FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR DNA TESTING?

Most often, DNA testing is performed to establish paternity: however, other reasons may include:

► Maternity

► Custody

► Adoption

► Child Support

► Inheritance / Estate Issues

► Sibling Relationships

► Immigration / Citizenship

► Infidelity Study

► Forensics

HOW OLD SHOULD THE CHILD BE TO PERFORM DNA TESTING?

Testing is possible at any age.  We regularly perform paternity testing on newborn infants using umbilical cord blood, an easy and painless procedure that takes place right in the delivery room. For other young children we use a simple cheek (buccal) swab.

CAN DNA / PATERNITY TESTING BE DONE BEFORE THE CHILD IS BORN?

Yes.  This is called Prenatal DNA / Paternity Testing.  If you are pregnant, you may collect a sample in two ways (which does not affect the accuracy of the test).

AMNIOCENTESIS: the doctor collects a sample of the prenatal fluid.

CHRONIC VILLUS SAMPLE: the doctor obtains a small piece of the placenta.

SPECIAL NOTE: Prenatal DNA/ Paternity testing is considerably more expensive and must be performed by a medical doctor (obstetrician) and is not recommended because both procedures are invasive and entail medical risk to the mother and fetus.

DOES THE MOTHER HAVE TO BE TESTED?

No.  If the mother is tested, the paternity test may take less time and provide for a higher level of certainty.  If prenatal DNA Paternity testing is performed, a buccal swab must also be obtained from the mother.

WHAT IF THE TEST SUBJECTS LIVE IN DIFFERENT CITIES, STATES OR COUNTRIES?

No problem.  DNA Oakland can coordinate a sample collection in virtually any city or state in the USA and in many foreign countries.  We have worldwide collection facilities in many locations.

HOW ARE DNA SAMPLES COLLECTED?

The preferred method for sample collection is a cheek (buccal) swab.

WHAT IF THE ALLEGED FATHER IS DECEASED OR MISSING?

Other relatives, such as the alleged father's parents or brothers can replace him in the test if necessary. At times, biological samples from a deceased person can be obtained from a hospital or the coroner's office. Call for additional information and details: 510-444-4420.

WHO WILL GET THE RESULTS OF MY DNA TEST?

Typically, all adults over age 18 who are tested are eligible to receive a copy of the test results. DNA Oakland can call you with verbal results once they are available from the lab.  In addition, individuals representing tested parties, such at attorneys, can receive a copy of the report at the request of a test participant.

HOW SOON CAN I GET MY RESULTS?

Verbal results are normally available within 3-5 days once the lab receives your sample.  The official report may take several days to arrive via the U.S. postal service.

ARE MY RESULTS COURT ADMISSIBLE?

Yes.  If a legally admissible test is required, a strict chain-of custody protocol is followed:  a picture I. D. is verified (normally passport or driver’s lid.) and photographs are taken.  The official report is notarized and certified by the chief scientist at the lab.

HOW ACCURATE ARE MY RESULTS?

DNA Oakland can absolutely determine if the man is not the biological father and reliably exclude him. DNA Profiling can establish that the alleged father is the child's biological father with a probability of paternity of 99.99% or higher. Each year many individual clients, child support offices, attorneys, immigration offices (INS), judges and physicians choose DNA Oakland as their source for information, guidance and testing services in order to determine paternity.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A DNA LAB?

Accuracy is the the most important factor when doing a DNA test.  Our laboratory performs the highest quality tests with the highest degree of accuracy in accordance with industry standards.  Our lab is accredited through the following industry organizations:

1.      American Association of Blood Banks(AABB) for the purpose of performing paternity (parentage) tests.  AABB certification is required for all immigration cases.

2.      FQS-I (Forensic Quality Services) for forensic / criminal testing.

3.      DOHNY (Department of Health for State of New York).

Your paternity test will be processed by highly skilled and trained laboratory technicians. Every test is evaluated by a Ph.D. scientist with over 14 years specializing in DNA genetic testing.

DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL TO HAVE A DNA / PATERNITY TEST?

No. A doctor's order is generally not required for you to have a paternity test conducted.  New York residents please note: New York State rules and regulations allows a clinical laboratory to examine specimens ONLY at the request of a licensed physician or other persons authorized  to use these findings.   We can assist you with this process. Call for additional information and details: 510-444-4420.