These questions relate to our legal
paternity testing
QUESTION:
Can I send in
anonymous samples?
No, we maintain line of custody of
ALL samples tested at DNALabs. We send collection materials
directly to a doctor or trained pathology collector, and the
specimens are returned directly to us by the professional.
Can I take the samples myself
at home?
No. Samples must be collected in a
controlled environment, by a doctor, pathology collector, or a
DNALabs staff member, to ensure line of custody of the samples.
Can the results be used in
the Family Law Court of Australia?
Yes, our Legal DNA testing can be
used for Family Law related matters
How accurate is the paternity
testing?
DNALabs testing has the highest
likelihood of excluding a falsely assumed father. A man who does
not match the child's paternal DNA type can be excluded with 100%
certainty.
If the man is included, with DNA Labs
testing, the probability of him being the father is usually greater
than 99.95%. The PCR testing performed by DNA Labs is more direct
and therefore more accurate than older methods, such as blood
grouping and other less extensive PCR testing offered by some
paternity testing laboratories.
Is this THE MOST ACCURATE
test?
Yes, DNA testing is by far the most
accurate means to assess paternity or biological relationships.
Who can witness the Form 2
Affidavit?
In Australia the approved witnesses
for a Form 2 affidavit are: Justice of the Peace, Solicitor, Notary
Public, Commissioner of Oaths, Sergeant or higer ranked Police
Officer.
For overseas donors, an Australian or
British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission officer can also
witness this document.
Why does the mother need to
participate?
When the mother to a child
participates in the testing, the results are more conclusive.
Our DNA testing (non
legal) can be performed without the mothers sample and will
still indicate if the possible father is not excluded from
paternity of a child.
Can you test for paternity
during pregnancy?
Yes. Samples are collected by an
obstetrician, either your own or one that DNALabs can direct you
to. Testing is available as early as 10 and a half weeks gestation,
so liaise with us as soon as possible.
Prenatal sampling carries a small
risk of miscarriage - which must be discussed with your
obstetrician.
More information.
How long does an immigration
test take?
From the date the last sample is
received in the laboratory, results are reported from 5 - 8
business days. However in some cases, it can take up to several
weeks to have the samples collected by an embassy official
overseas. DNALabs has no control over when samples are collected
overseas. We contact the appropriate embassy as soon as we receive
an application from the sponsor, and commence setting up an
appointment. It is up to the embassy to schedule dates for
appointments.
More information.
How long does paternity
testing take?
From receipt of all samples, results
are reported within 5 - 8 working days. For an additional fee
we can fast track your testing and report results within 2 to 3
working days.
Please contact the lab for pre
approval of this service on 1300 633 244 (+61 2 9855 6199)
Is DNA Labs an accredited
lab?
Yes. DNALabs has the highest level of
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Accreditation
ISO/IEC Guide 17025 for Parentage Testing and Molecular Genetic
Diagnostic Testing. The scientific and reporting procedures
conducted by DNA Labs comply with the Family Law Act 1975 and
Regulations and Legal reports are admissible as evidence to the
Family Court.
More information.
Is the cost of the paternity
test covered by Medicare or private health insurance in
Australia?
No. However our fees are highly
competitive with other paternity testing laboratories across
Australia. If you are obtaining financial assistance from Legal
Aid, we require a letter from them confirming the financial
arrangements.
Is the sample collection
painful?
No, our preferred sample
is from a mouth swab.
Sometimes if the sample is
collected overseas, blood spot DNA is collected using a few drops
of blood from a finger prick.
What if someone is overseas
or interstate?
This is not a problem. We have a
network of collection centers both Australia-wide
and internationally, and transport collection materials to and from
our Sydney laboratory daily.
Can you do a test to see if I
am of aboriginal descent?
No, we are
unable to test for Aboriginal heritage.
Why is paternity testing not
cheaper?
The technology employed for DNA
testing is highly technical and expensive. Additionally, a great
deal of scientific time is spent analyzing, interpreting and
reporting results.
Do you test hair
samples?
No, we do not routinely test hair
samples. DNALabs tests mouth swab or blood spot samples collected
in a controlled environment in the presence of a doctor/pathology
collector.