DNA testing Archives - Page 7 of 11

Can I Do A Secret Paternity Test Without Mom, Dad Or Child Knowing?

by HOMEDNA on 08/07/2014

Paternity testing can be stressful enough. Add the fact that you don’t want mom, child or maybe even the possible father to know about the testing and it becomes even more of a worry! You begin to think of ways to test for paternity without the other party knowing, maybe sending in some hair, toothbrush or other special specimens. So . . .

“How can I do a secret DNA test?”

This is a very common question asked by potential IDENTIGENE clients when they call us. Many people are looking for a way to test without one or more persons knowing. Want to know how?

ANSWER: All legal DNA tests require a consent signature from the person whose samples were submitted. Samples provided for minors under the age of 18 need to have the consent form signed by a legal guardian. So if you want to do a legal paternity test using cheek-swab samples for mother, potential father, and child, it cannot be secret.

‘So can I send in a toothbrush or some hair?’

ANSWER: Yes, but the special specimen test still requests consent from all participants or samples will not be tested. Also, very specific criteria must be met in order for us to accept these types of samples for testing.

Here are some of the details about special-specimen testing:

Our lab must do a viability test for special specimens first, to determine whether enough DNA can be extracted. The testing fee for viability is non-refundable.
The lab needs more information such as what the sample is, how old the sample is, and how much of it there is.
Special specimen testing is $150 plus the relationship test lab fee.
Keep in mind that processing a special specimen does not guarantee there will be sufficient DNA for testing.

‘I don’t want testing to be secret, but they refuse to send in or provide a DNA sample. So what can I do?’

You’ve already tried talking to the person, letting them know the benefits of finding the truth and having a peace of mind, but they won’t budge. This is an issue we hear all the time and we sympathize! This is when other relationship testing comes in handy.

ANSWER: IDENTIGENE offers Grandparent, Sibling, and Avuncular DNA tests. We understand there are circumstances when a participant is not available or willing to test. These tests provide a way to answer paternity questions using first-degree relatives. Keep in mind that all test types will require consent from the participants sending in their DNA.

The bottom line

‘Honey, I want a paternity test,’ may not be your favorite conversation starter, and an even more difficult one to hear. When it comes to paternity testing, we believe honesty really is the best policy. Consent for the child and other participants must come first.

Read about how to ask your partner for a paternity test

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.

IDENTIGENE Paternity Testing Process

by HOMEDNA on 08/04/2014

If you’re purchasing a paternity test, you’ve no doubt thought a bit about it beforehand. You’ve probably looked into what the process entails, compared prices from various companies and thought about the implications of knowing paternity and how that will change or impact the lives of the people involved in the test.

Legal Paternity Test or Personal Paternity Test?

One other item you may have considered is whether you will need a court-admissible legal paternity test or not. At IDENTIGENE, there is no difference in the way we test samples between a personal home paternity test and a court-admissible legal paternity test. Once you decide on what test you’ll need, follow the directions below if you’re wanting a personal home paternity test or click click here if you want to find out more about our court-admissible option.

A lot of work goes into the DNA paternity testing process from the laboratory side of things, but lucky for you, the process for our customers is a cinch. Below are the basics of how the IDENTIGENE process works from start to finish as well as a few tips that may help you out along the way.

What You Do

1. **Purchase the IDENTIGENE Paternity Test Kit**

First, you’ll need to purchase the IDENTIGENE Paternity Test Kit. You can do this by calling IDENTIGENE, purchasing a kit on our website, or by picking up a kit at select retailers. The kit will cost you about $25, depending on the store you purchase it from. We are located in CVS, Rite Aid and Walmart, nationwide and many independent pharmacies. To find a retailer near you that sells IDENTIGENE Paternity Test Kits, click click here.

2. Collect your DNA samples

Next, you’ll follow the directions of the paternity test kit to collect DNA samples. Fill out a sample envelope for each participant and be sure to fill out the order form. Collect samples from each participant by gently rubbing special buccal swabs included in the kit on the inside of the cheek for 30 seconds to collect cells. Place sample swabs in the corresponding sample envelopes. If the sample envelopes become damp, let them air-dry before putting them in the mailing envelope.

**3. Mail paternity testing samples and order form to IDENTIGENE**

Lastly, you’ll mail the samples and order form to IDENTIGENE in the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope included in the kit. It is important to remember that this method of sending samples can take anywhere from 7-10 days to arrive to our lab. If you need your sample to arrive earlier, consider another mailing option such as 1st class USPS or FedEx. Once samples arrive, testing takes two (2) business days. We also have 1-day and same-day results available for an extra fee. If you have questions, please contact us!

Now that you’ve done your part, IDENTIGENE will step in and do the rest. Check out the brief overview of what happens to your samples when they arrive to IDENTIGENE.

What We Do

1. Paternity Test Accessioning

Your samples first arrive to our accessioning department where the information on your sample envelopes and order form are entered into our database. Each sample is assigned a sample number and the group of samples are assigned a case or reference number.

2. DNA Extraction

Once all information has been added to our database, samples are prepared for DNA extraction. During this process, the cheek cells on the sample buccal swab are purified of proteins or contaminants and the DNA is separated from the cell.

3. DNA Amplification

Next, IDENTIGENE laboratory technicians prepare the extracted DNA for amplification by checking plates and samples and pipetting. During the amplification process, DNA segments are duplicated for testing.

4. Analysis

Finally, segments of DNA are compared between the alleged father and child by our genetic scientists. If the mother’s sample is included, her sample will also be used to get results for paternity. A report is then generated and viewable online with your designated password.

We hope this explains the entire process for you, from start to finish!

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 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.

IDENTIGENE DNA Paternity Test Now Available at Over 23,000 Retail Locations

by HOMEDNA on 10/12/2012

IDENTIGENE has expanded its reach to super centers across the U.S. The home DNA test will now be available in approximately 3,500 additional stores.

IDENTIGENE Executive Director Steve Smith says, ‘Our goal has always been to make paternity testing affordable and accessible to everyone. Adding so many new stores, especially in rural markets, goes a long way toward making accurate paternity results convenient for everyone in America.’

Since 2007, major drugstores have offered the IDENTIGENE DNA paternity test kit to their customers. The kit is either merchandised in the Family Planning or the Home Testing aisle. Smith says, ‘Expanding retail presence is so important because it provides more opportunities for people to see the kit on the shelf and become aware that a DNA paternity test is available and affordable.’

A recent U.S. survey commissioned by IDENTIGENE found that approximately one in ten (10%) of adults have personally been in a situation where a paternity test was appropriate and one in five people (20%) have had a close friend or family member question paternity. Yet, most Americans are unaware that DNA testing technology is accessible from the drugstore-and now super centers!

« Previous Page
1
…
5
6
7
8
9
…
11
Next Page »