How accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?
Do I need a referral from my physician or lawyer to order a DNA paternity test?
Can the test results be used as evidence in court?
Are my results and information confidential?
What do the results look like?
How are the samples collected? Does it hurt?
Can the test be performed without the mother, and if so, are the results still accurate?
How accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?
DNA paternity testing can provide conclusive results to questions regarding paternity. The report will indicate greater than 99.9% for paternity inclusions, and 100% for paternity exclusions if the tested man is not the true biological father of the child. London Biosciences guarantees legally accurate test results.
Do I need a referral from my physician or lawyer to order a DNA paternity test?
No, you do not need to obtain a referral from a physician or lawyer in order to order a DNA paternity test. Although we frequently work alongside physicians and lawyers when requested by the patient, the patient can also choose to order the DNA test in private without involving a physician or lawyer. However, if you are intending on using the results in court, we strongly recommend that you consult with your lawyer first to check on the requirements for paternity testing in your area to ensure that the test that you order will be admissible in court in your situation.
Can the test results be used as evidence in court?
The policies and requirements for DNA parentage testing in court varies greatly between different countries and even between different regions in the same country. If you require a test for use in court, please check first with the organization which required testing to be done before ordering the test. Please also note that if you choose to collect the samples yourself, your results will not be acceptable for use in court and are for personal knowledge only. Strict third party witnessing, fingerprinting and photography are required during sample collection for cases which are to be used in court. Results obtained from samples which are collected in private are just as accurate as results from legal tests, however, because the samples are collected in private, they are intended for personal knowledge only and cannot be used in court.
Are my results and information confidential?
All DNA paternity tests are completely discreet. All information and results are kept fully confidential and are released and discussed only with the individuals involved in the test. All information is kept 100% confidential and is not disclosed to a third party under any cicumstances.
Using the latest technology, London Biosciences offers standard 3 to 5 day testing (results available 3 to 5 working days after the laboratory receives the samples) as well as express 2 to 3 day testing services (results available 2 to 3 working days after the laboratory receives the samples).
A complete DNA paternity test can be initiated by filling in and submitting the online laboratory requisition form. Testing can also be initiated by mail by completing and sending in the printable order form (PDF form).
What do the results look like?
The results report is a comprehensive 3 part document. Part one of the report will provide a simple "yes" or "no" answer to the paternity test. Part two of the report will contain the laboratory data as well as the complete genetic profiles of each tested individual. Part three of the report is a results interpretation form with definititions of common terms and an overview of the analysis procedure. All results documents will provide a conclusive and definitive answer.
At the time that you order the test, you can choose to receive the comprehensive results report by mail, discreetly by Email, or both. The results report is release upon completion of testing.
How are the samples collected? Does it hurt?
Samples for paternity testing include blood (two tubes of peripheral blood 5ml taken from the arm), or buccal cells (swab scrapings from the inner cheek). Both blood and buccal cells are equally acceptable samples for parentage testing. Buccal cell collection is currently the preferred method for specimen collection because it is fast, painless and just as effective as blood. During a buccal cell collection, a special swab is rubbed gently on the inner cheek to collect loose buccal cells which are present inside the mouth. If you are choosing to collect the samples yourself in the privacy of your own home, a self buccal cell collection package will be sent to you for easy, safe and effective collection.
DNA paternity testing can be performed at any age. Even newborns and infants can be safely and effectively tested using buccal cell collection. If you would like the collection to occur at the time of delivery, a paternity test can be performed using umbilical cord blood collected by your physician at the time of delivery. Please contact London Biosciences directly if you require a cord blood collection kit. If the individual to be tested is deceased, testing can be performed using forensic samples such as dried blood stains, saliva stains, etc.
Can the test be performed without the mother, and if so, are the results still accurate?
A DNA paternity test can be easily and accurately performed even if the mother is deceased or unavailable. A motherless paternity test is just as accurate as a test which includes the mother. The cost for a motherless paternity test is the same as a test which includes the mother.
