if the alleged father agrees to it or there is a court order.
13. Can different biological specimens such as a buccal swab from a child and a blood sample from an adult be used for the same test?
YES. Because DNA is the same in every cell is your body, analysis performed on cheek cells is the same as analysis performed on blood cells.
14. Can I change my DNA by drinking alcohol or taking drugs?
NO. DNA patterns are not altered by such things as drinking, eating, medication, or age. However, individuals who have had a bone marrow transplant should provide a buccal (cheek) sample instead of blood, since the transplant introduces donor DNA into the blood.
15. How long does it take to get my tests results?
Once Chromosomal Laboratories receives your samples, results will be available in approximately 3-5 business days. For those needing faster service, express testing is also available.
16. What is the difference between a private paternity test and a legal paternity test?
The primary difference between the two types of test is the sample collection method. Private paternity test samples can be collected in the privacy of your own home, without any witnesses and are not accredited by AABB at any laboratory. Legal paternity test samples are collected at an approved collection site, where your identification will be verified, a photograph will be taken and your sample collection will be witnessed. The purpose of these stringent procedures is to ensure that the participants are who they say they are. Legal tests are accredited by AABB.
17. Is paternity testing covered by health insurance?
NO. Paternity testing is not considered a medically necessary procedure and therefore is not covered.
18 How do you handle the confidentiality of each test?
Information of any kind regarding your test will only be available to the individuals tested or other designated representative(s) (i.e. Attorneys) when a written authorization is provided.
19. How will I receive my results?
Reports are sent by mail or email/fax (as requested) to each adult tested and their designated representative. Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the test, results will not be given over the telephone.
20. Does the test have to paid for all at once?
YES. Testing will not begin until the test has been paid in full.
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