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How accurate is the paternity
test? |
The exact probability is dependent
on the DNA of the tested persons. Every analysis
includes a statistical measure of the likelihood of paternity.
You will receive this statistical measure with your test
results.
In the case of an inclusion result (the
alleged father is found to be the biological father) the
probability is usually more than 99.99%, and can be augmented
up to 99,99999%. In case of an exclusion result (the alleged
father is definitely not the biological father) the
probability is 100%.
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Is there a difference in
probability based on the origin of the sample (e.g. oral fluid
vs. hair vs. toothbrush etc.)? |
No, the probability is dependent
only on the DNA variants determined during analysis.
Nevertheless, some samples can be contaminated however (e.g.
cigarette butts, pacifier) by someone else’s DNA or the
amount of the sample´s DNA is too small.
If this happens we will ask you for additional samples. Rest
assured that this will not cause a faulty result. We cannot
test however who the samples are actually from. A stamp might
have been put on the letter by a different person (e.g. a
postal worker) rather than the person you wanted to test.
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What about confidentiality of
data? |
All data will be treated with
strict confidence and is not being passed on to third parties.
Your samples will not be used for any other tests. All
analysis is conducted in our company-owned laboratory. None of
the samples leave our laboratory once we receive them. If you
wish we can destroy all data once we have informed you of the
outcome of your test.
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How long will it take to do the
analysis? |
Once we have received your samples,
the contract and the fee we immediately start the analysis.
You can expect a result including the certificate within 7 to
10 business days. We will inform you of the results
immediately via e-mail, phone, fax or mail. We guarantee a
result within 15 business days not counting the time it will
take to mail the results to you.
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Is it necessary to test the
mother of the child as well? |
No, this is not necessary. However
using DNA of the mother as well, will increase the probability
of the test. The probability of the test is extremely high
without DNA of the mother therefore samples of the mother are
not essential.
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Is there a minimum age
requirement for the child to test for paternity? |
We need no invasive samples of the
child (e.g. blood). An oral fluid sample can be used, thus a
test can be performed immediately after the child is born.
Taking the sample is painless and will have no impact on the
well-being of the child. We can even test the child before it
is born (prenatal testing). This will only be done in special
cases after we have discussed it thoroughly with you and your
gynecologist.
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How much do your tests cost? |
Please see our fee
schedule.
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Which samples do you need? |
Analysis can be done with oral
fluid, blood or special non-standard samples. Using modern
test methods we can even use DNA from a cigarette butt,
tooth brush, chewing gum, razor, handkerchief, drinking glass,
pacifiers etc. There is however a danger of contamination of
these samples with someone else’s DNA. Therefore we
recommend you contact us first to discuss your specific case.
If we have to use blood or non-standard samples, there will be
an additional cost.
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Can a paternity test used to
also show potential hereditary diseases? |
No. The DNA
markers for paternity tests are in different locations than
those for diseases. Consequently even an expert cannot tell if
a person has a disease or possibly is a carrier for hereditary
diseases based on this test.
At DelphiTest we are planning to offer
genetic profiling in the future. This would allow a couple to
be tested for potential hereditary diseases before they have a
child. To date, we offer genetic tests e.g. for Alzheimer´s
disease, Canavan Syndrome, Down Syndrome. If you are
interested in such a test, please contact us.
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Can you test for other
biological relationships e.g. between siblings? |
Yes. The DNA
method allows a definite result to show if twins are identical
or fraternal. Many other questions (grandparentage, maternity)
can be answered clearly using DNA testing. Again, please
contact us if you have further questions.
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