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What do you mean by ISO17025 accreditation for DNA testing? Back to top
The International Organization for Standardization's ISO 17025 standard relates to a quality management system for laboratories, and accreditation indicates that the laboratory in question has undergone rigorous assessment to ensure that it meets the requirements of the system in its ability to offer precise and accurate data from properly calibrated testing equipment.
What is the price of a test? Back to top
Each test is individually priced depending on the type of test and the number of persons participating as well as the type of sample being submitted. Please refer to the information on prices on the Order DNA Testing page
How do I make the payment? Back to top
Payment is required when the test is ordered. You can pay by credit card (Mastercard or Visa), personal cheque, bankers draft or postal order. More information on payment is available from our web page Payment Options.
How long before my results come through? Back to top
Your DNA test results should be with you within 5 - 7 working days of our laboratory receiving your samples. You can opt for the DNA test express option if you want results with 48 hours of us receiving the samples, but if you are submitting non-standard samples such as hair, cigarette butts or nail clippings it can take from 5-7 working days for your results to be available.
How do you determine who is the father? Back to top
Each individual has a unique genetic profile, inherited equally from the mother and the father. DNA samples taken from the child and suspected father can be compared using our DNA Paternity Test and prove whether or not the suspected father is the biological father. It cannot prove paternity unless the samples are taken from the biological father, but can prove that a person is not the father. The sampling is carried out according to the instructions in our DNA Sample Collection Guide packed within the DNA testing kit you will receive, and sent back to our laboratory.
Is the Paternity test accurate? Back to top
The DNA Paternity Test we use is based upon 16 different genetic markers. This is much more than required by a court: in fact the easyDNA test is 100 times more accurate than a court will require as proof, and in percentage terms our test provides evidence to within 99.99% accuracy.
Is the mother needed for a Paternity Test? Back to top
The Paternity test carried out by easyDNA requires only the child and alleged father to provide samples. Although the mother's sample would help to make the results more positive, the test is sufficiently accurate as not to require it.
Will test be sent discreetly? Back to top
Yes: we value anonymity so the envelope will not have our company name or logo on it and you will also receive a plain envelope in which to return the test samples back to us.
Can my DNA Test results be used in Court? Back to top
If you want the test results be used in court, you will have to order a Legal DNA Test that is more involved that the normal 'peace of mind/curiosity' test. A nominated physician will be appointed to take the samples and also to get legal proof of identity of the subjects. Refer to the next question about ‘Chain of Custody’ for more information. Otherwise the legal test is no more accurate than the normal test.
I have heard of the Chain of Custody - What is that? Back to top
In order for a Paternity DNA Test, or any DNA test for that matter, to stand up in court there must be a secure 'chain of custody' of the samples in order to ensure that the identity of the individuals providing the samples is known. Refer to our Chain of Custody for Legal DNA Test definition.
In the absence of this procedure, the DNA test results are not recognized in court, and are for your own information only. They might prompt you have a court admissible test carried out, but otherwise are simply for 'peace of mind'. That is because the identity of the samples has not been secured, and not because the tests are any more or less accurate: in fact they are the same tests. So, although the 'curiosity' test results cannot be used in court, they are no less accurate.
What is the difference between a DNA Maternity Test and Paternity test? Back to top
There is no difference. A test comparing an alleged mother's DNA with that of a child is the same as that of an alleged father's. Rightly, easyDNA also charges the same price for each.
For how long do you keep the samples? Back to top
We will normally destroy your samples immediately after we send you the results, but can store them for 6 months at additional cost. However, if the test was a Legal or Court Admissible Test we keep them for 6 months at no additional charge. Contact us if you want your 'peace of mind' samples archived.
In what form does a Paternity Test result come? How do I interpret it? Back to top
You can find information on how to interpret your test results on our DNA Sample Test Results page, where you will also find a lot more information about what the results look like and what they mean.
Is my information secure? Back to top
easyDNA use 256 bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption that is the most secure system possible for online credit card transactions. Only the last four digits of your card number are used for order confirmation as is normal for SSL transactions, but the number is totally encrypted for online transmission to your card provider and cannot be hacked.
Our encryption certificate is displayed on our order page, and because we neither keep nor know your number, you will have to provide your details again if you have to add to your order or reorder a later date.
What type of samples can DNA be extracted from? Back to top
You can check out our DNA Forensic testing sections for a list and prices for testing non-standard samples such as hair, nails and cigarette butts. easyDNA can extract DNA from any item that the subject as had contact with, including a handkerchief, pillow case or other bedding, chewing gum and anything with blood, saliva or semen on it. Our standard samples are taken using a swab on the inside of the cheek (buccal swab) that offers saliva and skin cells.
Can DNA Tests be carried on samples of hair? Back to top
We can do hair DNA testing if there is enough of it: at least five strands are needed to yield sufficient DNA to test. It is even better if the hair has the root, or follicles, attached and if it has been freshly pulled. The longer the hair has been out of the head, the more of the DNA is destroyed. Cut hair cannot be used for testing unless you are doing an mt-DNA test. If you must provide hair, send at least five strands complete with roots and freshly plucked from the subject's head.
What happens if the alleged father doesn't want to undergo the test, but a close relative is willing? Back to top
If the alleged father refuses to provide a sample, then it might still be possible to get a result using a relative's DNA through tests such as the Siblings DNA test. Our section entitled DNA Relationship Testing explains this in more detail. If the mother is willing to provide a sample, then the probability of obtaining a stronger result is significantly improved when testing a close relative of the potential father.
How long do DNA samples survive? Back to top
A lot depends on the form of the sample and how it is prepared before storage. Dry samples such as blood or saliva, such as a saliva swab, should be dried out before placing the sample into an envelope for storage. They should then last for several years and still give good DNA test results.
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