FAQ’S - PATERNITY
How do the DNA tests actually work?
Everyone receives half of their DNA from their mother and the other half from their father. Fifteen specific locations on chromosomes from each of the samples are amplified and compared in the laboratory. Matches in these locations indicate paternity.
How accurate are the DNA tests?
Probability of an exclusion, that is the man is determined NOT to be the biological father, is 100%. Probability of an inclusion, that is the man cannot be excluded as the biological father is at least 99.0%. DNA paternity testing is the most reliable form of paternity testing available today.
Why can you give 100% assurance that a man is NOT the father yet only at least 99.0% that a man IS the father?
If the DNA does NOT match in more than 2 of 15 markers it can be said with100% certainty that the man is NOT the father. However, in order to say with 100% certainty that the man IS the father we would have to exclude every other male in the world. This is virtually impossible, therefore, we are able to give up to 99.999% probability that the man IS the father. Any test with a probability higher than 99% indicates that the man is the biological father. (Courts usually accept a 99% probability to indicate paternity)
Can an accurate paternity DNA test be conducted without the biological mother?
Yes. Motherless testing is a very common procedure. Without a sample from the mother, testing is done by comparing the DNA of the child to that of the alleged father. More than 99% probabilities can be determined by looking at matches in the DNA of these individuals.
Does the child have to be a certain age to provide a sample for the test?
No. Soon after birth a swab can very carefully be taken from the inside of the baby’s cheek.
Does the DNA profile obtained from paternity testing provide any information on genetic disorders or diseases of the person tested?
The general public’s perception of DNA is that it is useful only in forensic and paternity-related cases. The broader public perception is that the DNA profiles used in these areas impact ethical issues such as disease susceptibility etc. that can be used by insurance companies to deny individual rights to access. This is a misconception. STRs are repetitive sequences of DNA that are distinct to an individual and do not code for any genetic disorders. They are personal signatures that have no influence on biological characteristics.
Are the results obtained by Molecular World held strictly confidential?
Molecular World treats all information as confidential and only releases information to authorized individuals on our client’s behalf. Under no circumstances will Molecular World release personal information without the knowledge of our clients.
What is the difference between a paternity test that is done for curiosity versus legal purposes?
Results of a paternity test conducted for curiosity purposes are both accurate and reliable however, they lack a proper ‘chain of custody’ which is required for results to be admissible in a court of law. 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 kit. This will requires that you arrange for a third, disinterested party to witness and supervise the specimen collection, packaging, and mailing.
Standards established by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for paternity testing require the laboratory to accept samples those are collected by the third party who have no interest in the test out come.
Will blood provide a more accurate result than saliva or hair?
No. The DNA in your cheek cells or hair follicles is the same DNA in your blood. There is no difference in the accuracy of the test using one sample or the other.
Is it painless?
Yes. To provide a testing method that is painless and non-invasive, Molecular World kits contain buccal swabs which you rub on the inside of the cheek to gather cheek cells. DNA to be tested will be extracted from these cells.
How long will it take before I get results?
Our regular turn-around-time is 5 working days but we can report the results within 48 hours for extra charges.
FAQ'S - FORENSICS
How does MWI eliminate the risk of cross contamination of reference and evidentiary samples?
The MWI Laboratory was specially designed to eliminate the potential for cross contamination between evidentiary and comparative samples. This means MWI has two separate through-puts for evidentiary and comparison samples up to and including PCR. Each through-put has multiple rooms side by side connected by small PASS THROUGHS. Samples move from one room to another UNIDIRECTIONALLY only through these specially designed chambers. In addition, physical separation of pre-amplification and post amplification of DNA avoids any contamination of amplified DNA with exogenous DNA.
Does MWI have the capability to do Y-STR and mitochondrial DNA testing?
YES. Molecular World Inc. is fully capable of performing both these tests. MWI employs a nuclear DNA scientist with exceptional Y-STR testing experience and a mitochondrial DNA scientist who is trained in ancient DNA and has superior capability in obtaining mtDNA testing results from even degraded samples.
What is the turnaround time for a Forensic test at MWI?
Turn-around-time varies from number and complexicity of samples. For modern evidence and comparative samples, MWI report the results within 5 working days. For degraded samples, additional time is required.
What is the cost of a Forensic Test at MWI?
Each forensic case is unique and would require different tests to be performed, therefore, costs associated with each forensic case would be different. Please (contact us-Link) for a quote for your specific needs.
What is the Chain of Custody Procedure at Molecular World Inc.?
Molecular World has a chain of custody form that is to be filled out by all parties handling samples in a particular case. All information provided on the form and requested by the form is required for evidence to be useful in legal cases. |
