Q.Why DNA paternity testing? 

A. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing is todays way of confirming a family relationship - a father, a mother, a child, a grandparent. DNA testing provides you with a record or report of an individuals unique make up your individual genetic blueprint. This blueprint can be used to identify heirs, family members, missing persons. It can be used to free or convict a person who has been accused of a crime. It is recognized globally as the most accurate method of proof of who you are, who you are related to, or who committed a crime.

DNA Connect offers more than just a lab result. We show you how to interpret the results. We also provide counseling that may take the stress out of testing for you and your family and provide you with that critical support in follow up.

Q. Does the buccal swab produce results that are as accurate as those produced using blood samples? 

A. Yes. Buccal swab samples contain the same DNA as blood samples and will thus produce the same paternity test result. Buccal swabs are especially preferable over blood samples for persons who have had recent blood transfusions or a bone marrow transplant-their blood samples might contain DNA from the donor.

Q. Must the mother be present? 

A. No. The alleged father can do the test without the mother provided he can sign as the legal guardian of any child under 18 years of age.

Q. Is the test just as accurate without the mother? 

A. No. The test is accurate without the mother, but with the mother's DNA sample, the lab can reach a higher paternity index and can complete the DNA profile more quickly.

Q. Can I use the personal test or self collection test in court or for a child's name change? 

A. No. While the personal or self collection tests have exactly the same testing accuracy as the legal test, the collection procedure and paper work are different, ie: they are NOT admissible in court, since we do not establish identity, nor store the DNA samples. This report can not be subpoenaed either.

Whereas, with the legal test, we establish identity via photographic ID of tested parties and collections follow a strict chain of custody procedure. We also store the DNA samples for many years, so we can produce the same legal documents years later and the report can be subpoenaed.

Q. We have twins. We only want to test one of them to determine who is the father. 

A. If they are identical twins, you only need to test one. But if they are fraternal twins, you must test both children. They could have different fathers.

Q. My baby father was killed. How can we prove that he was the father of my baby? 

A. Either by obtaining a blood sample from the Medical Examiner's Office if they still have a sample, by testing both of his biological parents, by doing a siblingship test if he had other children, or by doing a family reconstruction. You can also use a non-standard sample like a toothbrush to determine paternity. However, the non-standard sample does not usually hold up in court.

Q. My baby's father is incarcerated, can we do a DNA test ? 

A. Yes. We may be able to arrange sample collections thru a corrections councelor.

Q. Can I find out who is my baby's father while I am pregnant? 

A. Yes. You can either do a CVS (at 10 - 12 weeks of pregnancy) or Amniotic Fluid test (at 15 - 24 weeks of pregnancy).

Q. What does that cost?

A. Approximately $2,000.

Q. Does my health insurance pay for that?

A. Yes, if you have a history of genetic diseases, your health insurance will pay for the procedure but not the paternity test or the doctor's consult which costs a total of approximately $600.

Q. Is there any risk involved?

A. Yes, there is a low risk of miscarriage with either procedure.

Q. How soon after the baby is born can we do a standard paternity test?

A. You can do it as soon as the baby is born. Your doctor can collect the umbilical cord blood at the time of delivery. Or we can visit you at the hospital on the day the baby is born to collect the mouth swabs. Or you can do the testing at any other time you choose.