When samples for a paternity test are collected , the DNA carried within the cheek swabs could become contaminated before they are sent to the lab. To prevent this from happening, here are a few tips for you to follow when collecting samples.
1. Don’t eat or drink, smoke, brush your teeth, etc.
Avoid eating, drinking or putting anything else in your mouth that can affect the test for at least one hour before doing the cheek swab collections. There is a chance that this foreign matter can mask the DNA, making it unusable for paternity tests. If this is the case, the lab will catch it and you’ll be notified (so there is no chance that your final results will be affected by it). If this happens, re-collections are completed one time at no cost to you. This means you’ll wait longer before you get your paternity test results, so it’s best to follow this guideline the first time!
2. Cross-contamination
Swabs may become contaminated by contact with another person’s DNA, perhaps by someone who is collecting the sample. This can happen by someone inadvertently handling the tips of the swab or dropping the swab. According to Dr. Donna Housley, IDENTIGENE lab director, ‘Sometimes the swabs are contaminated because people mix up the envelopes and put swabs from 2 different people in the same envelope, which is quite common.” So handle swabs with care and be sure to follow all package instructions carefully.
3. Blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant
If a participant has ever had a bone marrow transplant or a recent blood transfusion, the profile could be contaminated because we see two profiles from one individual when we amplify the DNA. Please make a note of the procedure you’ve had on the form when you submit it to the lab. If we determine it is affecting results, we will notify you.
4. When submitting DNA samples for paternity testing, avoid the original plastic packaging
Something else you want to avoid is placing the DNA collection swabs back into the plastic wrapper it originally arrived in. You want to place the samples directly into the paper envelope provided in the IDENTIGENE DNA collection kit, as noted in the instructions.
5. Mailing wet envelopes
Keep in mind collection envelopes may become wet because saliva may affix itself to the cheek cells that are needed to extract the DNA. If this happens, lay the sample envelope down on a clean counter and let them air-dry at room temperature. Sometimes when wet sample envelopes are mailed, they rip and this can contaminate all of the samples, including other participants’.
Follow these tips and all of the other instructions included inside of the IDENTIGENE DNA collection kit and your samples will most likely arrive at our laboratory ready for paternity testing, and you will receive your results on time. Now that you have sent your samples to IDENTIGENE, learn how to receive your results.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
Tim Was here says
I did a test through you guys back in 2008 and my test results was 99.6% and a combined parentage index of 2,816 and before it was sent my girlfriend let our son who was a slobbing 2 month oldput his wet hands on the sample, Is there any way the DNA test could have been given the wrong numbers, My oldest son was 4 yrs old and was the test subject but my 2 month old grab the swab with his slobbing wet hands, You think I need to redo that DNA test because my son is being hid for over 2 1/2 yrs and im paying 600+ in child support…
Amber says
If there were mixed profiles on the DNA samples the laboratory would have seen that. There would have been two sets of DNA. Because the profiles were clean (we know this because you were given a result) I would say they are accurate. However, if you are having doubts I would recommend having another test completed for verification.
rocky says
same thing happened to my family and — is it possible to get a false positive in this situation due to contamination? —– They did contact me because they had a question but then still issued me the results before i could contact them…. so i am very confused. tried to contact them but they confused the heck out of me.
Identigene says
If results were issued, then there was no problem with establishing profiles.
Jai says
Hey I have done a test with y’all a while back. The results came back that I wasn’t the father. Now the mother feel like the test had to be wrong and want to take another test. The reason why is because she feel the samples from the child was stored improperly. When we took the samples I place the swabs back into the original plastic they can out of. Then waited about 2 months afterwards to send the results in.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Jai. Although it’s true that the swabs with DNA shouldn’t have been stored in the original plastic (they should be placed in paper containers instead since they contain organic material), they must not have been contaminated since you were issued results. Not storing swabs properly can’t change the DNA…it can only contaminate the sample, which affects whether or not the DNA can be extracted for testing. When swabs are contaminated, testing is suspending until new samples can be obtained.
Carla says
I did a paternity test through court and while doing this the person drop the swab before putting it in the mouth of the guy that might be the father. Could the swab get contaminated because I want to know how accurate is this DNA testing?
Amber says
If a sample is contaminated in anyway, the laboratory would not be able to extract a profile. This would mean the laboratory would need to recollect the sample. If a recollection was not required, this is a good indication that the sample was not contaminated and the lab was able to extract a good profile for comparison.
Margaret says
My child father took a dna test on both or the kids that pose to been his with a home dna test in my daughters came back 0percent
liz says
If my child and myself had drank a fruit punch drink before having DNA test will that contaminate the DNA test ?? As we were not told not to drink anything before testing, so we finished our drnks and enter the place for testing. Was not asked by tech if we had anything to eat or drink within the hour.
Amber says
HI Liz,
If the laboratory was able to extract a profile that means the DNA was not contaminated in anyway. Anything you eat or drink will not change the DNA in any way. If anything it would “destroy” the DNA so a profile would not be found. If a DNA profile was extracted than the DNA was not contaminated. I hope this does help.
Shelby says
So my husband and my son took a paternity test, just for his peace of mind. I know for sure he is the father. But they used an online test with mouth swabs, and if he put his swabs in the envelope while they were still wet, could that mess up the results at all? Thanks.
Amber says
Hi Shelby,
No, that will not hurt them at all. Worse case the swabs will touch to create a double profile. If that does happen we recollect at no charge to you! Feel free to contact our client support team any time to check on the status of your case to help put your mind at ease.
chantelle says
Hi can I do a dna test on a guy Hu cud be my daughters father and cud I get her dna of her dummy as she ain’t wid me nomore
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Chantelle. I’m sorry. I don’t quite understand your questions. What do you mean by DNA of her dummy?
Janise Gonzalez says
What happens if that supposedly biological father did not use gloves while taking the DNA with the swabs on him and the child
Identigene says
Hi, Janise. That shouldn’t be a problem. If somehow the swabs were contaminated and the lab detects two separate DNA profiles on one of the swabs, then they will simply ask for new samples before proceeding any further with testing.
Meesh says
Hi Amber, if I brushed my teeth a hour before and me nd my baby father ate atleast 25 mins before our paternity test and my baby ate an hour before the test and our results came back negative becux 6 out of 7 paternity index did not have a percent but the other 3 read : 2.29 , 1.34 and 2.44 might we did something wrong at all? Oh and on 2 or 3 that paternity index him and his father had matched atleast one number together in all 3 could we have effected the test? Should we take another test through a different company to see?
Amber says
Hi Meesha,
In order for the alleged father to be the biological father he must match each location. There may be a few loci matches, and that simply means those specific numbers at those specific locations are common among the population, it does not indicate a biological relationship. As far as eating or drinking before collecting the DNA, we do ask that you don’t do that for at least an hour before swabbing to help reduce the risk of food particles mixing in with sample. This is to reduce the risk of contamination. However, if their was an issue with that the lab would not have been able to get a profile at all and we would have asked you to recollect the samples. Food and other items will NOT change your DNA. Because the lab did get profiles this tells me the DNA was just fine. At this point I would recommend testing any other potential fathers to help determine the biological father.
Keshe says
What if you swab the same child twice But the the DNA results came back positive for both kids But only 1 child was swabbed
Identigene says
A lab can only give results for the samples it is given. Unless the test is a legal, witnessed one where IDs are checked and all steps are supervised, we can’t know for sure whether DNA belongs to Child A or Child B, if they are the same sex.
Meesh says
I’m sorry I meant 6 out of 9 had no percent but 3 did have a percent . BUT… 3 out of the 6 that had no percent , him and his dad DID have atleast one match in all 3
meesha says
hi Amber ,
ok im almost certain that my boyfriend is the father of my child and our results came back that he is not . But we ate and brushed our teeths a half hour prior to the testing and i was wondering if that could screw up the strength of the test i knw it doesnt change dna but can it be the reason y some markers wherent found and on some if the markers my boyfriend and my son did match a number but they didnt get any percent . i dont know what happened but do you think we should retake it at a different lab?
Amber says
Hi Meesha,
I really hope my last response answered your question, however, if it did not please feel free to contact client support at 888-404-4363. We would be happy to answer any further questions.
scott says
My wife and I ran the test awhile back and it came back that I was definitely the father. But as I looked back on the whole thing, it bothers me that my wife waited a few days before mailing it. So I wondered if she didnt perhaps buy another test kit and allow the real father to use a different envelope and submit it with the childs swabs, and throw away mine.
My question is, do your test kits have all the envelopes/swabs marked the same within a kit? If you do, my mind would be put to rest.
Thanks!
Amber says
Hi Scott,
If she was to do something like that, there is no way to tell. You can contact our client support team and request a copy of your own signed envelope to see what was mailed in. When something like this happens I recommend doing a legally collected DNA test. This is where all participants are collected at a collection facility and the collector sends us the samples to establish a chain of custody. This will ensure they are not tampered with by any of the participants.
Melissa says
Hello I know for a fact my sons dad is his dad..but my sons family on his dad side did a in home test through universal genectics and they sai hed the results came back that he is excluded from being the father. They only matched 5 out of 16 markers and o% pi ..how can that happen if he is the only Guy i was with..
Amber says
HI Melissa,
You would want to determine if it was a personally collected DNA test. If so, they are not court admissible because the lab can not verify whose sample was actually submitted. If you are sure he is the only possibility I would recommend that you suggest another test with your samples submitted as well, where you witness the collection yourself, or you may want to consider a legal paternity test. That is where all participants are collected at a facility and the collector submits the samples to the lab for testing. This will ensure that the samples were not tampered with by any of the participants, and they also verify ID to determine whose samples are actually being submitted. I really hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let us know.
jessica hicks says
mine and my daughters DNA tests swabs was done in 2015 when she was only 1 now she is 2 and a half and we tested the alleged father and when they swabbed him we was not present in anyway could her DNA strands change as her body forms and grows????
also could he have put per say his girlfriends saliva in his mouth befor being tested? I was wondering if that is possible?
jessica hicks says
also I do not believe me , my daughter or the 2 alleged fathers washed our mouths out befor taking the DNA TESTS!!
Identigene says
Hi, Jessica. No, your child’s DNA has not changed. If your test was a legal one (meaning an approved witness supervised the alleged father’s DNA collection), then you can trust the results. Having a witness is meant to prevent the kind of fraud you mentioned. Hope this helps!
Jeri says
Hello
After collecting the samples from my fiance and his son I noticed small wet stains on both of the envelopes. We made sure we collected the samples in the morning before they ate, drank or brushed their teeth but now I’m concerned the qtips can be contaminated…? Also, my husband is 100% Jamaican and his son’s mother is African-American; will the results verify if the son is also of Jamaican descent?
Amber says
Hi Jeri,
Because saliva comes along with the cheek cells when using the buccal swabs, the envelope may get damp, and that is just fine. We recommend letting them dry at room temperature.
When calculating probability of paternity we do take into consideration the ethnicity of the alleged father and the mother, however, we do not ask for ethnicity of the child. The Child’s ethnicity will not affect the results of the paternity test.
Jeri says
Hi Amber…sorry if I didn’t explain very well….the two wet envelopes were laying on top of each other. Will this effect the results and possibly show him as the father if he is not since the two wet swabs possibly came in contact with each other thru the envelopes? Also the mother was not tested…just the father and son. Sorry for the confusion..
Amber says
Hi Jeri,
The DNA profiles should be just fine. IF they came in contact with each other the profiles would most likely come out with either two profiles, or identical profiles. In either case we would recollect samples at no charge!
Melissa says
I had the same problem both test were wet and went thru the envelope. After noticing and reading this we set it on the counter to dry. Im worried that its gonna affect the results or be a positive test. What should i do
Identigene says
Hi, Melissa. They should be OK. But if there are any problems with the quality of the samples, the lab will not issue results and will instead ask for new samples to test with. So no worries!
Bren says
Hi Amber,
I have recently taken my 2 month old baby for DNA testing with her father and results came back as him not being the father. My baby had a blood transfusion when she was born but dont recall what it was for. Could that have any effect of the results? I know he was the only one. What can I do? Thank you
Amber says
Hi Bren,
It is rare that a blood transfusion would affect the DNA profile of your child. A bone marrow transplant is much more likely to affect the DNA profile obtained. In the rare instance that a transfusion does affect the results, it would usually result in what would appear to the laboratory as a contaminated profile and a recollection would be requested. It is unlikely to see a completely different profile. Also if the mother is tested along with the child, as is always recommended, it would be apparent if the incorrect profile for the child was obtained. We would always request the mother’s sample in such a case.
Bren says
Amber,
Thank you for your response. In fact my daughter had a blood transfusion for really low platelets. But her father has a son and my baby nd his have same features. I know its his baby but the results thru us off big time. What should I do? Call the Determigene for another test nd do we have to pay again? When we ordered the test we werent asked about blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant until the day of thr testing
Amber says
If you want peace of mind with another test I would recommend it. Keep in mind the blood transfusion would most likely not affect the results, however, sometimes peace of mind goes a long way. I would recommend waiting about 6 months from the time of the transfusion to take the test to really put your mind at ease. You will most likely need to pay for another test, however, you can contact the laboratory that completed the testing to see what they can do for you.
Debbie says
Hi Amber,
We had a paternity test done at a hospital. My son was very fidgety and I had to hold his mouth open and while the lady was swabbing his mouth the swab touched my hand.The lady looked at me and then just kept talking so I didn’t think to say anything wish I would have now. The test came back that the guy I believed to be the father was not but when I calculate the dates he was the only guy I was with at that time. Is it possible that my hand touching the swab could of contaminated it?
KD says
Dear Debbie,
We can only speak for the Identigene test and our laboratory. If you take the Identigene test, we recommend you test mother, child and alleged father. We also ask for three swabs from each person. We do this because of the situation you described. If the DNA sample from your child’s cheek swab wasn’t consistent on the three swabs, we would have your DNA to compare it to or if a double profile was present (your DNA and another’s DNA on one swab) the lab would recollect at that point, just to be safe. If ever Identigene suspects contamination or doesn’t get enough DNA for our test, we would contact the customer and ask to recollect at no additional charge. You can purchase our kit at any major drugstore.
ER says
My daughter and her alleged father was tested it was determine he wasn’t the father I strongly feel he is because he was the only one I was involve with.The DNA specialist tested her with a candy could that have affect the test should I have a better to have a bllod test.
KD says
ER,
We can only speak for the Identigene test. We recommend a cheek swab from each party – mom, child and alleged father. The inside of the cheek’s DNA is the same as blood DNA. I would recommend you retest using cheek DNA. Our kit can be found at major drugstores.
Samantha says
I just got the results to my DNA test & was wondering what if on accident I put NY daughters swabs in my envelope and mine in hers would that effect the results ? Im pretty sure I didnt do that but just in case I was curious. And another thing I was wondering is how do you determine if the gene is mutated I think was the word?
Amber says
Hi Samantha,
If the results are “not excluded” meaning he is considered to be the biological father then they were certainly not swapped. This is because the child and alleged father match and the mother and alleged father would not. On any exclusions we always check for a mother/child swap to confirm findings. As for mutations If there is only a single mismatch and it is off by only a single repeat unit (allele number) between the child and AF, and the remaining markers are consistent with paternity, we say that the locus is consistent with a mutation event.
Kaye says
I mailed off the DNA swabs last week, as I was getting the package ready I noticed that the alleged father swabbed the child in question on 9/11/11. He was swabbed the day I mailed it 2/9/12. (We lost the box and found it when we moved.) Also, I noticed that he placed the child’s swabs back in the original plastic wrap. So, my question is will the test be a total flop, since the sample is 5 months old and then placed in plastic? Clearly, he did not read the directions. I did, therefore, his sample was good.
Amber says
Hello Kaye,
Once the samples are taken they are good for about 6 months. We don’t want the samples placed back into the original plastic, but if they were kept at room temperature we may be able to get a good profile. You can choose to send them in or purchase a new kit. If you do submit the samples and we are not able to extract a good profile we will ask for a recollection at no charge to you one time. We will even send you new supplies. This will keep you from having to purchase a new kit.
I hope this answers your question, please contact us again if you have any other questions.
Ali says
Hi my husband and my daughter took a swab DNA test. Although my husband did not eat drink or smoke for an hour before the test some food from his teeth got on the test swab. Will that matter when I get my results back?
