How does a DNA Profile Test work?

Since DNA is unique to a particular individual, genetic testing can identify a unique DNA profile for that individual. This profile does not change with time and may be compared to a future profile if it ever becomes necessary for identification purposes. The profile may also be used for DNA relationship testing to identify biological relatives of the individual at any time in the future, even in the individual's absence (e.g. to resolve inheritance disputes after the individual's death).

What is the procedure to get a DNA Profile done?

Upon demand, Synergene supplies a free sample collection kit that employs a simple and painless procedure, using a mouth swab to wipe off a specimen of saliva and cheek cells from the subject's mouth. The collected specimen is deposited in a specially supplied packet that is then mailed to our lab.

We strongly encourage the client to authenticate the DNA Profile through the use of a third party witness during the sampling phase. Such validation will ensure that the chain of custody is complete and will facilitate the use of the results in a potential Court case or other legal requirements.

At Synergene, the specimen is analysed with our state-of-the-art genetic identification system using 16 different genetic markers. The results are highly accurate and reliable, and are identical to those used in Forensic applications for identification purposes. Results are available within 7 to 10 working days after arrival of the samples at our laboratory. We will send you a report detailing your unique 16 marker profile. It is recommended that the results are notarized and stored in a secure location or alternatively deposited with your legal advisor.

What can a DNA Profile be used for?

DNA identification has a number of uses and benefits including:

• To safeguard the rightful heirs and ensure that they will inherit your estate through the exclusion of false claims on your inheritance.
  
  
• To assist in requirements for determining familial relationships.
  
  
• To avoid expensive exhumations if your DNA profile may be required in the future.
  
  
• As a precaution for any possible future identification/verification requirements e.g. in cases of kidnapping, accidental death etc.
  
  
• To assure the availability of permanently stored records.

Who can make use of the DNA Profiling service?

This service can be used by a wide range of people or organizations including:

• Property owners
  
  
• Legal professionals including Notaries Public, Commissioners of Oaths and Family Lawyers
  
  
• Insurance companies
  
  
• Corporate Executives and Directors
  
  
• Persons who work in high risk jobs

Whose samples are required for a DNA Profile?

Only a sample from the individual is required for a DNA profile. It is common for a couple to request DNA profiles together so that these may be stored with their joint will.

How are samples for a DNA Profile collected?

Synergene uses mouth swabs for their DNA Profiling service. A sample collection kit for this purpose is supplied on demand free of charge. Please contact us prior to the sampling appointment to allow adequate time for the kits to arrive. The procedure for collecting the samples is simple and painless, and can be performed easily by following the step-by-step instructions provided. When using these kits it is important to make sure that enough sample is collected. Since collection of these samples is so easy, we recommend sending samples in duplicate to ensure an adequate amount.

The method adopted for sample collection may effect whether the result can be used in a Court of Law or not. For DNA profiles that may be used in legal cases, it is recommended that individual contact an authorised legal or medical professional to assist in the procurement of the test and provide legal advice.

Samples must be accompanied by the appropriate Synergene Submission Form, which is provided with the collection kits.

How long does it take to get the results of a Test?

Once Synergene receives the samples, results are available within 7-10 working days.

Where are the DNA Profile results stored and who has access to them?

Synergene will, at your request, maintain a record of your profile on database for your convenience and possible future requirements. Synergene will issue additional copies of the report at your request.

The stored information is entirely the property of the client, and can only be accessed through written permission of the client, their legal representatives, or other authorized persons as indicated by the client.

Alternatively the client may choose to have all records permanently deleted from the database one the DNA Profile Report is issued. This option may be indicated in the Submission Form.

Can the DNA Profile be used against you by third parties?

The DNA profile does not provide any clinical or medical information about you. Its usefulness is limited to applications involving identification of yourself and your biological relations. Synergene will use the DNA sample provided strictly for the generation of the DNA profile. All samples are destroyed six months after the date of the report unless otherwise instructed in writing.

What is a non-standard sample?

A non-standard sample is a DNA sample that is not collected from an oral swab or collection card. It can be any substance where DNA is present, such as body fluid (e.g. blood, saliva, seminal fluid), live tissue (skin, vaginal mucus, hair) or bone. These samples can be present in objects such as a toothbrush, hairbrush, cigarette butt, piece of clothing, bed linen etc. The probability of getting results (DNA profile) from a non-standard sample could be less than that of getting a result from a standard sample. The results from non-standard samples depend very much on the condition of the sent sample.

Is it possible to do DNA tests on hair samples?

For a DNA extraction from a hair sample it is best if the hair is freshly pulled out/ taken from the head and that the hair follicle is still intact to the hair strand to get the best extraction results. The results from non-standard samples (as hair) depend very much on the condition of the sent sample. For example if hairs are sent, it is best if more than 5 hairs with root are pulled out from the head and sent for testing (hair without a root or shed hair do not give good results).

Is it possible to obtain a DNA profile from the old envelope?

It could be possible to obtain DNA from saliva from an envelope a number of years old but the chances of having enough DNA to obtain a good DNA profile for a paternity test are low and depend a lot on where the envelope was stored and for how long. One can attempt to process the paternity testing but the results can't be guaranteed.

Is it possible to do infidelity testing by DNA analysis?

There are some circumstances when it is possible to know if a woman has been with another man (or vice versa). For example, garments, sheets etc. that would probably have semen, saliva or similar on them ca be analysed. Our laboratory could perform a presumptive test to detect the presence of semen or saliva. DNA tests can be also performed to determine if semen/ saliva come from the person requesting the test or from another person.

Can you identify through DNA analysis the ethnicity of the person?

This type of testing is not ethical because it can have discriminatory consequences.

How long can the DNA samples survive?

The DNA extracted from saliva (blood or some other biological material) can be stored for a number of years. Obviously the DNA sample has to be stored properly. If saliva swabs are used, it's important to leave swabs to dry completely before being placed in an envelope.

What can damage the DNA sample?

The DNA sample can be damaged if the saliva swab is not completely dried or if gets mouldy after sampling. Eating or drinking just before obtaining the saliva sample can damage the DNA sample or significantly lower the DNA concentration.

The DNA can also be damaged by exposure to some contaminants (chemicals, extremely high temperature, X-ray radiation, UV light etc).