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Answers to Your Paternity Testing Questions
What is DNA testing?
DNA testing refers to the process of examining an individual's DNA markers for
the purpose of genetic human identification and for determining the relationship between two people.
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What is Paternity?
Paternity means fatherhood. Paternity is established
when a paternity testing laboratory uses genetic testing methods to demonstrate
that an alleged father is the biological father. Paternity
is disproved when these same methods and standards demonstrate that
an alleged father is not the biological father.
The Econo DNA Testing method is an extremely accurate genetic testing method. It can absolutely determine if the man is not the biological father and reliably exclude him. DNA testing can establish that the alleged father is the child's biological father with a probability of paternity of 99% or higher.
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Can I do anything to alter the results of the test?
No, you can not alter the results of a test. Medication, drugs, alcohol, food, age or lifestyle can not alter the DNA pattern within an individual.
How old does the child need to be for paternity determination?
There is no age limit with DNA testing. Children who
are just a few days old can be tested using buccal swab sample collection.
Newborns are readily tested by collecting blood from the umbilical cord
on the day of birth. Under special circumstances, DNA paternity testing
can be
performed on unborn children during pregnancy by using amniotic fluids
or CVS samples.
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Can dietary intake
or lifestyle influence a person's DNA profile?
No, the DNA profile within an individual is not altered to any degree
by medication, drugs, alcohol, food, lifestyle or age. Also, there is
no need to fast or alter the normal living routine before giving a biological
sample/specimen.
How does DNA
paternity testing work using a Buccal Swab?
A buccal swab is a specialized applicator with a sponge, cotton or Dacron
tip. The applicator is rubbed on the inside of the cheek to collect epithelial
cells. This procedure is non-invasive and painless.
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What kinds of samples
are needed for DNA testing?
Econo DNA Testing generally uses a cheek swab collection (buccal swab)
since it is easy to obtain, completely non-invasive, painless, and
is just as accurate as blood samples.
Almost any biological sample could be used since DNA is located everywhere
throughout the body in the same exact form.
What is the difference
between a blood test and a mouth swab (buccal swab)?
A buccal swab sample is just as accurate as a blood sample. The advantages of
using buccal swab collections are that they are non-invasive, painless, quick
and easy.
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What
hair samples can be used for DNA paternity testing?
Hair pulled directly from the scalp, with the root intact, is required. If this
is your preferred method of collection, please contact our client services department
for additional information.
Who needs to be tested?
The mother, the child and
the alleged father. We can accurately test without
the mother's sample but this requires additional
analysis by our testing laboratory.
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What
if I want to test more than one child or alleged father?
If the additional child or alleged father is tested along with the other
participants, the additional fee is only $150. per person. Please see
the
Fee
Schedule or
contact our service department at (877) 551-0307 for additional information.
What
if the two alleged fathers are related?
When possible, both men should be tested at the same time. Relatives have similar DNA patterns so the laboratory will probably need to
perform extra tests to exclude one of them. It is important that you inform us of the situation when you order your test.
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What if one of
the parties lives in some other city, state, or country?
Collection kits can be sent to separate locations*. The samples are
united once they have all arrived at the testing laboratory. Samples
collected early can be stored as DNA for as long as necessary until the
last required sample
is collected. *Note - additional
shipping charges may apply if we need to ship outside of the USA. To
determine exact shipping charges and to clarify other questions, please
contact our Client Services Department at (877) 551-0307.
What are some of
the reasons DNA testing is conducted?
There are many legal and personal reasons to require DNA testing. Some of the more common include:
- peace of mind
- family medical concerns
- child support
- custody
- adoption
- citizenship/immigration
- inheritance/benefits (social security, insurance, etc.)
- crime scene analysis (forensic testing)
The laboratory used by Econo DNA Testing is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for the purpose of performing paternity (parentage) tests. Your paternity test will be processed by highly skilled and trained laboratory technicians. Every test is evaluated by a Ph.D. scientist with over 14 years specializing in DNA genetic testing. To learn more about the laboratory and about DNA testing accuracy, click on the links at the top or bottom of this page.
How many paternity
cases has Econa DNA Testing's laboratory performed?
The laboratory is dedicated to excellence
in service and technology in genetic testing, paternity testing, and
DNA paternity testing in particular. It has successfully performed over
9000 tests in the highly specialized field of DNA paternity testing.
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Are the results
admissible in court?
Econo DNA Testing specializes in home collection cases and these are
not typically accepted in court since a strict chain-of-custody procedure
is not followed. If you would like information on a legally qualified
DNA test click
here.
Who gets the results?
Typically, all adults over age 18 who are tested are eligible to receive
a copy of the test results. The collection kit will include paperwork asking the tested parties their preference for receiving a copy.
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Are the paternity
test results confidential?
Yes, test results are strictly confidential. They are released
only to the adult persons who were tested and, as requested, to their
authorized agents (e.g. attorneys). For information on requesting
a legally qualified DNA test click
here.
Is there a minimum
age requirement for testing?
There is no age limit with DNA collection and testing. Children who are
just a few days old can be tested using buccal swab sample collection.
Newborns are readily tested by collecting blood from the umbilical
cord on the day of birth. Under special circumstances, DNA paternity
testing can be performed on unborn children during pregnancy by using
amniotic fluids
or CVS samples.
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Yes, we do offer prenatal testing. Prenatal testing is significantly more expensive and does involve medical risk. The mother must have an obstetrical procedure (amniocentesis) in order to obtain a sample on the fetus. Econo DNA Testing will assist you with information and coordination.
Can
paternity testing be done without a specimen from the Mother?
Yes. We can accurately test without the mother's sample, but this
requires additional analysis by the laboratory.
Since one half of the child's DNA comes from the mother, we
prefer to include her in the test if possible.
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Can testing be
done if the alleged father is missing or deceased?
Yes. Other relatives, such as the alleged father's parents,
can replace him in the test if necessary. At times, biological samples
from a deceased person can be obtained from a hospital or the coroner's
office. For additional information, please contact our client services
department at (877) 551-0307.
Do I need
a doctor's order to have a paternity test performed?
No. A doctor's order is generally not required for you to have a paternity
test conducted.
New York residents please note that New York State rules
and regulations allows a clinical laboratory to examine specimens only
at the request of a licensed physician
or other persons
authorized by law to use the findings of laboratory examinations in
their practice or in the performance of their official duties. Please
contact our client services team for the latest information.
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What forms of payment
does Econo DNA Testing accept?
Fees for testing are paid by money order, cashier's check, MasterCard,
Visa, American Express or Discover card. (No personal checks or cash
please.)
How long
does it take to receive results from the paternity test?
It typically takes about 6-10 working days to complete the
testing. In cases where the mother's sample is not included or when an
abnormal sample is used, testing may require more time.
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How do I
request a home test kit?
Click on a "Request a Kit Now" button located throughout this site, or click
here.
What if I want a legal DNA paternity test?
There are times when it is necessary to receive a notarized and legally
qualified report following your DNA test. If you would like information
on obtaining a
legally qualified DNA paternity test click here .
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