KD says
Hi Ali,
Eating or drinking can contaminate the swabs. If that were to happen the lab would not have been able to extract a profile at all and would contact you for a retest. If you haven’t been contacted, this indicates there was not contamination and the DNA was just fine.
kim says
Hello, I conceived around may 19th and slept with my partner twice around the time from 20th onwards but chheated with another man in this same time. We carried out two paternity tests which both came back negative. My partner done the swabs infront oof me so unlikey they were tampered with but I highyly doubt the second company, was a random company online who sent me a pack of swabs aand a pack to the alleged father. I sent my swabs which they received 2 days later but didn’t receive the males. So they told me for the test to be carried out either me or the male had to pay 30 for more swabs to be sent out but I suggested I would just send him my spare swabs ( cause the packs are pre made so I had the alleged fathers left over ) they went along with it and I let them know I had sent the swabs to the alleged fatherr special delivery and the company would receive them within 3 days. 2 days later they emailed saying they received the first set the male had sent as he hadn’t even had a chance to send the second sample. The first were sent first class and took 12 days to get there, aare they messing us about and not even a lagit company? Something has to have went wrong as there is no one else, I’m at my whits end and driving me mad reading all this info online. Please help!
KD says
Dear Kim,
It does sound like you are having a hard time. I would suggest you call the company you used for your DNA paternity test and get some answers. We can only speak for Identigene. You can call our customer service department if you are interested in retesting using the Identigene test. 888-404-GENE
chae says
i had my baby tested on march 20 we recieved the results of negative on march 26..my question to you is if my 6 week old baby was drinking lactose sensitive formula mixed with barley flakes and the bottle taken out and the swabs taken a second later. could that possibly contaminate the test and give a false result….
KD says
Hi Chae,
Food can contaminate the buccal swab and block DNA from being extracted by our laboratory, however, if we were able to pull DNA (we were in your case since you received a results statement) from the swab then we will provide results. If the food would have truly contaminated the swab, Identigene wouldv’e contacted you and requested you to reswab at no additional charge. Food DOES NOT change DNA. It can only prohibit us from getting it off the swab.
lil lady says
My sex partner and I did a home testing kit,he just collected my baby’s saliva and the results came back negative,ive been wit him since April 24,2011 and found out I was prego June 28,2011,could he b the father
lil lady says
June 28 I was 5 weeks,help me please
KD says
Hi Lil Lady,
I’m sorry but I do not understand your question. I’m assuming there is more than one alleged father since you took a paternity test. When you say it came back negative, are you referring to the DNA paternity test results? Did you use an Identigene test? I would call our client support to talk specifically about your results statement. They can be reached at 888-404-GENE.
doubtful says
Is it possible that an alleged father who is also swabbing himself and the child could contaminate the child’s swan, resulting in false results?
KD says
Hi Doubtful,
It is always possible for someone to swab someone other than themselves or the child involved if they are not being supervised during a “peace of mind” DNA paternity test. If you have doubts, I would highly recommend doing a legal collection. Identigene can set this up. Please call 888-404-GENE. In a legal collection, Identigene sets up a collector to witness the tests and mails the samples into the lab. This process still utilizes the same kit sold in drugstores.
Wondering says
Hi My Husband had this problem as well with a peace of mind kit 5 years ago. He swabbed the child and So did the mother. The DNA came back positive 99.9999354%. Wondering if there is a possibility of contamination or wrong result? Having doubts and was wondering if he gets a court based test it would change at all?
KD says
Dear Wondering,
Thanks for your question. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food or drink, but we are able to detect any contamination once the testing begins. If this happens, we would stop testing and contact you about re-collecting the samples. It is highly unlikely that anyone else could be the child’s father with the probability of relationship result as 99.99%, as this is the highest result possible. Having a legal or court admissible test will not change the results as the only difference between our peace of mind test and legal test is that a collector is present to handle the paperwork, witness the collection and mail the test to our laboratory. If, however, you have any doubts about where the samples came from (whose samples they are), it would be best to witness the sample collection as well as accompanying the samples directly to the mailing facility. IDENTIGENE provides the most accurate testing available on the market today. We have worked extremely hard to put measures in place that prevent any mistake from being made throughout the entire DNA testing process from beginning to end. If you have any other questions feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-(GENE) 4363.
concerned dad says
i recently did a dna test with my ex girlfriend. she refused to do the dna test around me so i let her do it at her house. she swabbed herself and the baby but i have doubts that she swabbed herself twice instead of swabbing her son. will i be able to tell if she did this?
mothers love says
i think my daughter swab her son and touch the fathers swabs together. the test came out he was the father could this be wrong
KD says
Dear Mother’s Love,
If IDENTIGENE supplied “excluded” or “not excluded” on the test results, they pulled consistant DNA from each party (mom, child, alleged father) and were able to conclude a result. If there was a double profile on a swab (dad and child’s DNA both on the same swab), they would have tried the other swabs or contacted the involved parties for a retest. Now, if the mother swabbed someone other than the alleged father on all three swabs, or switched the swabs, our test wouldn’t be able to detect this. Our “peace of mind” testing relies on all parties being honest and who they say they are. If you are still doubtful, you could always call IDENTIGENE and set up a “legal collection” where we hire a collector to witness the swabbing and mail in the swabs, as well as collect proper identification and paperwork, which eliminates the chances for customer paternity fraud.
Destiny says
I took the est a month ago an twenty minutes before we took it we ate mc donalds m daughter even ate some. Im prety sure he is the father an my results came out wrong??? I would like some retesting swabbs if that is possible.
KD says
Destiny,
Please contact customer service about your test. Did you get a results statement? Did it provide you with an “excluded” or “not excluded” result? Eating before the test can’t change the DNA it can only block it from getting on the swab. I will pass along your email address to client support. I would advise contacting them to discuss your test results. Thank you! 888-404-4363
Quinetta n says
i took a test with you all a month ago my daughter was only a few weeks old. Would that have anything to do with the outcome of the results? Also can you explain the matching to me so I can understand how it work. How accurate are the results ?
KD says
Dear Quinetta. Please contact our customer service department, 888-404-4363, with your case # and they can go over your results statement. Your child’s age should not have any effect on the outcome of the test. We compare the biological father’s DNA with her DNA to get the probability of paternity.
jay says
I put the dna swabs back in the plastic bags and then the envelope for mailing. Will this effect the accuracy of the test?
KD says
Hi Jay,
It will not effect the accuracy. If anything at all it may contaminate the DNA which means we can not get a profile and would need to recollect. If a profile is obtained then the DNA was not contaminated and was a good sample. Thank you for contacting us with your question.
kim says
Typically how long does it take for you to receive the samples once they are mailed because its been five days and i mailed it from tx to identigene?
KD says
Dear Kim, I would allow 4 business days for receipt to Salt Lake City, Utah if you used the envelope included in the kit. When did you mail the samples? Did you mail it on Friday, Dec. 14?
JJordan says
I was wondering if my child’s cheek was swabbed for less than the 20 seconds will that affect the results. Also will there be a delay due to the holiday season? I sent the swabs on Dec 26th from CA.
KD says
Hello JJordan,
If our laboratory cannot pull DNA from the three swabs used on your child, they will contact you. Our laboratory was closed on Jan. 1 but open the other days (except weekends). Depending on your mailing method (express, overnight, priority or standard mail) will determine how soon your results will be available. Once they reach us, it is only 2 business days for lab turnaround. Please contact us at 888-404-4363 if you have any questions.
tracie cardwell says
My son had a DNA test last year when the child was 8 months but he had smoked before he went in could that affect the results he did have six matches and everyone says she’s the double of my youngest son .
KD says
Dear Tracie,
No, smoking will not affect his DNA. If you are still in doubt, you could have him participate in a second DNA test to confirm the results.
Julie says
Hi, I expect strongly that my daughter is not my biological daughter. I ordered a swab test online and had one sent to my ex, the first test she claims she did not receive.. She received the second and I came back that my daughter and my dna was a match! But u know my ex is still in contact with the man I think is the father.. I think she may have filled out my details but swabbed his mouth! Could it be possible the dna got mixed in the lab if they were both labelled with my name?
KD says
Dear Julie,
If the test wasn’t witnessed, a DNA laboratory can only assume the participants are honest. If you have questions, you should consider retesting with a legal collection, where the swabbing is witnessed and the collector mails the samples to the lab. This removes the chance for dishonesty.
Carlos says
Hi!i did the test but my daughter brushed her teeth will this affect the results?
KD says
Carlos,
No, if the cheek was swabbed according to package instructions, our laboratory should be able to grab DNA from the 3 buccal swabs. Thank you. Any additional questions, please contact client support at 888-404-4363. Best to you.
costina says
Hi me nd my son dad take a home dna nd we were smokeing 5min before we did the test nd it take u guys amouth for the test to come back nd when we call they told us they could not tell if my son was a boy or girl so they send .some paper for his did to fill out and a mouth want pass nd when we got the test back it said he was not the father sshould we take a new one
KD says
Costina,
I would advise you to contact our client support staff at 888-404-4363 to discuss the details of your case. We are only able to discuss general questions on the blog; to protect our customer’s privacy. Thank you.
Deedy says
I know who my daughter’s father is b/c I wasn’t sexually active w/ anyone, but him the time of my conception & prior to conceiving my daughter I wasn’t sexually activefor 7 months. However my daughter’s father have doubts b/c we live in 2 different states. He had me purchase an identegene paternity testing kit from walgreens & swab my mouth & my daughter’s mouth & then send it thru the mail to his him. We did this 2 days ago. When he receive the kit he’s suppose to swab himself& send it in
I wanted to know if this would effect our results b/c we swabbed at different times?
I also want to know if my daughter sucking a pacifier would contaminate her swabs? My daughter is only 3weeks old & she suck a pacifier.
Nnn
Another questio
KD says
Dear Deedy,
Thank you for contacting Identigene. Swabbing at different times won’t effect the results, however, do you have any measures in place that will ensure that the father swabs himself and not another person? Since you aren’t there to witness the collection, we would recommend you have someone that you trust witness the swabbing and mailing.
Your daughter sucking a pacifier will not affect the DNA. Hope this helps. Best!
shunikia brown says
Hi I Recently Took a at Home Dna Test the results came back in.said my son match 20 out of 24 of the boy alleles but it still said he wasnt the father. can you explain to me whats going on? im so confused
KD says
Shunikia,
It just means that the DNA had 20 matches. A child inherits genes from the mother and the father and if the father was the biological father, the child and father would match at each allele. According to genetics, a child MUST have one matching number to the father in each “locus†or allele. In some cases, there are natural mutations where the child has a slightly higher or lower value than the father but these are rare. Each Marker location shows 2 alleles.
Everyone receives one number from their biological mother and one number from their biological father. These markers are analyzed to verify matches between the alleged father and the child. If the markers between the alleged father and child match they are given a Parentage Index number that indicates how common that marker is among the population. If the marker is rare the number will be higher, if the marker is common the number will be lower. These numbers calculate to give the probability of paternity. The probability of paternity for inclusions must be higher than 99%. The probability of paternity for exclusions will show as 0%.
If you are still confused, please call our client support staff and they can talk you through it. The number is 1-888-404-4363. Thank you.
tammie mccann says
My question is: If swab DNA test was done. And child was not swabbed til 7monthslater. They keep fathers DNA for that long.. Would test be accurate or not…. Heard can keep only 6months.
KD says
Tammie,
We recommend sending in all the participants swabs before 6 months, but if a person hasn’t sent in the samples, we ask they still send in the specimens associated with the test and our lab will attempt to run the test as normal. If for some reason they cannot pull DNA from any of the swabs, they will contact the customer for a retest and we will send additional swabs. Hope that answers your question. If you want to talk with client support, please feel free to contact them at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you.
Margaret says
Hi… I was wondering if swabs can be contaminated if a person travels from one country to another does the testing then puts the swabs in the envelopes , drives back and sends the swabs by mail? For example: going to and from mexico to the united states? And how long does it take for results because the person the did the testing said it took her 2weeks to get the results.
KD says
Dear Margaret,
First, no traveling will not change DNA. Second, results can be delayed for several reasons. The main reason is mail method (choosing to use our postage paid envelope will take longer than sending overnight, two-day or priority mail). Once we receive the swabs, it usually takes 2 business days to process results. This can also be delayed if the paperwork is incomplete or filled out incorrectly; the samples are bad and we need to run the second or third swab for a participant; the mother doesn’t swab and the results are inconclusive and we have to request the mother’s DNA sample. Hope this helps. Thanks for contacting Identigene.
michelle bond says
I have a question how can it be possible for me and my son to take a paternity test while the absent dad was in jail but durning that time he nevr took at test he told me that but the result came back he was the father how is that possible .
KD says
Michelle,
I apologize but I am not clear on the situation. For a paternity test, Identigene requires the alleged father and child to swab. The mother is recommended. Unless we had a swab from the alleged father, Identigene would not be able to complete a DNA Paternity Test. Please contact client support if you have additional questions. 1-888-404-4363 M-F 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Thank you.
daniela says
My son looks so much like the father when he was a baby we did a dna test and it end up been negative so my queation is how can someone look so much as someone and not be it
KD says
Daniela,
Physical resemblances are a matter of opinion. For example, “You look just like your mother” might be the opinion of one family member and then another would disagree and say, “No, she looks just like her father.” The opposite often occurs when parents have children that look nothing like them. This is where the comments come from that reference the “milk man” or “switched at birth”. DNA testing is the only way to confirm biological relationships accurately. If you doubt the paternity test results, you can always retest with another company or purchase a legal collection which will require an assigned third party to witness and mail the swabs. Thanks for contacting Identigene.
mariana says
I send my samples and I think my sons swabs I accidently put it in my envelope and my swabs I put on my son’s envelope would that be a problem?
mariana says
I send my swabs and I think I accidently put my son’s swabs in my envelope and my swabs on his envelope would that be a problem?
KD says
Mariana,
You will need to contact our client support staff to explain your possible mistake. They can speak with the lab directors and evaluate your case. The number is 888-404-4363. They can send you new swabs for a retest. Thank you.
mariana12 says
I send my swabs and I think I put my son’s swabs in my envelope and my swabs on his envelope would that be a problem?
KD says
Hello. You will need to contact our client support staff to explain your possible mistake. They can speak with the lab directors and evaluate your case. The number is 888-404-4363. They can send you new swabs for a retest. Thank you.
tamarra says
Me my child and partner got swob the same day on April 12 I never got any results back and its july what does that mean???
KD says
Tamarra, Have you contacted IDENTIGENE? That doesn’t sound correct. IDENTIGENE would have contacted you if there were problems with your test in order to process your test. Our tests take 2 business days. If you can provide a case #, I can look into the case for you. Thanks!
Sirleda Brown says
If I sent DNA samples off on 8/12/13 can u tell me when can I look to receive results???
KD says
Sirleda,
Sorry for the delay. Hopefully, you have received your results. I would think they were ready by 8/20. If you want to share a case #, I can look into it for you. Thank you.
Daren says
Hi. I am looking to test the alleged father of my adopted son. I have one, 15 month old buccal swab which has been stored in a vial at room temperature, but he dropped another buccal swab off today for good measure. My mother threw one away and kept the other, without double checking which one was which, so now I do not know how old the buccal swab is – it could be 15 months old, or it could be one day old. I see in the kit paperwork it asks the date of collection, of which i now do not know. Will it matter if I just right down the date of the more current one? Will the lab need to know, for scientific analysis, the exact date of collection? This is strictly for informational perposes and not legal. Getting another buccal swab is not possible as he does not wish to be bothered further.
