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What is a DNA
paternity test? |
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Comparison of the genetic code of a man and a child to determine
if the man can be excluded from being the biological father of a
child. |
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What is a
DNA maternity test? |
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Comparison of the genetic code of a woman and a child to
determine if the woman can be excluded from being the biological
mother of a child. |
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Can a
paternity or maternity test prove with 100% certainty that an individual
is NOT the biological parent of a child? |
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Yes, if a
child and another tested individual do not share the necessary
genetic code, that individual cannot be the biological parent of a
child. When this is the case, it is said that the person is excluded as the
biological parent of the child. |
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What if a
person is not excluded after a paternity or maternity test? |
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In the case
of a non-exclusion a probability of paternity or maternity is
calculated using the genetic information from the test. The
strength of the DNA test results in a probability of greater than
99% that the person is the mother or father of the child. |
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Can a DNA
paternity test prove with 100% certainty that a man or woman is the
biological parent of a child? |
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No, there is no test that can prove
parentage with 100% certainty. To accomplish this level of
certainty every gene in the DNA of the child and parent would have to
be compared. There are over 30,000 genes in human DNA so this
is not a practical task. However, using simple but
well-established statistical probabilities, today's DNA test provides
the highest level of certainty available. |
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What if
there is more than one possible father in a paternity dispute? |
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If the
possible fathers are related, brothers or father and son, then they
should each be tested at the same time. Related individuals share
more of their genetic code than unrelated individuals. When
resolving paternity among related possible fathers, testing may be
necessary beyond the routine level. When there are related possible
fathers, not testing all parties could result in falsely implicating
a man.
If the
possible fathers are not related they can be tested one at a time
and they may not all need testing. If a man is not excluded after
testing, it is highly likely that he is the biological father and it
is probably not necessary to test additional unrelated men. |
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Does a
child have to be a certain age before performing a DNA test? |
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No, as soon
as a swab can be taken of the inside of the cheek testing can be
conducted. A child can be tested as soon as after birth as the
parent or parents wish. DNA Security, Inc. will NOT conduct testing
on unborn children or aborted fetuses. |
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What is
sib-ship testing? |
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Comparison of
the genetic code of two individuals to determine the likelihood that
they are brothers, sisters, or brother and sister. |
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Are the
specimens submitted for genetic testing used for any other medical
or clinical test? |
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No, only the test requested is preformed. |
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How long
does it take to obtain DNA test results? |
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You
should receive results from the laboratory test in approximately 2
weeks after the kit is received by DNA Security, Inc. |
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Are the
genetic test results issued by DNA Security, Inc. confidential?
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Absolutely.
The results are strictly confidential and are only released to the
individual indicated on the client ID and test request form. |
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Can the
results for specimens collected in my home be used for legal
proceedings?
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Probably
not. The tests are preformed in a nationally respected laboratory
and the results are both accurate and reliable. The lack of a
proper chain of custody; however, makes it unlikely the results you
obtain would be admissible in a court of law. Please refer to the
Legal Issues section for a detailed
explanation of the chain of custody and legal admissibility. |
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How can I obtain a legally binding
genetic test? |
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To obtain a
test result that will be admissible in a legal court you will need
to correctly and carefully complete the chain of custody
documentation included with the EASY ANSWERS kit. This will
requires that you arrange for a third, disinterested party to
witness and supervise the specimen collection, packaging, and
mailing. Refer to the Legal Issues section for a detailed explanation
of chain of custody documentation
and legal admissibility of test results. |