KD says
Daren, If your sample is older than 6 months, the sample may not have enough DNA to provide a conclusive result, but we can always try. As for the collection date, you can put down the date you swabbed your son and then put a written note of the alleged father’s swabbing scenario. You can also contact client support and let them know about your situation. They can make a note on your case. Client support’s number is 1-888-404-(GENE) 4363. Good luck! Thanks for trusting IDENTIGENE!
shay says
How long can you keep a dna sample that you haven sent it off and how do you store it
KD says
Shay, IDENTIGENE recommends that you send off your DNA within 6 months of collection. If your samples are older than 6 months, we ask that you contact our client support staff so that they are aware of your situation. If the laboratory cannot pull DNA from the swabs, they will contact you for a retest. If you need to store your samples, please make sure they are stored in a safe, dry space within their sealed specimen envelopes. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-(GENE) 4363.
kamuai says
if i put the samples in the envelope wet and they mixed would the results be tainted
KD says
Kamuai, It is unlikely that the results would be tainted. A common misconception is that we use the saliva for testing, when actually we test the cheek cells. If in the rare case that the samples did mix, we are able to detect if there are multiple DNA profiles on one sample. If we find that the sample has more than one DNA profile on a given sample, we will contact you and offer a free recollection kit which we will send to you in the mail. Hopes this helps! If you have any other questions feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-(GENE) 4363.
Iris Morales says
Can a paternity test – dna sample be contaminated if it was done incorrectly… say rubbed it too long inside the cheek –to the point where they inside of cheek bled?
breanna says
IDENTIGENE provides simple instructions with each DNA paternity test kit. We advise participants to wait one hour before swabbing after they eat or drink (which includes breastfeeding). One misconception is that eating and drinking can alter DNA results. The only thing contaminents like foods or liquids can do is block the swab from grabbing the DNA off of the cheek. If this happens, we will contact the participants for a retest. As far as blood, blood cells and cheek cells contain a person’s DNA. The DNA is not different; it is a unique genetic fingerprint for that individual.
We hope this information is helpful. Let us know if you have any more questions and we will be more than happy to help. 1-888-404-4363 Thank you!
Alice says
My child me and dad was swobbed. My child and I were swobbed together. But the dad was swobbed from prison. The results came back he wasn’t her father. When I asked him how was he swabbed he said from mouth but he said she sat the swob on a table and she only used one could this have contaminated the test
breanna says
Alice,
First, please contact our client support staff at 1-888-404-4363 with your case number and they can confirm the amount of swabs we received from each participant. We run each “excluded” test twice so we would have required at least two swabs before submitting a result. We look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you.
wondering says
Can a sample be tampered with if a tips are doused under a faucet of water, then the fathers sample swabbed by the mother?Is the fathers DNA tested to make sure he is male? Can water affect the test?
breanna says
Wondering,
Yes, a sample can be contaminated if two DNA profiles are collected on one sample, however, we will be able to detect any contamination once the testing begins. We can detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab because it will show two different DNA profiles. The DNA itself cannot be changed however, so if the samples are not contaminated, the lab will be able to process the testing and produce an accurate result.
In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit which we will send out to you in the mail.
We also test each sample for gender and compare it to what was indicated on the sample envelope. If there are any discrepancies between the two, our client support staff will contact you. Hope this helps to answer your questions. Please contact our client support staff if you have any further questions regarding your test at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you!
Marissa says
We all took a paternity test but not even 5 minutes before the test we ate a banana not knowing it could mess with the results. Could the paternity test come back wrong because of that?
KD says
Dear Marissa,
No, eating or drinking before a test will not change or alter the DNA in any way. The only problem that could result would be that the food blocks us from collecting DNA from the swab. This is why we ask for three seperate swabs from each participant. It is unlikely that all three would be affected by the banana. If you have further questions, please contact our client support staff at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you.
Randy B says
My wife demanded that I do my sample in front of her while sitting in my office. I did this to appease here not thinking much of it at the time.
I left the room for about 10 minutes and when I came back I swore the ziplock envelopes were in a different order then how i left them. So with this I opened the enveloped in question”potential other father” swabs, washed the father swabs under hot water, dried them, then re-swabbed them with my DNA and re-sealed them. Tests came back as my children. Am I just being too worried here, could any of the other mans DNA remained after washing to cause a false result? Thank you for the answer.
Randy
breanna says
Hi Randy,
There is a possibility that samples can be contaminated but we will be able to detect any contamination once the testing begins. Our testing will detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab because it will show two different DNA profiles. The DNA itself cannot be changed however, so if the samples are not contaminated, the lab will be able to process the testing and produce an accurate result.
In the event that the samples are contaminated and they find multiple DNA profiles on a given sample, we will contact you and will send you a free recollection kit in the mail.
If however you are still concerned, we would recommend a legal test. A legal test will eliminate any doubt about what samples were sent in for testing as legal tests require a third-party collector to handle the paperwork, witness the collection and mail the test to our laboratory. Feel free to give us a call at 888-404-4363 with any further questions you may have. Thank you.
Mr holmes says
I don’t like fake results me a nd my child has a same 12 match out of 18 but I’m done with identigene
Identigene says
Hi Mr Holmes,
Thank you for your comment. In order to have a complete match, all the markers must match. If there are more than 3 “mismatches” the alleged father is then excluded as a potential match. Please have in mind that our highly trained and educated team does a thorough analysis on the DNA samples received. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6MP ET. Thank you for your comment!
Kristen says
If I sent out my swabs on Wednesday November 20,2013 when should I plan on getting results?
breanna says
Hi Kristen,
If you sent your swabs using the pre-paid envelope included in your test kit, it takes 7-10 business days, depending on where you send them from, to receive the samples at our lab. Once we receive samples it takes two business days to process and get results. Another thing to be aware of is that we don’t accept mail on the weekends or on holidays. This week we are closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. You are more than welcome to call our client support staff to check the status of your samples and if we have received them (1-888-404-4363). If you listed an email on your order form, you will receive an email notifying you when we receive your samples and when testing is complete.
Mya says
I Recently Had A DNA Test Done For My Daughter And The Alleged Father Came Back NOT The Father Of My Daughter, I Really Beleive That The Test Is Wrong Or Rigged I Know It Sounds Crazy But He And I Both Know He Is The Father The Day I Coneived Adds Up To The Day I Had My daughter. He Had His Test Done A Week Before Me And My Daughter Were Tested And I Never Received The Results Of The DNA But He Did!! Then I Got A Paper In The Mail For NonCooperation Saying I Never Showed Up For My DNA Test!! Should I Get Another Test Done??
breanna says
Hi Mya,
If you didn’t have a legal paternity test, there is a possibility of participant fraud, meaning the samples sent in may not be from the correct people. We would recommend having a legal paternity test done. In a legal paternity test, a designated collector will verify photo ID, collect a photo from participant, witness sample collection and mail the samples directly to our lab. This option gives participants peace of mind that we have received the correct samples and that the samples have not been tampered with. If you would like to learn more about a legal paternity test, please call our friendly client support staff at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you!
amy says
what is percentage that a false negative could occur. I was with same for 3 plus years and they excluded him as the father for prenatal dna test now he hates me. I received blood transfusion one month before and they have agreed to rerun tests but they didnt say if they found 2 dna profiles in my blood they just sent me test results as fact. This is confusing and I dont know what to do. When I talked to them they didnt say they had anything on file about contaminated anything. Also we went together and nothing was tampered with when taking samples we were never apart and watched each other the whole time all the way to going in store to mail
breanna says
Hi Amy,
This doesn’t sound like a test that IDENTIGENE performs, as we don’t collect blood samples. We recommend contacting the lab that conducted the test to ask about the possibility of a false negative and any other questions you may have about your specific test. They would likely be able to tell you if your blood transfusion could effect the results. Best of luck to you!
tonio says
if me and my daughter (alleged) ate pizza 10 mins before testing could the results be false?
breanna says
Hi Tonio,
No eating pizza will not change the results as DNA cannot be changed. The pizza could contaminate the samples so that we are unable to extract enough DNA for testing. If this happens, we will contact you to recollect the samples. If you have any other questions or would like more information, please contact our friendly customer support staff at 1-888-4040-4363. Thank you!
Tina says
I dropped my personal swab on the seat of the car can this affect the results
breanna says
Hi Tina,
No, swab contamination will not affect your test results. If your swab is contaminated we will stop testing and will contact you to recollect the sample. If you receive your test results, this means that our lab was able to process your test without any problems. If you have any other questions regarding this, please feel free to contact our client support staff at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you.
Ashley says
My son drunk an 8oz formula bottle prior to testing can that alter my DNA results?
breanna says
Hi Ashley,
Food and drink can potentially contaminate the sample, however, if there are contaminates, we will contact you to recollect the sample. Contaminates, however, cannot change or alter the results of your test. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us by phone at 1-888-404-4363. Thanks!
Amber Rice says
In the nineties when u had to go to the lab and swap yourself and had to be recalled back because they forgot to swap mom ( 2weeks) in the mean time what are the odds of having a incorrect test. It said my husband of now wasnt the father but the kid looks alot like him. From hair nose lips… etc.
breanna says
Hi Amber,
I’m sorry, but we’re unable to advise you on the accuracy of your previous test, as it wasn’t with IDENTIGENE. We recommend contacting the lab that conducted the test and ask about their accreditations, safeguards and controls for testing.
If you feel you would like to take another paternity test, IDENTIGENE offers a home test which can be bought at CVS, Rite Aide, Walgreens or Walmart for $29.99. Once you buy your kit you can collect all samples by swabbing each participants cheeks and send in your $129 lab fee. Once the samples have arrived to our lab, testing takes 2 days. You can get your test results online with a secure username and password, call in and receive them by phone, or request a hard copy be mailed to you–or a combination of these. If you have any further questions about our test, you can contact us at 1-888-404-4363.
Amber Rice says
Also had he just spit out a dip of snuff and swapped hiself. The swaps sit unt the mother was called back to be swapped 2weeks later.
robert welsby says
hi could you advise me how 5 of my dna profiles are present in a childs dna profile how they can be 100% certain i am not her biological father, i was told that 10 out of the 15 were not there but surely if there were 5 there that cant rule me out 100 percent can it
breanna says
Hi Robert,
This is a good question, and one that we get somewhat frequently.
All of the human race have very similar DNA, so it is inherent that there will be some matching DNA among all individuals. With paternity testing, in order to establish a paternal or maternal relationship, the child must have matches at all locations from each side–one from the mother and one from the father. This is simply because a child inherits half of it’s genetic information from both parents. The exception to needing all locations to match is genetic mutations which happen, but rarely. In the case of genetic mutations, there can be mismatches at one or at most, two locations. Our genetic scientists can determine the likelihood of a genetic mutation by doing further testing.
In your case, it looks like the child inherited similar DNA, which matched yours at only 5 locations. This means that there is no paternal relationship as the child should match your DNA at all locations except in the case that there is possibly a genetic mutation or two.
Hopefully this helps you understand a little more on this subject. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our friendly client support staff at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you.
Leo says
Hi, I took the home test with the mother and child. The results came back as not a match. The mother feels that I may not have swabbed the child well enough for an accurate reading or that contamination changed the result. I don’t believe that but I’m not an expert. Are either of these situations even possible? Thank You.
breanna says
Hi Leo,
If you tested with IDENTIGENE, no, neither of these situations is possible–let me tell you why. At IDENTIGENE we have many controls in place to help monitor possible problems with testing and also to safeguard against potential paternity testing fraud.
In both cases, not having enough DNA for testing and any kind of contamination, would result in our lab contacting the participants for a recollection of samples. In regards to not having enough DNA for testing, our lab halt testing as not enough DNA was available to complete testing, thus your account would be on hold until we received those recollected samples. Though contamination of samples is rare, but possible, it will not effect or change DNA. Contamination simply inhibits the ability to extract enough DNA for testing, thus resulting in a recollection of samples before testing can be done and a result is released.
If you want to learn more about this, you are welcome to contact one of our friendly client support staff members and they would be happy to answer your questions. Their phone number is 1-888-404-4363. Thanks!
alie says
My daughter has vitiligo (skin disorders), which i understand is caused by immune disorders. i did a test and it came out as 7 out of 15 did not match. i am not convinced about this result. i am also thinking that i may have mixed her samples in the same envelope. please help clarify this for me. if i need to re-do the test or maybe include the mum for more accurate results.
breanna says
Hi Alie,
Your daughters skin and immune disorder will not affect or change her DNA or your paternity test results. If however, you are concerned that you have mixed more than one sample on her collection swabs or through some other means, you don’t need to worry. We test to make sure that we receive samples with only one individual’s DNA. This means when the sample swabs come to our lab, we test to make sure there is 2 alleles (each person has 2 alleles) and not 4 alleles, which would signal that we have 2 DNA profiles for the sample/s. If we do receive samples with more than one set of DNA, we call the participants to recollect the sample/s. In answer to your second question, if you have received a conclusive (yes/no) answer to your paternity question, including the mother will not change the results. We encourage the mother to include her sample so that we can come to a conclusive (yes/no) question. Most of the time we can identify the answer without the mother, but having the mom helps if results are uncertain as to the answer.
Shakeya Willams says
If the mother is not swabbed and no sample sent in for her and just the child and alleged father is swabbed and sample sent in can this have an effect on the results?
Identigene says
Hi Shakeya,
We always recommend sending in samples for the mother. Without the mother’s samples, there is a possibility of getting inconclusive results, or in other words, we are unable to release a yes or no answer to your paternity question because there is not enough DNA to come to a conclusion of paternity. That being said, however, many tests are able to contain enough DNA information to come to a conclusion.
If only the father and son sent in their samples and you have received a conclusive (yes/no) answer in your results, this means that we were able to determine the paternity just using those samples. If our lab can’t give a conclusive answer because there is not enough DNA information to clearly distinguish if he is the father or not, we will contact the participants to see if the mother is available for testing. It is very rare that if all three participants test, that results will come back inconclusive. If you have any other questions regarding this please feel free to contact our friendly client support team at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you!
Casey says
I recently had a test done but only swabbed the man and my baby. Could the results come back different if I too swabbed? Also he was smoking pot inbetween swabs..could this have messed anything up?
Identigene says
Hi Casey,
We encourage the mother to be included in the testing. Sometimes the lab does not have enough DNA between the father and the child to come to a conclusive answer (yes or no) that he is or is not the father. When you include the mother’s samples, this will allow the lab to see what part the child’s DNA is definitely from the mother and which is left to the father. That being said, we still do get conclusive answers without the mother. If we find that a test comes back inconclusive, meaning we can’t say for sure if he is or is not the child’s father, we will contact the participants on the test to see if the mother is available to send her sample in as well.
Regarding your question about contamination because of smoking, this cannot change the results of your test. Though rare, contamination of the sample can happen through eating, drinking, smoking or other means within the hour before you take the test. This does not mean that it can change the actual DNA, but simply masks the amount of DNA we can extract and use for testing. Sometimes we won’t have enough to conduct the test. At that point, we if do not have enough DNA for testing, we will contact the participants for a recollection of the sample.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-GENE (4363) M-F 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET.
Lex Young says
I was just wondering what are the chances of the test being wrong
Identigene says
Hi Lex,
Identigene is a highly accredited lab which means we adhere to the highest laboratory standards available today. In addition to abiding by our accreditation’s standards, we have many self-made procedures and polices to ensure 100% accurate testing. you can read about our accreditations here: http://www.dnatesting.com/dna-laboratory/dna-testing-laboratory-accreditations
In regards to probability accuracy, currently, the highest probability of paternity that any lab can produce is 99.99%. This percentage means that there is a 99.99% chance that the alleged father being tested is the father. Anything that is 99% or above is accepted by courts of law and for legal purposes. Theoretically speaking, to get 100% probability of paternity, every male on earth would need to be tested in order to rule him out as the father. As you see this is nearly impossible.
If you have any additional questions refarding our test or accuracy, please contact us at 1-888-404-GENE(4363), we would love to speak with you!
mika says
Two questions
1: smoking right before the test can mess it up?
2: Say the “father” tests two different kids. Will his dna number results be the same on both tests?
Identigene says
Hi Mika,
Eating, drinking or smoking before swabbing for samples cannot change the end results of your paternity test or change or alter DNA. Though rare, contamination of the sample can happen through eating, drinking, smoking or other means within the hour before you take the test. This does not mean that it can change the actual DNA, but simply masks the amount of DNA we can extract and use for testing. Sometimes we won’t have enough to conduct the test. At that point, we if do not have enough DNA for testing, we will contact the participants for a recollection of the sample.
If the father tests for paternity for two children, the allele values (the numbers listed under “Alleged Father”) will not change. Each child however may inherit different allele values from the father. For example, say the father’s allele value on Genetic System “CSF1PO” is “9,11”. One child may inherit allele value 9 whereas the other may inherit 11. (See example below) Because the father and mother will not always pass the exact same allele to every child they have, the Relationship Index will also change.
CHILD A
Genetic System/ Biological Mother/ Child/ Alleged Father
CSF1PO/ 10,12/ 11,12/ 9,11
As you can see from the example above, Child A has inherited an allele value of 12 from his mother and an allele value of 11 from the father.
CHILD B
Genetic System/ Biological Mother/ Child/ Alleged Father
CSF1PO/ 10,12/ 9,10/ 9,11/
In this example, Child B has inherited an allele value of 10 from his mother and an allele value of 9 from the father. Each child can inherit different allele values from each parent. If each parent always passed on the same allele values to all of their children, they would have identical DNA.
If you need more clarification on these questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-GENE(4363) M-F 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET. Thank you!
Lucy B says
What if he accidently put wrong race on the form. Will that affect anything??
Identigene says
Hi Lucy,
If the wrong race description was listed on the participant envelope, you’ll want to contact us at 1-888-404-4363 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 8 a.m. as this could potentially change some of your paternity test calculations. Thank you!
ashley says
My boyfriend had sex with a girl and she had sex with another guy the same day well they took a dna test and it came back 94 percent postive his mom took gave the dna test but no one was around to watch could she have contaminated it to be his? I want to retake the test but fo them to do it by blood
Identigene says
Hi Ashley,
Any way you take a paternity test, whether that’s by swabbing for cheek cells or blood, they are both accurate and reliable forms of testing. The difference between the two is that getting cheek cells is less invasive and painless when compared to using blood for testing, DNA in your cheek cells and your blood is the same. If the result came back as 94% probability of paternity, we do not consider that to be a conclusive result. This means that there is not a conclusive yes or no answer for paternity, sometimes this is because the mother didn’t test. Usually when the biological mother tests, you have a higher possibility of getting a conclusive yes or no answer. If they tested with Identigene, there is usually a paragraph below the conclusion section explaining more about the results. Another possibility is that there is an alleged father who is closely related to the tested alleged father. They will have more similar DNA than that of another unrelated alleged father so if there is any way that the close relative of the alleged father could be the father he should also be tested and the laboratory notified.
As for your question about contamination, there is no way to fake or falsify a positive paternity test. However, in your case, it doesn’t look like the results came back conclusive. If you have any other questions, you are welcome to contact us at 1-888-404-4363 M-F 9 a.m- 8 p.m. ET. Thanks!
Yvonne says
My friend is trying to get a sample from her boyfriend without him knowing. If she would get his spit bottle that has chewing tobacco in with the salvia to get a sample. If she’s does that will that make the test false or even work?
Identigene says
Hi Yvonne,
We have other means of testing non-standard samples, or samples not obtained by using a buccal swab. These are the swabs included in our retail kits. Non-standard samples do cost more to process. The sample that you mention may not yield a high amount of DNA because it could be potentially contaminated because of the tobacco. In order to submit a non-standard sample, your friend will need to contact us.
In regards to getting a sample from her boyfriend without his acknowledgement, we discourage this as we have found that it is beneficial for all parties to be involved. If the boyfriend has custody of the child, he will be able to obtain results of testing if he knows a test was done, even if he was not included on the test.
Please call us at 1-888-404-4363 to learn more about non-standard samples.
curious momma says
I took a home test and forgot to mail it and left the kit in my car for 3weeks in the middle of winter. Could that effect the results?
Identigene says
Hi Curious Momma,
This will not effect the results of your test. Buccal swab samples are generally okay to be stored for up to 6 months before processing. We do recommend that you store them in a dry place store in their sample envelopes. If we find that the samples do not yield enough DNA for testing or if there was contamination, we will contact the participants to get a recollection of the sample at no cost to you. If you have any other concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, ET. Thank you!
Amber says
Did a test with you a couple of months ago and the alleged father only swabbed himself and the baby and I did not swab myself. He took the test with him and mailed it off and also took the extra swabs with him that wasn’t used. Is it possible that he could have used the extra swabs on hisself and switched them with the child’s? The result came back he was the father, but I don’t think he is. On the results everything was the same ?!
Identigene says
Hi Amber,
Because of our laboratory accrediation guidelines and our self made policies and procedures we check for the same DNA profiles within the same test. This means that if the alleged father used the third set of swabs for the mother or the child, we would detect that there were two supposed different profiles that are the same, but should be different. If this happens we would contact the participant and get new samples. We also check for the gender of each sample, mean an alleged father’s DNA could not pass for a mother’s sample and vice versa. If you would like to contact us further or have us look into your specific case, please contact us at 1-888-404-4363 and we would be happy to help you with any other questions you may have. Thanks for choosing Identigene!
srenee says
My boyfriend took a legal standard DNA test today at a facility with the child in question. Two flags pop up to me and because I was not there I am not to know the possibility of contamination or if there should be an alarm in the first place. First they drank orange juice five before the appointment not the recommended hour before. Second when he mentioned this to the worker she had my boyfriend go wash his mouth out with water or drink it either one. Before he could stop the child, the child too picked up the same cup and drank from it and the worker proceeded to test them. Would this all have voided the possibility of an accurate reading and they should’ve been retested at a later schedule?
Identigene says
Hi SRenee,
Contamination by food or drink will not effect the outcome or the final results of a paternity test. When a sample is contaminated, it simply doesn’t allow us to gather enough DNA for testing, it masks the DNA. The DNA itself cannot change. If we find that there is not enough DNA for tesing we would contact the participants and arrange for a recollection of the samples. The recommended hour to wait is to avoid recollection and delay of results. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-4363, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET. Thank you for your question.
Missy says
If there are 2 potential fathers and they are of completely different races (eg. middle eastern vs. Caucasian) is it necessary to have both potential fathers tested for paternity?
Identigene says
Hi Missy,
This is based on personal preference, but you may be able to save a little money by starting out testing one alleged father. For example, you could start the process by testing the most likely alleged father and child. If the result comes back positive you can stop the process and save money you would have spent on additional testing. If the result comes back that he is not the father, you can add an additional alleged father to the case for only $89 if he is added to the test within 30 days of starting/opening the test. This will help you avoid paying for two separate tests. You can also test both alleged fathers from the beginning. This will cost you $159 (cost of kit and lab processing for father and child)+ $89 (lab processing for additional participant). If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-888-404-4363. Thank you!
jane says
My boyfriend checked more then one race on his and the kid, can this affect the results?
Identigene says
Hi Jane,
As long as the race description accurately represents the child and father’s race, you have no need to worry about the results accuracy as they will be accurate. If however, they indicated the wrong race description, the lab should be notified of the change as there are different equations used for difference race descriptions. Please have him contact us at 1-888-404-GENE if this is the case. Thank you!
keyna says
i swab the father 03/21/2014 but im not sending the swabs in until 04/08/2014 are they still usable
Identigene says
Hi Keyna,
Yes, the sample will still be useable. To avoid contamination or molding of the sample, do not placed used swabs in the plastic, but in the sample envelope in a dry cool place until you are ready to send the samples in. Samples are generally good for up to 6 months.
Tylerrr says
If I had sex with a girl in September 6 and the baby was born in may would he be mine the baby came out on time and everything she doesn’t think he’s mine but Iwant to know what you think
Identigene says
Hi Tyler,
There are many things that can hint at the paternity of a child. Timing and physical characteristics of the child are two of the most common. However, those methods are not reliable. The only true way to know for sure is through a DNA paternity test.
We suggest you ask the mother if a simple DNA paternity test can be conducted. The test is painless and simple. All you need to do is buy the Identigene kit at your local drugstore or supercenter (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens or Walmart). The next step is to swab the father and child and mother for cheek cells. You will then fill out the necessary paperwork and send that along with the samples to our lab. Once the samples arrive to our lab, testing takes 2 business days and results are available online.
If you need more information on our test, please feel free to visit DNAtesing.com or contact us via phone at 1-888-404-GENE. Thank you!
Sam says
If the suspected father spat into a test tube and I left it in a fridge and after 2 months i dipped the swab into the saliva and received a negative result would that be accurate? I ovulated on the night we conceived and my baby looks like his twin and nothing like the other man who I had sex with 2 days before my period it doesn’t make sense.
Identigene says
Hi Sam,
If you received a yes or no answer on your Identigene test result sheet, this means that there was enough DNA for testing and your results will be accurate as long as the we received samples from the correct or intended participants. This meaning that someone one did not falsify samples or send us someone else’s sample.
Although the child’s physical characteristics and timing of conception may hint at the paternity of a child, the best and only reliable way to know for sure is a DNA paternity test. If the test with the suspected father came back negative (not the child’s father) it would be best to test the other possible father.
If you have other questions, please give us a call at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET.
coya says
If the child and father was swab and the numbers are similar and some are missing can it be contaminated or alter to ready that he is not the biological father
Identigene says
Hi Coya,
If you have received a conclusive result, either a yes (not excluded) or a no (excluded), our lab did not find a need to recollect due to contamination of the samples. Our highly accredited lab is 100% accurate based on the samples we receive and would notify you if samples need to be recollected. If you are still questioning the results, we recommend doing a legal paternity test, where a third party will witness, collect and send the swabs. You may also ask yourself if you were able to witness the collection and sending off of the samples to avoid tampering.
Hopefully this helps in answering your question. If you continue to have questions or need more assistance our friendly client support staff would be happy to assist you. You can call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET. Thank you for your comment!
ashley says
We completed a test and put the swabs in their envelopes and then into the mail envelope before they were dry…could they have touched and combined to cause an 89% chance that he is the father??? This baby looks nothing like our daughter or anyone in his family. We are ok with her being his but something doesn’t feel right and knowing the test were still wet when put together bothers me. I didn’t have them at opposite ends either. Both swabs were on the same side of the envelope touching but were inside their own envelope but the outside of both were wet when put immediately into the main one to mail. Should we do another test?
Identigene says
Hi Ashley,
This is a great question and is fairly common. Although, there is a very slight possibility that DNA could be added or mixed to samples in the scenario you mentioned, we have many procedures that ensure that this will not effect results and another test will not produce different results.
For example, each sample or swab is tested to make sure that there is not more than one DNA profile, this means that if we find more than one DNA profile on a given sample, we will call the participants to recollect. In addition, we test for gender on each sample, this means that the mother and father’s samples could not be confused and the same goes for the father and a female child or the mother and a male child.
As for the 89% probability of paternity, was the biological mother included in the test? It sounds as if the results you received were most likely “inconclusive” meaning no concrete yes or no answer was obtained. The mother helps us to determine the allele values that the child had to inherit from the father. When we take the mother’s DNA out of the equation, it is easy for us to see what is left over and has to be inherited from the father. Chances are that if the mother was not included in the test, the test could come back inconclusive.
We suggest you contact our client support staff to talk to them more about your inconclusive result to see if there is anything that can be done to get a conclusive result. We can be reached at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET. Thank you for your comment!
BlackBeauty says
Hi could my boyfriend’s ex had swabbed my boyfriend’s swab sticks and also the babys swab sticks with my boyfriend’s dna and the test comming back that he is the father?
Identigene says
Hi Black Beauty,
No, our laboratory checks each set of samples to make sure none of the samples have the same DNA profile. If we find that two people have the same DNA profile, we will contact the participants to recollect the samples. Thanks for your question!
maryj says
Hi im coulerd and my babies father is white im very dark skinned but my baby has everything of his father the eyes the color even the same birthmark at the same spot there is actually nothing of me and I only been with him but the test results come back negative we did a blood test,me he and rthe baby . And on the paper I received stand that we are coulerd and he is Caucasian please answer me I wnt too do a dna test now.
Identigene says
Hi Maryj,
Although physical characteristics can hint at the paternity of a child, the only sure way of knowing is by, like you said, having a paternity test done. It does sound like you had a paternity test done previously, were you able to watch the father getting his blood drawn? It is important that the test is done with the correct participants. You can see that if someone was to falsify their samples, the test wouldn’t accurately represent the answer to the question you are wanting to know.
We suggest either buying an at home paternity kit from your local CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens or Walmart near the pharmacy and watching the sample being collected and accompany it to the mail so you know that all participants are honest or having a legal paternity test. These two tests are tested the same in our laboratory, the difference is that a legal paternity test is witnessed, collected and mailed by a third-party collector. A legal paternity test establishes a chain-of-custody and is able to be used in court if needed.
If you have questions, please contact us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET. Thank you for your comment!
robert says
Hi, I did a home paternity test, and while I was swabbing my son I dropped his swab. will this affect the test results.
Identigene says
Hi Robert,
This is a great and very common question! Dropping the swab may result in a possible contamination, however, it is unknown if contamination did occur before actually sending in your swabs for testing. Our lab does test for contamination with any samples received. Contamination does not change DNA or results. However, if our lab is unable to use the samples you provided due to any contamination, we would then contact you and ask for a recollection.
I hope this helped answer your question. You can also contact our friendly client support staff if you have more questions or concerns. You can reach them at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET.
Thank you for your comment!
robert says
so if I got my test results back it means that there was no contamination and nothing wrong with the swab.
Identigene says
Hi Robert,
Receiving a conclusive result from our lab, yes (not excluded) or no (excluded), mean that there was no contamination. Our lab does test for contamination, and would have notified you if there was a need for a recollection of your swabs. I hope this helped answer your question. If you have any more questions, please feel free to call our friendly client support staff 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET.
We would be happy to assist you, thank you for your comment!
justin says
does it haft to be a conclusive result for there to be no contamination, or can it be that you got your results back.
Identigene says
Hi Justin,
Our lab will release results when there was a clean and sufficient amount of DNA extracted. Our lab would contact you if your samples were contaminated and ask for a recollection at that point. If you obtained a conclusive result, yes (not excluded) or no (excluded), there was no contamination on your samples. I hope this information is helpful. Please contact our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET for any further questions. Thank you for your comment!
justin says
I was told that if I get results back no matter what they said that there would not be any contamination . and this is saying that if I get a conclusive result there was no contamination. is there only conclusive results. can you explain
Identigene says
Hi Justin,
Getting a result back does mean that our lab found no contamination which is why we were able to release a firm result. There is such thing as an inconclusive result. Inconclusive results occur when there was no concrete answer reached, whether it is a yes (not excluded) or a no (excluded). This typically will happen when the father and child have similar markers among a population, however, including the mother will help yield a conclusive result in that case. Our lab will not release results when there is contamination present, they cannot test contaminated samples. Our lab would notify you in case of contamination. If you have any more questions please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
justin miller says
sorry but one more question to better understand, if I get a result back no matter what the result say does it mean that there was no contamination.
Identigene says
Hi Justin,
If you received a result, like the following examples:
“John Doe is excluded as the biological…” or ” John Doe is not excluded as the biological…” your samples were not contaminated because our lab was able to reach a conclusive result. If your result reads that it was inconclusive, there is a small chance your sample was contaminated, however, our lab would have contacted you in this case. I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions please call our client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
mark bricker says
My results said I was not excluded. . But my numbers weren’t 99.99%… it was 97.50 and I was told that any thing under 99.9 was inconclusive. can you explain.
Identigene says
HI Mark,
Typically when results aren’t higher than your 97.50%, it means the DNA was not able to yield a stronger result on its own. This can happen because the mother was not included in testing to strengthen the result. If this is the case, you are welcome to include the mother. Testing with the mother has no additional charge. Please contact our client support for more case specific details. There we can advise you how to obtain a stronger result. I hope this information helps. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
robert says
I am sorry, but can you explain this sentence to me( it is unknown if contamination did occur before actually sending in your swabs for testing.) and can you explain what conclusive means. thank you.
Identigene says
Hi Robert,
When a swab is contaminated it means that the swab contained other material(s) besides the DNA, which interferes with testing and results. Whether a participant had eaten something prior to collection or a swab was dropped on the ground, until we can test the swabs here in our lab there is no way to know if the swabs were contaminated, for the human eye cannot detect DNA contamination.
A conclusive result means that a definite or concrete answer to your paternity question was achieved. We were able to give a yes (not excluded) or a no (excluded).
I hope that this helped answer your questions. If you have further questions or would like to discuss your results, please give our friendly client support team a call. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET.
We would be happy to assist you, thank you for your comment!
ken mcclintock says
Can I get a DNA sample from from 2 adult children fron a plastic pop bottle they Drank from
Identigene says
Hi Ken Mcclintock,
Thank you for your question! The preferred collection method for DNA samples industry wide is a cheek cell sample which is taken by swabbing the inside of the cheek in the mouth using a special swab that we provide in our kits. This is the easiest sample to work with and any other type of sample will be considered a special specimen. All special specimens require an additional fee of $400 to process and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to produce results with a special specimen. We also require a consent signature for all participants being tested. Since the children you are looking to collect are adults, they would need to provide consent to have the specimens tested.
You will need to contact us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. ET for an approval to send the specimen into us. All special specimens must be pre-approved before they will be accepted. I hope this answers your question. Feel free to call our friendly client support, we would be happy to assist you!
chris says
If my daughter bites on the swab will it ruin the sample?
Identigene says
Hi Chris,
Contamination may occur to the sample when it comes in contact with an area that does not consist of DNA from the participant. I understand that the swab was bitten by the participant being tested. In this case you should be fine, but there is still a small chance for contamination. This is why we recommend not eating or drinking before the collection of DNA on the swab. However, contamination cannot be seen by the human eye and our lab does test for it. In the event that there were to be some issue with your swab, we would contact you and send a recollection kit at no charge to acquire a clean sample. I hope this helped answer your question. Please feel free to contact our friendly client support if you have any more questions! You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE Monday- Friday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. ET. Thank you for your comment and patience!
Courtney says
How soon after collecting the samples do they have to be mailed in? Do they have to be mailed in within a certain time length after collecting it? I just bought my test today and wanted to go ahead and get it do it. But it may be 2 weeks before I can send it in due to payment issues… Can I send it in then pay for it before I get my results? Or do you have to send everything together at the same time payment and all???
Identigene says
Hi Courtney,
Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they will generally be good for about 6 months. If you need to hold on to the samples for any amount of time or reason, just make sure to store the specimen envelopes with the samples sealed up inside them in a safe, dry place and they will be just fine. The cells on the swabs only have a shelf life of 6 months. In order for our lab to begin testing, payment will need to be included whether you pre-pay over the phone or include it in a money order/cashier’s check when sending in your samples.
I hope this helped answer your questions. If you have any more questions or when you choose to pay over the phone, you may contact our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Abbey Autry says
Hello
I used the Identigene kit and got the results back quickly. I believe there is likely an error though, and I’m wondering if Identigene can rerun the test.
Abbey
Identigene says
Hi Abbey,
Thank you for your question! IDENTIGENE provides the most accurate testing available on the market today. We have worked extremely hard to put measures in place that prevent any mistakes from being made throughout the entire DNA testing process from beginning to end. This is why the accreditation we hold as a laboratory are so important. We are 100% accurate based on the samples we receive, retesting would not change the results once you have received a conclusive answer to paternity. You may also see more information on our accreditation in the link below.
Our goal is to provide quality service and accurate results to all of our customers. The strict standards and procedures we follow extend to every single part of the process from the moment the samples arrive at our laboratory to the release of the analysis report when the testing is completed.
An extremely important part of the process is how the samples are handled and managed as they travel step by step through each stage of the testing. Were you able to witness the collection, swabbing and sending of all the participants? If this is something that you were not able to be there for all participants collection process, we recommend a legal collection test. In the legal case, we have a third party witness, collect and send the samples to our lab, leaving no room for tampering the swabs.
I hope this helped in addressing your concern. If you have any more questions please give our friendly client support a call. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Link to accreditations: http://www.dnatesting.com/dna-laboratory/dna-testing-laboratory-accreditations
Abbey Autry says
On the results there is no ethnicity listed for my child, it is blank. The father is listed as black and me as Caucasian which makes my child biracial. Will this have any effect of the accuracy of the results? Thank you!
Abbey Autry
Identigene says
HI Abbey,
Thank you for your patience! We only require the ethnicity of the alleged father and the biological mother. Since we are determining paternity for the child, it would be difficult to say what ethnicity the child is without being certain who the biological father is. Leaving the child’s ethnicity blank will not affect the results. If your results did not exclude the alleged father, then the child would be of mixed ethnicity like you had stated. Knowing the ethnicity of the participants only helps with testing, and it would not define the accuracy or determining of the results. I hope this helped answer your question. If you continue to have questions, feel free to contact our friendly client support at, 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Debbie S Snively says
We took samples and then realized that they needed to be dry before placing in th envelopes can this give a false reading since they were next to the alleged fathers swabs whom s were also wet.
Identigene says
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for your patience! The swabs will be fine if they were all pertaining to the same participant. If the samples were possibly contaminated with another participant’s profile, we would most likely need a recollection. There is a chance the swabs will be fine and no contamination was done, however it is impossible to determine that with the human eye. Our lab does test for contamination, whether it is from food, beverage, or another person. Our lab would inform you and send a recollection kit at no charge to obtain the clean samples from each participant. If you would like us to send you additional swabs to collect the samples once again, you may call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday – Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Our friendly client support would be more than happy to assist you in sending more swabs. I hope this helped answer your question! Thank you for your comment!
reka says
I have got my results back an they used his dna from 2008 and its 2014 can the results be right? my daughter ate some candy before taking the test can it make the test come back false?
Identigene says
Hi Reka,
Thank you for your patience in our getting back to you! Even with the 6 years that have passed in between the tests, DNA will have remained the same. DNA does not change over time, and as long as the same person was tested in both occasions, the same results will be obtained from 2008 if testing against the same participants in 2014.
It is important the participants do not eat, drink, brush teeth, or smoke for at least one hour before the test. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food, drink, blood or even from smoking, but we will be able to detect any contamination once the testing begins. The DNA itself cannot be changed by contamination, so if the samples are not contaminated, the lab will be able to process the testing and produce an accurate result.
In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit which we will send out to you in the mail. I hope this information is helpful. If you continue to have any more questions, please feel free to call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
anton Heindel says
Can the mother’s sample be sent in “has” the father’s to get a positive test?
Identigene says
Hi Anton,
Thank you for your patience.
Our goal is to provide quality service and accurate results to all of our customers. The strict standards and procedures we follow extend to every single part of the process from the moment the samples arrive at our laboratory to the release of the analysis report when the testing is completed.
An extremely important part of the process is how the samples are handled and managed as they travel step by step through each stage of the testing. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food, drink, blood or even from smoking, but we WILL be able to detect any contamination once the testing begins. We can even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab because it will show two different DNA profiles. Likewise, we would be able to detect if one person sent in the same sample for two different people. The DNA itself cannot be changed however, so if the samples are not contaminated, the lab will be able to process the testing and produce an accurate result.
In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit which we will send out to you in the mail. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more questions, please feel free to call our friendly client support. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Jessica Harris says
What if you accidentally get saliva on the swab, and then swab the cheek over the saliva, will you still be able to determine paternity with the saliva?
Identigene says
Hi Jessica,
Great question! Some people do not carry enough or any DNA in their saliva, which is why the preferred method of collection is by swabbing the cheek for cheek cells. Were you able to swab the remaining 2 swabs in the cheek of the participant? If so, our lab will gather all the DNA from those swabs. Typically, we have the 3 swabs from every participant in case one swab does not yield enough DNA. Our lab will use all 3 if necessary to extract the DNA that is needed. In the case that the swabs did not yield enough DNA, our lab would ask for a recollection at no charge. If this does occur, we would get in contact with you and send the supplied needed. If you obtain a conclusive result, a concrete answer to paternity, our lab was able to determine paternity and recollection was not needed. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel to call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday- Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Charles T. Miller says
Can you perform a test on a sample taken from a glass, cigaret, or drink can, etc. We need to test a subject that will not submit to a mouth swab.
Identigene says
Hi Charles,
Thank you for your question! The preferred collection method for DNA samples industry wide is a cheek cell sample which is taken by swabbing the inside of the cheek in the mouth using a special swab that we provide in our kits. This is the easiest sample to work with and any other type of sample will be considered a special specimen. All special specimens require an additional fee of $400 to process and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to produce results with a special specimen. We also require a consent signature for all participants being tested. You will need to contact our friendly client support at 1-888-404-4363, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET, for an approval to send the specimen into us. All special specimens must be pre-approved before they will be accepted. I hope this answers your question. Feel free to call us at 1-888-404-4363 with any further questions you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you! Thank you for your comment!
edythe mcconnell says
if mother, and child was tested 8 months before the father, will that be an accurate test?
Identigene says
Hi Edythe,
Thank you for your patience! Are you referring to the swab collection time frame? Typically, we recommend to wait no more than 6 months to send in the kit once the participants have been swabbed. If the swabs were sent in after the shelf life expired, our lab would determine if a recollection was necessary if they could not extract enough DNA. If the swabs were able to yield enough DNA, testing would continue and results would still be 100% accurate based on the samples we received.
In the case a recollection is necessary, we would contact you and advise the need for a recollection and send the additional supplies for no extra cost. Please also feel free to call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET, we are more than happy to assist you. Thank you for your comment!
ashley says
My son was about 5 months when we did dna testing he drank a bottle before we did the swabs and the patential father also brushed his teeth can this affect the results?
Identigene says
Hi Ashley,
Great question! We do recommend to not eat or drink anything an hour prior to swab collection since there is a chance of possible contamination. If the samples are contaminated, our lab would contact you to let you know they are in need of a recollection in order to obtain a clean sample. We offer these recollections free of charge if they are necessary. If you receive a result from the samples you sent in, no recollection was necessary and our lab was able to extract a clean sample from each participant. I hope this information helps. You can always contact us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
michelle baer says
when a dna test is done do you have a certiin amount of time to send it in or does it have to send it in right away
Identigene says
Hi Michelle,
I understand you are asking how long the swabs will last after the DNA has been collected? If this is the case, swabs have a shelf life of 6 months after the DNA has been collected. Any time after that, we will recommend to recollect the DNA from the participants. I hope this information helps answer your question. You can always reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
samantha says
I had a DNA test done the father chewed tobacco right before we toke the test would that mess with the results
Identigene says
Hi Samantha,
We do recommend not to consume anything one hour prior to DNA collection because the DNA may become contaminated. If this is the case and the drug did contaminate the sample, we would not test with the DNA that was provided. We would ask for a recollection to obtain a clean sample before going through testing. If the tobacco did not affect the sample, we will release a result since the DNA was unaffected. In the case that a recollection is needed, it is free of charge and we will come in contact with you. I hope this information is helpful. If you have anymore questions, please call our client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
sw says
I sent my samples in on Monday June 2 2014 from Tacoma Washington how long should it take nd when should I be expecting an notification email?
Identigene says
Hi SW,
did you use our envelope to send in your samples? If so, our envelope can take anywhere from 5-10 mailing days to arrive in our lab. Upon our receiving your samples, we will send you an email to advise you we have processed your kit. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
misti says
My step daughters mother wanted another paternity test done, and my husband agreed. But we think she switched hers and her daughters swabs. How will this affect the test? Will it come out negative because the childs mother is the one being looked at with the fathers or will the test compare mother(child in this case) and father as well?
Identigene says
Hi Misti,
Great question! If you have a concern of some swabs possibly being switched, we recommend you contact our client support and advise them of this possible switch. There, our lab can take extra precaution in testing and look for a possible switch. For better assurance, you may consider a recollection if you are not sure the samples were switched. For more information and case details, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
mark bricker says
when you get your result back are they always conclusive? well you guys send out a inconclusive result.
Identigene says
Hi Mark,
There are instances when you may receive samples that result as inconclusive. This may be because the sample was weak or there is not enough DNA to test to obtain a strong result. Typically, this occurs when the mother is needed to test. I hope this information is helpful. If you have more questions about inconclusive results, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
jim smith says
I was told that any thing under 99% was inconclusive. and I was told that if your results say that you are not excluded as the father, it was a conclusive result. my results was 97.50 but it said that I was not excluded as the father. can you explain witch won it is.
Identigene says
Hi Jim,
Anything below the 99% percentage, DNA can suggest a conclusion. 97.50% is still a fairly strong conclusion which is most likely why our scientists could leave the suggestion that you are not excluded. Did the mother test with you? If she did not, this may be why your results are not as strong up to the 99% mark. The mother will help to strengthen that result if she were to be included. I hope this information helps! If you have anymore questions please feel free to call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
marvin ojo says
question
I was packaging a settlement Visa for my nephews and the result came back negative. what can i do as am the only linkage they have got.
Identigene says
Hi Marvin,
I understand you received a negative result meaning there was no relation between you and your alleged nephews? Unfortunately without any other available participants, IDENTIGENE cannot test any further. I recommend contacting the consulate office/embassy for further information on what you can do to settle a Visa at this point. If you have any more questions regarding your test results or I misunderstood your question, please call our client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Colleen Slane says
I recently had dna done for a possible bio daughter and myself. The reason being is that back in the 70″s they changed info. I have been searching in adoption sights for over 25 years. She has been searching for the same amount of time. The girl that tested with me seemed to share a parallel life. She looked like the Father and her children look like me. So we went forward with dna at 23 and me. It came back as a 0% match when everyone see’s the resemblance. 23 and me has a good rep or have there been problems in this area? I broke down and hired a private searcher. She came up with 3 possible matches one of them being the girl I just tested with. Hmmm. Can you help?????.
Identigene says
Hi Colleen,
Thank you for you patience! While we cannot speak for another testing facility, we can inform you on how IDENTIGENE can help. We have many different relationship DNA tests that can help, from Paternity, Maternity, Sibling, Grandparent, all which have the option to be court-admissible. We would need to know who is available for testing in order to provide you with the best option in your situation. You can call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET, we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your comment!
Kay Landry says
Hello my sons alleged father did a test behind my back and it came out to be he wasn’t the father. I read the results and it says they have 12 out of the 17 different tests they look for how come he is not the father ? And also he smoked before the test was done and I was not tested could that throw the test off ??? Please help
Identigene says
Hi Kay,
Thank you for your question! Seeing as humans share 99% of DNA, it is not uncommon to see some matches within two unrelated people. In order to be considered the biological father, ALL of the markers must match. Once 3 or more mismatches are found, a man can be excluded from paternity.
Our lab does test for contamination when we receive the samples. We do recommend no consumption of any sort an hour prior before collection, however, we do understand that it may happen in some situations which is why our lab will test for contamination within a sample. If contamination is found, our lab will contact you and ask for a recollection. However, if the samples were found to be clean, we will continue testing and produce a result whether it is a concrete yes (not excluded) or no (excluded). I hope this helps answer your questions. If you continue to have any more questions or concerns, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
dave mccarty says
Hello my ex girlfriend and I and her now boyfriend where going to test for a 3 yr old girl. I was just informed by a friend they did the test already and the boyfriend swab the girl and then used the same swab. What will this test show so I can tell my lawyer. Thank you for your time.
Identigene says
Hi Dave,
Thank you for your question! I am understanding you suspicion the collection process was done incorrectly, and the child’s swab was used by the man testing for the alleged father as his DNA? If this is the case, our lab will test to see if we have 3 DIFFERENT profiles, if our lab sees the the child’s DNA came back the same as another participant’s, we would contact the participants and ask for a recollection in order to obtain the correct sample. Our lab will not test the same DNA with each other. I hope this information is helpful, if you have any more questions, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Dexter says
Hello I have DNA results stating that I’m excluded as the father of a child. I followed the collection procedures to the letter, the samples was not contaminated in any way but the mother swears that I’m the father. Is there any way by which those results can be wrong? This was done through another testing facility in 2008. Should I do another test or should I just go by the results I have?. Oh by the way this was just an information test not a legally binding test.
Identigene says
Hi Dexter,
Thank you for your message. IDENTIGENE is a certified and accredited lab. We hold accreditation from AABB, NYSDOH, LAB, you can see our accreditation certificates on our website by following this link:
http://www.dnatesting.com/dna-laboratory/dna-testing-laboratory-accreditations
The at-home paternity test will not uphold in court since it was not collected or done by a third party. The at-home test is designed for the convenience of testing within your own home. This requires following the collection instructions correctly. Were you able to witness the child’s swabbing as well as sending or dropping the samples in the mail before arriving to our lab? Have in mind, that collection mistakes can be done accidentally or intentionally. Paternity fraud is real and happens all the time.
Our lab is 100% accurate based on the samples we receive, unfortunately for the at-home test, we have no way of verifying that the samples we received for John Doe, are actually from John Doe. We trust our customer to provide us with the samples they are paying to test.
In the 20+ years we have been in business helping our customers with paternity questions, we have not made a mistake and we take pride in providing our customers with accurate results. If you have any more questions, or would like to inquire a court-admissible test, please feel free to call our friendly client support. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Jennifer Cotta says
How can I get a paternal dna test if the person in question is recently deceased? the family of the deceased has a official copy of his dna record, how would, I go about using this copy and getting a dna test done on myself? would this be legal and effective? or should I got the route of a dna test with one of his living family members? sister, mother? ect….
thank you
Identigene says
Hi Jennifer,
Our condolences to you and your family. Was the copy of the alleged father’s DNA record collected as a legal collection? Meaning there were witnesses and is admissible for court? If so, testing yourself in a court-admissible witnessed collection increases the probability the results may be admissible in court. To be certain if the results will be admissible in court may be up to the specific court or legal practice. You may want to consult an attorney to verify if it will be accepted. IDENTIGENE does offer other relationship testing as well. We offer Sibling tests, Avuncular and Grandparent tests for when the alleged father is unavailable to test. These tests are $399, and have a testing frame if 5 full business days. When testing with other first-degree relatives, it is important to include your biological mother, if possible, as well as any other relatives to the alleged father willing to test. This will decrease your chances of an inconclusive result. If you have more questions about any of our tests and would like to order one, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET, we would be more than happy to assist you! Thank you for your comment!
annonomous says
Hi I wanted to get test done on my son and my fiance but with out my fiance knowing is there any way I can do that ?
Identigene says
Hi Annonomous,
Thank you for your question! With all the samples we receive, we require a signature consent from the participant for their DNA to be tested. Unfortunately, needing to sign the consent will make it difficult to be discreet in DNA testing. I hope this information is helpful. If you have more questions, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Charlene says
Can the lab tell if it’s a girl or boy when I send the swabs?
Identigene says
Hi Charlene,
Great question! Yes our lab does test for gender. It is important the correct box is checked for gender on the sample envelopes, if our lab notes otherwise, we will contact you to make sure we have received the correct samples. I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Jenn says
My sister is trying to find out who the father is for her 8 month old son. They recently did a blood test on the potential father, but had to do a swab test on the baby since he had a blood transfusion when he was in the NICU around 1-2 months old since he was born very premature. She just got the results back from the state today saying that the potential father tested negative and I’m really questioning whether the results were correct or not. My sister was told that they couldn’t test the baby by blood until he was at least a year and a half old, but is there another way that they could be more accurately tested that is a little more trustworthy??
Identigene says
Hi Jenn,
Thank you for contacting IDENTIGENE. The accuracy between cheek cells and blood cells is the same. Your DNA will not change between a blood cell and a cheek cell; therefore we would get the same answer with either testing method. Cheek swabs are usually the preferred method of testing for a couple of reasons. It’s easier for the client to collect the samples, its easier and safer to ship the samples, it’s easier to test the samples in the lab, and a cheek swab will generally last longer than a blood sample. There is also no specific age to do DNA testing, our DNA remains the same from the day we are born.
I hope this information helps. Feel free to give us a call 888-404-4363 with any further questions you may have and we will be more than happy to help you. You can reach us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Kaela says
My boyfriend has a daughter that looks nothing like him so he did your paternity test. He came home and said that he had put the baby’s swabs in his hand after swabing her mouth and then back into the original packaging they came in, not the envelope. Would these two things effect the test tremendously?
Identigene says
Hi Kaela,
Thank you for your patience! Our lab tests for contamination to ensure the samples received did not have another profile. If our lab detects samples are not clean, we will contact you and ask for a recollection in order to obtain a clean sample. Our lab will NOT test with a sample that is contaminated. IF you received conclusive results, this means our lab found the samples to be clean and recollection was not necessary. It would be impossible to know if the samples were truly contaminated by just looking at them, which is why our lab checks for clean samples once we receive them. While physical characteristics can be an indicator of a relationship, DNA is ultimately the best way to test for relation. I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
emily says
I had a DNA test done on my 3 yr old daughter an her father’ 1st off shes his SPITTING IMAGE. Will the day of testing she was eatting cookies’ & me an him we’re chewing metos (gum). Will’ we got the results back they came back saying he was not her father. So’ my question is. Should I go back an RETEST only this time all of our month’s being cookie an gum free?
Identigene says
Hi Emily,
Thank you for your patience! We do recommend that participants do not eat (or chew) anything one hour prior to collection. This may increase the chances of the samples becoming contaminated. Our lab will test for contamination, and if it is found in the DNA samples, we will contact you and ask for a recollection. Our lab will not continue testing if the samples are not clean. If you received a conclusive result, the samples were found to be clean and testing went smoothly. Were you able to witness the collection and sending of the samples for all parties? Have in mind, mistakes can be made intentionally or unintentionally, which is why it is important to be certain the samples received in our lab were the ones you wanted tested. We trust our customer’s to provide the correct samples, we cannot verify that the sample labeled “John Doe” is in fact from, John Doe. I hope this information helps, If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Sarah says
I have paternity test results and it turns out he’s not the father. If I showed you the breakdown of the results could you tell me if he would be the child’s uncle?
Identigene says
Hi Sarah,
The paternity test report given to you can only prove this man is not considered the biological father. You have the option to add the other alleged father within 30 days of testing for the price of $89. It is also very important for our lab to know if the two possible fathers are related. In order to test and see if he can be considered an alleged uncle, it would be best to do an avuncular test. This test is for alleged aunts/uncles when the possible father is not available for testing. It costs $399 and results are available after 5 business days. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any more questions, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
william says
This is a doozy. After fighting with the mother of my child, yes Im on the birth certificate, I was informed by the mother that Im not the father. She had a test done but the bottom of the results state in bold print, “These results are not defendable in court due to the fact that the samples were brought in and not taken directly from one or more parties.” I couldn’t get the mother to take that document into court and the alleged fathers name is marked out from the emails I received. Now my question is, being I have several items in which the baby has teethed on, or had in her mouth, is it feasible to preform a dna test using one or more of those objects? I need my own test but a court ordered test cost more than I can afford and the mother refuses to allow me to preform a test of my own. Im in a rut here.
Identigene says
Hi Williams,
I understand the reasons you may need the test are for legal reasons. Any at-home test will not uphold in court, it will need to be a court-admissible test. Court admissible tests are $359 and are witnessed and collected by a disinterested third party. As for the items the child has placed in her mouth, they are considered special specimen items. Special specimens are not guaranteed to yield enough DNA for testing. They may also be contaminated with other DNA profiles. Special specimens cost an additional $400+ the lab fee (choice of at-home or court-admissible.) I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions or concerns please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Cristy says
Ok so my boyfriend wants to do a DNA test to see if his dad is his real father! But don’t know how to ask his dad to take the test with him so can his uncle that has the same mom and dad as his father get swiped to find out!?!?
Identigene says
Hi Cristy,
Thank you for your patience! We do offer an avuncular test at IDENTIGENE allowing an uncle/aunt of the child to test instead of the biological father. There is a higher chance for an inconclusive result, which is why we would highly recommend the biological mother to test as well. Any other first-degree relatives to the father would be of great assistance in testing. The avuncular test is $399 and allows up to 5 participants to test, including the child. I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
v says
I put the wet swabs in the paper envelops and then put the envelops in a folder not realizing the swabs were still really wet. The envelops then got really wet while touching each other. Could they alter the results of the tests?
Amanda says
Hi V,
Great question! It is important to make sure testing is done with clean samples. This is why our lab will test for sample contamination. If your samples are contaminated, our lab will contact you and ask for a recollection in order to obtain clean samples. Recollections are free of charge and supplies can be sent to the address provided. In the event your samples were clean, testing will continue and results will be given 2 full business days after we received them. Our lab will only test with clean samples to obtain a result. I hope this information helps. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
brenda says
One Question i jad my daughter tested but dont know if i did enough swiping on her inside cheeks if its not enough salaiva could resulta come back negative
Amanda says
Hi Brenda,
Great question! When there is not enough DNA on the swabs, our lab will ask for a recollection. We will not test a sample that does not contain enough DNA. However, there are two other swabs our lab can use to attain more DNA for testing. If they use all three and there is still not enough, they will contact you and our friendly client support will arrange sending you recollection supplies. If testing continues, there was enough DNA on the swabs to start testing. I hope this information helps. You can also call us for more information on your case status or if you have any other questions or concerns. Please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
cesar says
I need to know how long is the saliva good on the swabs before I send it to your Lab.
Identigene says
Hi Cesar,
The DNA sample swabs are good for up to 6 months after collection as long as they are places in the envelopes provided and kept in a stable room temperature. Anything over 6 months should be recollected. If you have any more questions or concerns please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Michelle says
I was wondering if dna swabs can be tested even if they are old.. I had this test taken awhile ago. Nd I just wanted to know if we would have to do it again.
Identigene says
Hi Michelle,
The DNA sample swabs are good for up to 6 months after collection as long as they are places in the envelopes provided and kept in a stable room temperature. Anything over 6 months should be recollected. If you have any more questions or concerns please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Catherine says
When my ex and I went to a clinic with the identigene kit, a doctor signed papers and sent the samples to identigene but when I called after a week without results, identigene said they had a mix up with papers….the results came out positive but should I believe them? Is ut possible that the samples were mixed up as well?
Identigene says
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for your patience! You may want to give our client support a call in order to answer more case specific questions by verifying your password. You can call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Staci says
If a result comes back that “does not exclude” from paternity, is it possible there was a mistake, cross contamination or error? Have you ever had a flase positive and are you sure of your results.
Identigene says
Hi Staci,
“Not excluded†means we consider the tested individuals to be biologically related. Our lab follows strict procedures and guidelines to obtain 100% accurate results. Our lab is also highly accredited, by the AABB, L-A-B, and NYSDOH. Have in mind, we base our 100% accurate results on the samples we receive. Our lab cannot verify is a sample labeled “John Doe†is in fact from John Doe. We trust our customers to provide us with the samples they wish to be tested. I hope this information helps, if you have any other questions, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
tamu says
I want to know if a swab still gud after a week the reason I’m asking is cause back in 2012 I took a dna test in suffolk, va for my daughter her dad was called to come get swab a week before then they contacted me asked why they contacting me a week later the lady said they had to get permission from the father for us to come get swab so we went u might as well say two weeks later my self and my daughter went to get swab
Identigene says
Hi Tamu,
Swabs are good for up to 6 months after DNA collection has been completed. After 6 months, we recommend the DNA be recollected. I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Jean says
A friend of mine has a woman claiming her child is the son of her deceased son. A DNA test was done, and the results came back at 53% possibility, can this be considered conclusive? The samples were taken from the paternal grandmother and the baby, alone.
Identigene says
Hi Jean,
A conclusive result is a 0% or anything ABOVE a 99%, this means a 53% is NOT considered conclusive. Was the biological mother tested? If not, we highly recommend testing her as well to increase the chances of obtaining a conclusive result. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
shelly says
I think the test was contaminated I had protected sex with a guy March 8,2010 and I had unprotected sex with my other kids father March 31.2010-April 1,2010.i have became pregnant my due date was december 21,2010 I’m telling the first guy it’s impossible for him too be the father because the dates don’t add up he keep saying he took the condom off but I know he didn’t if we had sex March 8,2010 my due date would have been November 25,2010 but instead it was December 21,2010 I gave birth 12/2/2010 my last menstrual was 3/17/2010 if it was the first guy my last menstrual wouldve been 2/25/2010 the first guy and my mom did a dna test behind my back and I strongly believe he either swabbed another one his kids or the test was contaminated I find it ironic that he would do something like this I even went as far as too ask my obgyn the conceptions date and he said the dates I listed above which is strongly making me think he altered the test as I said above the dates do not add what should I do because I know for facts he is not the father my baby looks just like his father same eyes nose mouth hands feet and ironically the same birthmark in the same spot please help me.
Identigene says
Hi Shelly,
Although physical traits are important, we cannot base paternity simply off of these physical characteristics. We highly recommend to do a DNA Paternity test and witness the collection of the child (or children), the alleged father and include yourself (at no extra charge.) With the lab fees as low as ever ($89), knowing the truth and getting a peace of mind is priceless. If you have any more questions or would like to order a DNA paternity test, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE(4363), Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. We are more than happy to assist all your questions and concerns over the phone!
Aica says
Hello. I just wanna ask if my son’s hemangioma will affect his DNA result. Thanks
Identigene says
Hi Aica,
DNA is not changed by medical complications whether it is a sickness or disease, the DNA will always be half from the biological father and half from the biological mother. I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any more concerns, please call our friendly client support at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
selena says
Hey my husband smoke and he did the DNA testing I know for sure he the father but he unsure about it… If he smoke weed can the DNA testing come out wrong if he did smoke.. I hear that you have to be a mouth without smoke weed and he didn’t do that do you think the testing come out wrong for smoke… Replay
Meisha says
We suggest waiting at least one hour after eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or smoking before collecting the samples. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food, drink, blood or even from smoking, but our lab will be able to detect this. We even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab, as it will show two different DNA profiles. If the samples are contaminated with smoke particles that cannot change the DNA, only contaminate the samples. If samples are contaminated at all we would request a recollection. If samples are not contaminated our lab will be able to complete your testing and provide you with an accurate result. In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit.
Gaga says
My daughter just had a second partner tested and we were all there when it was done- His mouth was bleeding and the baby just ate, mama did as well and he chews tobacco. His results came back 0% the father- could that mean the test results need to be done over? She swears there is no one else
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. We suggest waiting at least one hour after eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or smoking before collecting the samples. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food, drink, blood or even from smoking, but our lab will be able to detect this. We even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab, as it will show two different DNA profiles. If samples are not contaminated our lab will be able to complete your testing and provide you with an accurate result. In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit. Someone will contact you to verify the address where the recollection kit should be mailed before sending it off. I hope this information helps.
If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
monique says
My husband had a court admissible test done about a year and a half ago. The mother did not go and take the test and it was ran without her sample. It came back with him excluded with 0% paternity. Now the mother wants to take the test again. Will this change the result? Is there any reason for us r the child to go back through this emotional roller coaster?
Meisha says
Monique,
We do strongly recommend including a sample from the biological mother because there is a rare chance the results will come back inconclusive without her. Including the biological mother in the testing is optional. If a test was done without the mother and came back with 0% probability then that is a conclusive result. If another test is done with the same alleged father and child, and in this test the mother is included, the results will come back the same.
The web link below will provide you with additional information about why the biological mother is sometimes needed to complete testing.
Web link: http://dnatesting.com/including-the-mother/
jANET says
So i have a question my husband has a doubt one of his kids is his the mother lives in Mexicali,mex down the borderline how many hours do we have after collecting a swab to turn ito the lab or send out we are 4 hours away from the border?
Meisha says
This is a great question. Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they can be stored for up to 6 months. If you need to store the samples for any amount of time, make sure to store the samples in the sealed specimen envelopes in a safe dry place. If it has been more than 6 months we recommend purchasing a new kit and recollecting samples. The cells on the swabs only have a shelf life of 6 months.
Wendy says
The DNA kit instructions say to wait 4 hours before taking the 2nd cheek swab. Can you wait a week and do the 2nd swab a week after doing the first swab? Or do you have to do both swabs the same day?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Wendy.
The instructions in the kit for collection (under step 3) states to:
– Use 3 swabs for each person
– Rub the inside of the cheek for at least 20 seconds.
– Put swabs directly into the sample envelope.
– Repeat for each person.
We also suggest waiting at least one hour after eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or smoking before collecting the samples. If the DNA swab is in the sample envelope but the envelope is not sealed, there is a possibility that the samples could become contaminated with food, drink, dirt, etc., but our lab will be able to detect this. We even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab, as it will show two different DNA profiles. The longer time frame in between each sample collection the greater the risk is of possible contamination.
If samples are not contaminated our lab will be able to complete your testing and provide you with an accurate result. In the event that the samples are contaminated, we do offer a free recollection kit. I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you
Craig says
About two and a half to three years ago I took a DNA test with your company. At which time I was with the mother of our two year old son. The test was administered exactly as the envelope and directions had specified, the results came back that I was extremely likely to be the father, somewhere in the high 99 percentile but here is the catch. I recently learned of my then girlfriend and mother of my child was carrying on a relationship with another family member in the household. The male whom carried this relationship on with her was also the person who sent the DNA results in for testing. Is there any possibility at all that the DNA swab could have been switched? I assume it could have been and I am very concerned about the possibility now that my son is 4 years old and bares some striking resemblances to the above said male. I would like to know if I am I titled to somehow check to make sure you got the correct DNA in the first place and also weather I can be retested this time with a more secure means of shipping the samples (EG. Me sending the samples). I feel like a total fool and I am so worried about it and have been, If the DNA turns out to be switched or wrong is there any action I can take against these people? Is switching DNA and submitting it under false pretents a crime? Would it constitute fraud on any level or is there even protection for victims of such a act?? Obviously I am way ahead of myself, my first concern is for my son whom I consider mine either way at this point, how could I not. I am a stay home father and have been with him everyday of his life for his entire life. Anyway I would like to see if I can somehow cross check the DNA received by your labs and ,ale sure it was in fact mine. Do you suggest an certain path of action for my situation?? Thanks so much for your help. I would also add, I am scraping to stay above broke at this point and have little to no financial means to resubmit a clean or new test swab! Thanks again for your help, I am so embarrassed to be in this situation or even attempting to speak about this whole issue.
Meisha says
Good afternoon Craig, we sincerely apologize that it has taken so long to respond to your question. We are sorry to hear about your possible current situation but we are glad that you have asked the questions you have, and we do understand that it can be embarrassing and not necessarily easy to speak out about this.
We always encourage our customers to be present and witness all of the samples being collected, placed in the specimen envelopes, as well as accompanying the samples directly to the mailing facility. This will ensure everyone is secure in the fact that the correct samples were sent off. Unfortunately we have no way of confirming that we received the correct persons DNA unless another test is done, and we would not be able to test a case that has already been completed so this would require purchasing a new kit and resending in all new samples with the lab fee. With a second test we can compare the alleles under the alleged father on both tests to see if it was the same person that tested in both tests or not. This could be done easiest by calling us and purchasing the Individual DNA Profile test for $99 which would show only your profile. Upon the results you can compare the profile from the alleged father on the original test to your individual profile to determine if they are identical.
The other option you have is to have a Legal DNA test. Legal DNA testing requires your samples to be collected by an uninterested third party. This is most easily accomplished by going to a collection facility. We have a database of DNA collection facilities nationwide, or we may also be able to assist in setting up the collection with a local doctor.
For a DNA test to be processed for legal purposes we also require identification for each person, including a birth certificate for anyone who is underage and does not have a current state or federal photo ID. A current picture of each participant is also required and is usually taken at the time of the collection appointment. This process prevents anyone from being able to provide incorrect samples.
If you do a second test and it ends up that the DNA was switched for the first test, we would recommend speaking with a lawyer about what actions can and cannot be taken. When we receive samples and information we go off the word of the customer and assume that we are being sent the correct information to test with.
Please feel free to call us at 888-404-4363 for any further questions or concerns you may have about your test, or if you would like to set up the individual DNA profile or legal test.
Courtney says
Hi, if the person doing the cheek swab doesn’t swab for at least 20sec. Does this affect the results? And if the alleged father smoked and drank prior to testing does that affect testing? Alleged fathers envelope was soaked with saliva but we didn’t let it dry we instantly took it to the drop box at the post office & mailed it does that affect anything also??
Meisha says
Thank you for your question Courtney. We recommend swabbing for at least 20 seconds to ensure there will be enough DNA on the swab to test with. If a participant swabs for less than 20 seconds but there is still enough DNA on that swab then we would be able to provide results from those samples. If there is not enough DNA to test with then we would have to ask for a recollection, it is not possible to complete a test if there is not enough DNA to test with.
We suggest waiting at least one hour after eating, drinking, brushing teeth, or smoking before collecting the samples. There is a possibility that the samples could be contaminated with food, drink, blood or even from smoking, but our lab will be able to detect this. We even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab, as it will show two different DNA profiles. If samples are not contaminated our lab would be able to complete your testing and provide you with an accurate result.
I hope this answers your questions. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact us at 888-404-4363 and we will be more than happy to assist you.
cynthia says
hello so I just got my DNA results and I got 4 out 15 and the numbers on the alleles are so closed in matching and still got excluded as the biological father. how does 11 match and still be excluded?
Meisha says
The DNA profiles in paternity testing consist of DNA markers (usually 15) that are used to determine if there is a biological match, the same “codis†markers used by the FBI for DNA evidence. Each Marker location shows 2 alleles. Everyone receives one number from their biological mother and one number from their biological father. These markers are analyzed to verify matches between the alleged father and the child. If the markers between the alleged father and child match they are given a Parentage Index number that indicates how common that marker is among the population. If the marker is rare the number will be higher, if the marker is common the number will be lower. These numbers calculate to give the probability of paternity. The probability of paternity for inclusions must be higher than 99%. The probability of paternity for exclusions will show as 0%.
In most cases you will see some matching alleles and that is because as humans we all share common DNA. In general, the possible father and child must match at every location (each genetic system we test). If a possible father does not match the child, then we can be 100% certain he is not the biological father of the child.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Amber says
Thirteen years ago I had a DNA test done on my son. He was 2 weeks old. It was a swab test. When they tried to swab his cheek they said there wasn’t enough saliva. Then they instructed me to give him some of his bottle. That bottle had my breast milk in it. They then, swabbed his mouth and the results came back that the man I tested wasn’t the father. (When I know he is). Could they have swabbed my DNA since the liquid he was drinking was my breast milk?
Meisha says
Good afternoon,
We sincerely apologize that it has taken so long to respond to your question. We would not be able to speak for any other labs or companies or the processes they use to produce the DNA test results.
When samples for paternity testing are sent to the IDENTIGENE laboratory, the DNA carried within the cheek swabs could become contaminated if food/drink or breast milk is given to the child 1 hour prior to swabbing. What this does is it can mask the DNA making it unusable for paternity results. If a sample does come back contaminated we then would request a recollection for that participant because we cannot test a contaminated samples. Our suggestion would be to do another DNA test.
For any further questions or concerns please contact our client support #1-888-404-4363.
tilly mitchell says
I have a 10 month old and her grandfather was kissing her on the lips before testing would that effect her results since her dad was getting tested as well ?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Tilly. If a participant is kissed on the lips before swabbing for DNA it should not affect the samples. This is because the DNA is collected from the inside of the cheek/mouth and not from the outside of the lips. If it did affect the samples in any way it could cause contamination as the child’s and grandfathers DNA would be showing on the sample. If there is contamination of any kind (food, drink, two or more DNA profiles, etc.) on a sample our lab will be able to detect this. In the event there is an issue with the samples sent in for testing we would offer a free recollection kit. If a case is completed and the report is released then that would mean the samples sent in to us to test with were not contaminated and had enough DNA to test.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Kesia says
I also swab them, and put it in the envelope, then I wasn’t sure if I had enough saliva on it, so I took it out, and swab some much to make sure it was enough, would that contaminated it, I made sure I didn’t touch the cotton part
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. We do strongly recommend including a sample from the biological mother because there is a rare chance the results will come back inconclusive without her. Including the biological mother in the testing is optional. We can do the testing without her sample included, and we do provided conclusive results on a regular basis when only testing the alleged father and the child. The web link below will provide you with additional information about why the biological mother is sometimes needed to complete testing.
When a sample envelope is sealed and reopened, and the samples removed, there is always a possibility of contamination but we will not know for sure until testing has been done. If the samples are contaminated we will contact you for a recollection. If we are able to provide you with results then the samples and information you sent to us for testing would have been just fine to test with.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Web link: http://dnatesting.com/including-the-mother/
maria vargas says
Results for a paternity dna test were received on day #2 of a rush processing. on the 2nd day we were told that the specimens were sent for “additional testing”, and that in two hours we could call back if we had not received results. My question is that 4 of the dna markers did not have a match, but out of those 2 of the alleged fathers dna markers only had one allele identified. why was the 2nd allele not identified? could that have made a difference in the result? thank you.
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. When there is only 1 allele number identified under a participant that means it is the same allele number coming from each parent. For example, if the child has an allele showing as “10†on one line than that really means “10,10â€Â. So the “10†would have to match the mother and “10†would also have to match the alleged father for there to be a match in DNA on that line. I apologize for the confusion. If you would like further explanation about alleles or your report, please call us at 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T.
Alisha Gates says
My fiancé recently did an at home paternity test with you all that he purchased from Walmart. He did this test with another woman to test to see if he is the father of her child. My fiancé did a swab and the kid did a swab. Instead of putting the swabs into separate envelopes, they put the two contaminated swabs into the same envelope. Of course the results came back 99.9% positive. By them putting the same swabs in the same envelope, could this have contaminated the results?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Alisha,
When two participants DNA samples are placed together in the same envelope then our lab would automatically ask for a recollection from both participants. When two DNA profiles come in contact contamination typically occurs. If samples are contaminated our lab does detect this, and it is not possible to produce results with samples that have any issues (i.e. contamination or not enough DNA on the swab).
We would be more than happy to speak with you and your fiancé about your specific case. This would be easiest to address by calling us at 888-404-4363 and talking to a dna consultant over the phone. We look forward to hearing from you.
http://dnatesting.com/can-touching-the-swab-give-an-incorrect-paternity-test-result/
tolu says
I submit my swab for me my son and my fiancee and i was told the test fail what does that means please am worried why will that fail.
Meisha says
Good afternoon Tolu.
Samples can fail during testing because there is not enough DNA on the samples, or they could be contaminated with food/drink particles, dirt, another DNA profile, etc. We would be more than happy to assist you with your case and to help better answer your question. This would be easiest to address by calling us at 888-404-4363 and talking to a DNA consultant over the phone. We look forward to hearing from you.
Karlos says
My girlfriend and I have talked about her son. There is a 50/50 chance he is mine. I have looked past this and raise him as if he is mine. Our families are demanding DNA test. We are going to do a at home one to please them. Is there a way to make sure the results say he is mine? Her and I don’t really want to know as far as we are concerned he is mine. We need paper to show our families though.
Meisha says
Good afternoon Karlos,
We can certainly appreciate that you and your girlfriend want to give your families the answer they are looking for. However, it is against our policies and accreditations to falsify a report. We release 100% accurate results based on the samples and information sent to us to test with.
If you have any other questions or concerns please call us at 888-404-4363.
Karlos says
If both the father sample and the child sample were from the same specimen would that come back as a positive match?
Meisha says
Hello Karlos,
In a situation where the alleged father and child’s DNA came back as the same DNA profile, we actually would not be able to produce results as it is not possible for an alleged father and child to have the exact same DNA. We would place the case on hold and ask for a recollection to complete the testing.
I hope this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 888-404-4363.
David says
Hello, I recently had a DNA test done. Besides smoking, drinking coffee and brushing my teeth I have a severe oral infection that I believe is oral thrush (Candida/Yeast infection). Could an oral infection (fungal or bacterial) cause problems, or cause a DNA test to be inaccurate?
Meisha says
Good afternoon David,
If there was contamination on the samples of any kind our lab would have caught this and we would have placed your case on hold and asked for a recollection. We even detect if there are two different DNA samples on the same sample swab, as it would show two different DNA profiles. If samples are not contaminated our lab would be able to complete your testing and provide you with an accurate result, it is not possible to produce results if the samples have any issues (contamination or not enough DNA). Once results are provided they are 100% accurate based on the samples and information sent to us to test with.
I hope this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
trinee says
Hi my daughter was born in 2013 and she had to undergo ECMO. I was just wondering if that would affect paternity in any way?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Trinee,
Thank you for your question. ECMO would not affect the testing as it does not change a persons DNA. However, a stem cell transplant, blood transfusion, or bone marrow transplant can affect a participants DNA.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at 888-404-4363 and a DNA consultant will be happy to assist you!
Gina says
If the alleged father didn’t want his mouth swabbed (he’s weird like that) and he just spits in a cup and we collect his Dna from there will that affect anything? Please advise
Meisha says
Good afternoon Gina,
Saliva usually does not have enough DNA to test with. You can swab his saliva from a cup to send in to test with, but if there is not enough DNA then we will have to place the case on hold and ask for a recollection. Also, please be aware that if his DNA is sent in (whether it is a mouth swab, or swabbing his saliva), the alleged father will still need to sign his consent to test his DNA sample.
If you have any further questions or concerns about DNA sample collection, please contact us at 888-404-4363. Thank you, and have a great day.
Ashleah says
Hi, we recently purchased the court admissible alleged father & child paternity kit, we had the kit split as the child (who is an adult) is on a military base outside of the U.S. We recieved our father (the testing alleged father) recieved the kit today but had accidentally recieved the child kit. While the child is going to receive the alleged father kit. We called today and we’re told that we can cross off the names and titles and write in the correct names and titles and that the laboratory would switch the barcodes to insure correct testing. My question is, if the lab does not switch the codes could this result in a test that excludes the father? Or, if the my father is the father will it not matter any ways because there will be a match in DNA?
Identigene says
Hi Ashleah. I apologize for the delayed response. If you still have questions about your testing, please contact us at 888-404-4363.
jazmen says
Hi I have took a DNA test may 20 and when I was sitting waiting for my name to be called I was eating gum, when my name was called I although the gum if I went to the room can that interfere with the DNA test result
Identigene says
Hi! It shouldn’t have affected your test results, although we recommend you don’t eat or drink for an hour prior to your test. If chewing gum affected the collection sample in any way, we would simply have you collect another sample.
Guglielmo says
Hi,
I don’ t speak English very well as long as I’m Italian, but i will try to explain my doubts about a dna test i’ve done as clear as possible.
I have tested my Dna and the ones of: my alleged father, my mother, and my brother two years ago, to establish if there is or there isn’t a kinship.
The result gave a compatibility of 99.99999987%
However I’m not sure about the results, so here are two questions I would like to have, if possible, a reply:
1) As I am doubtful about an alleged mixture of Dna in my and my brother samples, I would like to know if, during the EXTRACTION process in dna testing, the geneticists can check if there is or not a Mixture occurred and what is the proportion of the contributors. ( DURING EXTRACTION PROCESS- so before electrophoresis)
2) I would like to know if there is a method used to solve contamination problems – I read somewhere that people can purify the samples through ethanol, is that right?
By the way, I suppose that when there are mixed samples geneticists have to collect saliva or blood once again, to retake the test.
3 and last) I would like to know if alleles in a mixture and complex profile (imbalance of contributors) are detected by the machine or the person interprete them as alleles or as stutters for example?
Peaks are detected as alleles or in the other case as artifacts of analysis by the machine or by the human?
Hope you reply, it’s very important!
Identigene says
Hi, Guglielmo! I sincerely apologize for the late reply.
The DNA analysis process performed in our laboratory is very capable of detecting DNA profile mixtures (detectable as low as approximately a 1:20 ratio, although that will vary based on the quality of the sample). Such mixtures may be detected either by human review or machine automation, or both. Whenever a profile mixture is observed, the standard operating procedure is to first extract additional sample(s) from the same individual. After confirmation, the customer is contacted, and new samples are requested. Our DNA relationship testing laboratory generally does not report results based on profile mixtures.
liana says
I had a premature baby who had a couple blood transfusions while in incubator and her dad thinks she is not his and he did a DNA test but supposedly it came out negative. Is it possible that the two blood transfusions my baby had can have an effect on her DNA?
Identigene says
Hi, Liana. Our experts say that if a DNA test involves an individual who has had a blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant in the last 90 days, DNA testing can be impacted. Please talk to your doctor about your options.
Waiting says
We mailed our samples in the provided envelope on June 7, 2015 from Washington state. How long will it take for your lab to receive the samples?
Identigene says
Hi, Kristen. Have you tried logging in to your online IDENTIGENE account to see your results? If you don’t get your answers there, please call one of our Client Support department at 888-404-4363 to check on the status of your test. They are more than happy to help! Once we receive samples, results are generally posted to your account in two business days.
Adebayo says
I had a DNA test with my daughter. I was fasting and i ate last around 9pm on Thursday and had the test around 2:30pm on Saturday. Right there my daughter took Bread, Tea and Water.
When the result came out, it was 0% that i wasn’t the biological father. Could that affect the result of the DNA. Thanks
Identigene says
Hi! If the samples you submitted were contaminated with food or drink, our lab would have detected a problem and asked you for recollection. Since our lab completed testing and was able to provide you with an accurate result, you can trust the information you were given was correct.
tina says
Before they took my son’s sample i was breastfeeding him. I was wondering would my breastmilk in any way cancel out his saliva?
cengerman says
Hi, Tina. All participants in a DNA test should refrain from putting anything in their mouths for one hour prior to taking samples. If your son’s sample was contaminated in any way, the lab will catch it and you’ll be asked to recollect from the baby and resubmit. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363 and they will be happy to assist you.
Jamell says
Hi i jus got the results back today and im SHOCKED. & they said that the alleged father was not the father HOW can this be when he was the only one i slept with ? we sent the swabs in i remember my envelope was wet ! And we didnt swab for 30 seconds ! PLEASE HELP
IDENTIGENE says
Hi! You are welcome to contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363 and they will be happy to discuss your results with you. Thanks!
Kaye says
The envelopes were wet so I dried them using a blow dryer. Would that compromise the results?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Kaye. Great question! No, it shouldn’t degrade the DNA in your samples. At any rate, if there were problems, our lab would catch it and ask for new samples. No worries!
Casey says
My daughter, alleged father, and myself participated in an identigene paternity test. I’m almost positive that our swabs (the child and myself) got switched before being placed in their labeled envelopes. Would that change the ending results?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Casey. The lab will pick this up since your child is a daughter and not a son. No worries!
Becky says
Is it possible for a prenatal blood test and an after birth swab test to give totally different results? The Prenatal test was positive that the alleged father was the father. The after test we took from Identigene came back 0% probability and he was excluded as the biological father. How is this possible? We only submitted my babies dna and the alleged fathers dna swab samples. Should I have done a sample? Did me not taking a dna sample mess with the accuracy of this test?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Becky. It’s hard for me to comment on your pre-natal test, since we didn’t do it. Was it done through an AABB-accredited facility? As far as cheek-swab tests, when we get a negative result we run the test twice with the samples given to ensure correct results with the samples we are given. Is it possible the alleged father submitted someone else’s sample for the test you did with us? We recommend that you have a legal test done, wherein all participants’ IDs are verified and an impartial collector is in charge of the samples from start to finish. This prevents fraud and ensures everyone’s samples are legit.
Kelana Rivera says
How long can a sample be in envelope waiting to be tested? Is there a certain time frame before the sample is no longer usable? Potential father did his portion about 10 days before baby was able to take theirs and send samples in. Will this affect results?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Kelana. That should be fine. DNA samples are good for about 6 months. No worries!
Tonya says
My son son and my ex had a DNA test done a few weeks ago and my results came back not true but I think the test had been messed up bc he is a user could that be a factor in our results ??? I tried to get him to redo the test but he refused … He also put the swabs back in the original packs …
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Tonya. Drug use is not a factor. We recommend NOT putting swabs back in the original packs, but usually if there’s a problem, the lab will catch it and ask for a recollection. Since the lab didn’t ask, the results are most likely correct for the samples the lab was given. Is it possible your ex submitted someone else’s samples instead of his own? If you didn’t all do the DNA collection together, you may want to consider getting a legal test. If child support is on the line, the court may require him to test again.
Tjasa says
I have a few questions about DNA test for 1 person. I have Made DNA paternity test in one company already. I would like to check only if the results that has been made in DNA test are corectly.
Ive heard many bad rewiew of this company, so I dont trust that results has been realy made.
I need this test only for my informations, not any legal purpose.
1. What would be the price testing only one person?
Like if The test has been already made, Now I need only 1 extra person..
2. Do u have your own laboratory or test are Made in another laboratory? And if test is Made in another laboratory, which one? What is The name?
3. Are the tested markers standard one, so I will be able to compare it?
I try to contact you already but noone answer.
I would appreciate your answer because I live in Europe and I cant call every day
Thank you
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Tjasa! Thanks for reaching out to us.
(1) Who is this “extra person” you mentioned, please? Is it a different child than the one who was originally tested? Please give more details, if you would.
(2) Yes, we have our own on-site lab that maintains the highest levels of accreditation. It is under the name of our parent company, Sorenson Genomics.
(3) The markers we test are the standard ones for paternity, yes.
Our Client Support Center is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern, Monday through Friday. They were probably closed when you called.
Aurora says
Hallo!
I have 2 questions.
1. My son took a shower before We were taking samples and of course he drunk some water in The shower like always. He might also get some shampoo in The mouth as We were washing hair.
We didnt eat or brushing teeh. Is it possible That it wont be enough of DNA?
2. Is there a problem if We switch samples? Put The one of child in father s envelope and put The one of The father in child envelope?
Could That be a problem or in laboratory they just see if 2 DNA match or dont match
Thank you
Aurora
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Aurora!
1. If anything your son got into his mouth prior to testing degraded his DNA sample, the lab would catch it and ask for a recollect. It’s a bit of a nuisance to you because you have to wait longer to get results, that’s all.
2. If samples are switched, since both participants are male their DNA profiles will be mis-assigned on the report. (The father showing as the son and the son showing as the father). But whether the results are positive for paternity or negative are unaffected by this mistake.
I highly recommend you give us a call at 888-404-4363 to let them know of your concerns regarding the samples. Thanks!
tella says
Im considering doing a paternity test with your company but i am extremely worried as i have seen reviews from amazon, walmart etc about people getting false positive/false negative results from identigene. Then doing a lab test ans receiving a different results. What is the rate of false results from your lab. Please no need to list your company’s and people doing test credentials
Ive already seen them from your response to other posts
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Tella. Actually, ours is a lab test. In fact, we are one of the top three DNA labs in America. What we nearly always see when results are different with an at-home test vs. a court test is that fraud occurred during the at-home test. The alleged father most often swabbed someone else and submitted that sample as his own. When his DNA collection is witnessed and he cannot cheat, then of course, the results come back different. For an at-home test, we take it on good faith that the samples submitted belong to who participants say they do.
Xiomara says
Hi I went in to take a paternity test and I see that you guys say to not eat or drink anything within the hour of taking the test but we did eat and drink before we took it n they made my boyfriend drink a bottle of water while waited to take the test n they put water in my sons mouth and the test came back 0% is it possible the test was contaminated?
Admin says
Hi, Xiomara. Eating and drinking doesn’t affect the results of the test, but it could affect the quality of the DNA sample, which is why we say not to do so. If the DNA was degraded due to eating or drinking, the lab would have asked for a new sample. You can trust the results of this test.
Tamarra says
I was wondering if i swab 2 days before i send test off will it still be accurate
Admin says
Hi, Tamarra. Absolutely no problem!
Shavoy says
I mailed in the samples and put my credit card info on the form but forgot about a automated charge so now I have to put more money on my card. How long will identigene keep my samples if I don’t have the money on my card before they get it?
Admin says
Hi, Shavoy. You’ll get a call from us if there isn’t enough money on your card for testing. If you can’t pay at that time, you’ll be asked to call us when you do. As long as you’re keeping in touch with us about it, we’ll keep your samples.
ivan osick says
i have an issue, i believe i am the father of a little girl. my ex, was with me and one other guy and became pregnant. when the baby was born, he and my ex took a home dna test and the results came back that he is not the biological father. then they went to court and had the courts send them to a lab to take a dna test. i dont have the proof of that he is or is not the father, but he is saying that he is. my question is, if a home dna test came back not being the father, would the results from the lab the courts sent them to do be different or the same?
Admin says
Hi, Ivan! That really depends. With a home DNA test, the lab accepts in good faith that all participants are who they say they are when they submit samples. It is possible for fraud to occur if one of the participants (like the alleged father) submits someone else’s DNA instead of his own. In that case, the results always show a 0% probability of paternity, even if that man really is the biological father! If, then, a court orders another test, the DNA collection and mailing have to be witnessed by a third party to prevent this kind of fraud. So if the alleged father can’t submit someone else’s DNA now and he really is the biological father, then the results of the court test will be different than the results of the home test. Hope this helps!
Diane says
Hi there
Im sitting with questions and no answers please help. The father of my child took my daughter for a paternity test and then the results came back negative. Then the person who thinks his the father but is not did the test and results negative. I dont understand that on the result on both test my daughter has different dna results one was with spit the other blood thing is thats not supposed to change her dna shes still one person shes four months now and the father now naturally blocked and deleted me refuse to take another test he says its my problem can some one explain why she has two different sets of dna and it was done by a nurse both times she didnt eat nor drink or anything else so how is it possible
Admin says
Hi, Diane. It sounds as if some kind of fraud may have occurred, unfortunately. Your daughter’s DNA profiles should have been the same for both tests. There is a rare physiological phenomenon called Chimerism that may account for two different DNA profiles. You can learn more about it here: http://dnatesting.com/can-my-paternity-test-results-be-wrong-because-i-have-chimera-dna/ . You may be able to compel the two men to retest by court order, if you are seeking child support. In that case, you should contact a family law attorney. I hope this is helpful to you and wish you and your little one all the best!
Cassie says
My son is away with his grandmother but I need to do an emergency DNA test, is it okay if I send in his pacifier and his dad’s cotton swab?
Admin says
Hi, Cassie. Extracting DNA from items such as you describe is done for criminal cases and not for paternity testing. Additionally, we would need the alleged father’s signed consent to participate in the test. It’s best to be upfront with him about why you want the test, I think. Good luck!
Brianna says
My son ate lunch prior to our testing hot cheetos and juice where main components if I recieved results an only a couple of components match will it affect the test. An from my understanding the father was tested 2 months later to my son
Admin says
Hi, Brianna. Eating prior to testing doesn’t change the DNA; it may only affect the quality of the sample. If what your son ate was bad enough that it affected the sample, the lab would not have issued results and would instead have asked for new samples. As for testing the father two months later, that doesn’t matter.
Roxanne says
Hi. My baby daddy drowned. We eventually got blood samples from forensics to use for a paternity test. The test came out excluding him as the father. But the previous kinship test with the brother of the deceased father there were a 13% match. I know his the father. How will I prove it now? Could some contamination have happened to the blood. Even his mother says she’s a duplicate of when he was a baby.
Admin says
Hi, Roxanne. I’m sorry about the passing of your child’s father. A kinship test showing a 13% probability of relationship is very low and definitely not conclusive. This type of percentage could also be obtained if you’d tested any man with your daughter. If the blood sample was used for testing by an accredited lab, then the exclusion results can most likely be trusted. I know the grandmother thinks they look exactly alike, but that’s not an absolute determinant of a paternal relationship. If the grandmother is willing, you can definitely do another test if you want. The persons needed to be tested for conclusive results would be the grandmother (and grandfather too would be best if he’s available), you, and the child. I hope this helps!
Roxanne says
Thanx for youre reply. What about the contamination of the blood. Could it be possible? QWhat results could be expected if me and my daughter test with the grandparents?
Admin says
Contamination of the blood is unlikely at the lab level, and if they suspected the quality of the blood sample was a problem, then they wouldn’t have issued conclusive results. If you, your daughter, and both paternal grandparents test, the likelihood of getting conclusive results is excellent.
Myriam Reyes says
How much time do you have to send in sample after you swab?
Identigene says
Hi, Myriam! Samples are good for up to six months, as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place.
Donna says
If you received your results from child and father, can you send in mothers swab at a later date without additional charge?
Identigene says
Hi, Donna. Please call us directly at 888-404-4363.
Barbara says
So I recently did a test with my husband and his alledge daughter and he did brush his teeth and swab himself; Will that affect the DNA result outcome? If it does I understand that there will be a call if it is but if you weren’t able to get in contact will you still prcosss the results
Identigene says
Hi, Barbara. If the sample was contaminated in any way, testing is suspended and the lab will contact you to request new samples. Testing remains suspended until we can make contact with participants. If a test report is posted, then that means the samples were fine.
Ruby says
I’m a little worried because I tested myself, boyfriend, and son but my boyfriends envolope was wet from the salivia . Could this have messed up the results because of maybe his salvia got the other envolopes wet? Pleas help
Identigene says
Hi, Ruby. If there is a problem with samples being contaminated, the lab will catch it and then suspend testing and ask for new samples. So no worries!
Dee says
Hi, my husband (now 73 Yrs old.) ate a bratwurst before swabbing his mouth with the TEST q-tip. The results came back negative.
QUESTION: Would the oil from the pork/beef Brat have an effect on the results?
Thanks, dee
Identigene says
Hi, Dee. Although eating anything right before DNA testing doesn’t change the DNA itself, it could affect the quality of the sample. This is why we instruct participants not to eat or drink for 1 hour prior to swabbing. If your husband was issued a results report, then DNA was able to be effectively extracted from his sample even though he ate the brat. Had eating been an issue, testing would have been suspended and the lab would have asked for new samples.
Cynthia says
ok I’m talking with my son about a baby he said it’s not his cause he didn’t take a DNA time cause at the time he was locked up “” BUT”” he had a test done with a other girl years ago so his DNA is already in the semester and the test came back 99.98% so I’m till him he is the daddy he said how they didn’t get my DNA I’m trying to tell him it’s already in the semester they don’t have to get it from him they can use it from the first case it this true or not 🤔🤔
Identigene says
Hi, Cynthia. Whether or not you can use his existing DNA profile from another test depends entirely on the lab you tested with. With Identigene, he must submit a new sample.
Melly says
My daughter was born with a severe medical condition amd had surgery the minute i gave birth amd 2 days after. Both times she had a blood transfusion. Down the lime she stay ed in the nicu for 4 mnths and during that time she had 3 blood transfusions for white blood cells. We did dna through court and showerd her dad wasnt the dad and it wasnt no way possible. Could her 5 transfusions get in the way of her dna? The foster family caring for her didnt know she had transfusions and never mentioned it to the person taking samples.
Identigene says
Hi, Melly. Yes, recent blood transfusions can definitely affect the results of a DNA test. I’m frankly surprised that the court would order a test so soon if they knew about the transfusions.
Everserena says
My boyfriend was drinking liquor the night before he want to take the test with him and my son would trigger with the test
Identigene says
Hi! This would have no effect whatsoever on your test results.
Jessica says
One potential father and I used two swabs on each side of the mouth instead of one like the instructions said. The DNA test came back 0 probability that he is the father. Could the fact that we didn’t follow the directions correctly, messed up our test? There was plenty of saliva from the cheek swabs on the Qtips.
Identigene says
Hi, Jessica. If the swabs had been contaminated in any way or had some other type of issue, the lab would have suspended testing and requested new samples. Since you received results, there were no problems.
John says
I am the alleged father and my test excluded me as the father. Would the test have caught a mistake if the mother and the daughter placed their swabs in the wrong envelope. The mothers swabs in the envelope marked child and visa versa?
Identigene says
Hi, John. The answer is yes.
Stephanie says
Do I need to be present with the person im testing? or can they swab their own mouth and send in the samples?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Stephanie. I’m assuming you’re doing a home test? If so, we always recommend that all participants witness each other swabbing, putting swabs in envelopes, and mailing them to the lab, whenever possible. All samples for the same test should be submitted together. If people live in different states, call the lab ahead of time so they can create a single case to tie all incoming samples together.
Shunda says
If a person is doing a DNA test to proof he is the father of his girlfriend baby. Can he swipe his mouth twice in place of the child and but the same dna in his and the child envelope? Would u guys be able to detect it’s the same DNA.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Shunda. If he did that, the lab would definitely catch it, yes. Testing would be suspended and new samples requested.
Christie says
if I collected the swabs and the fathers saliva bled through and wet the Childs envelope will that affect testing?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Christie. If swabs are in any way contaminated, the lab would catch it and ask for new samples. No worries! If you do have to do a recollection, the swabs shouldn’t be super-wet after swabbing…you’re collecting cheek cells, and not saliva. But if they seem a little wet, just wave the swabs in the air for a few minutes before putting them in the envelopes.
Roger says
I want to know if dental fillings/pasta on teeths can affect the paternity results in any way? As far as i know fillings contains many chemical.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Roger. No, that’s not a problem.