Are the DNA collection kits free?
Yes Synergene will send you an informative DNA collection kit at no obligation free. Please go to our online kit request form.
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How much does a test cost?
Prices depend on the test you are taking please refer to the price list online.
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When and how do I pay?
Payment is sent with your samples we accept credit card payment by either MasterCard or Visa. We also accept bank transfers.
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How does a Paternity Test work?
Genetic testing identifies the unique genetic profile of an individual. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child’s genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a Paternity Test determines whether this person is the real biological father.
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What is the procedure to get a Paternity Test done?
Synergene offers two types of Paternity Tests: the At-Home Paternity Test may be ordered from us directly by a private individual, whereas the Official Paternity Test is requested on the individual’s behalf by a third party, generally a legal or medical professional or a Court appointee.
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 a subject’s mouth. The collected specimens are deposited in specially supplied packets that may be mailed to Synergene. Alternatively, we also routinely accept specimens in other forms, including blood samples.
At Synergene, the samples are analysed with our state-of-the-art genetic identification system using 16 different genetic markers. This guarantees a probability of paternity greater than 99.99%.
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How accurate is the Paternity Test?
Synergene’s Paternity Test is extremely powerful in answering questions of parentage. Since we use 16 different genetic markers to build the genetic profile, our test is 100 times more accurate than that required in Court. The results guarantee minimum probabilities in excess of 99.99%.
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Where can I find more information about Paternity Tests?
For additional information about paternity testing please visit www.PaternityTests.info, a comprehensive informational website supported by Synergene that tackles various aspects of paternity testing.
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If I want an official paternity test, do I have to choose the doctor?
If the client decides to do an official test he is to choose a registered doctor, registered healthcare professional or registered legal professional (e.g. lawyer).
The price for the Paternity test does not include the collection of the required samples and doctors fee.
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How accurate is the Twin Zygosity Test?
Synergene’s Twin Zygosity Test is extremely accurate as we use 16 different DNA markers to build the genetic profiles. The results guarantee minimum probabilities in excess of 99.99%.
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What can a Twin Zygosity Test be used for?
There are many possible reasons to have a Twin Zygosity Test. Some examples are:
- Curiosity Testing: Parents of twins and twins themselves may wish to know whether they are identical or non-identical.
- Medical Necessity: In medical situations requiring blood transfusions and organ transplantation, an identical twin can help save the second twin’s life. Knowing twin zygosity beforehand is thus beneficial for timely action in these occurrences.
- Medical Research: Twin studies have provided valuable information to the research community. Twin studies help to examine the contribution of environmental and genetic factors in the study of ageing, the study of genetic diseases.
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How are samples for a Twin Zygosity Test obtained?
Synergene accepts both mouth swabs and blood samples for Twin Zygosity Tests. The source of the DNA sample does not affect the accuracy and reliability of a Twin Zygosity Test, since an individual’s DNA is the same throughout the body.
Mouth swabs: Synergene supplies sample collection kits for mouth swabs 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.
Blood: Synergene requires at least 1 EDTA tube (5 ml) of whole blood per donor. The assistance of a medical professional is required to obtain blood samples. The tubes may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, but the blood must NOT be frozen.
Samples must be accompanied by the appropriate Synergene Submission Form, which is provided with the collection kits or may be downloaded from this web site.
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How long does it take to get the results of a Twin Zygosity Test?
Once the sample is received at Synergene, the result is available within 5-7 working days.
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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
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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.
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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.
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From what samples is it possible to extract DNA?
Human DNA can be extracted from any body fluid or tissue (saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc.) Also DNA can be extracted from any item that is contaminated with body fluids (chewing gum, cigarette butts, sanitary towels etc.)
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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).
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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.
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What can be done if the alleged father doesn't want to give his DNA sample but a member of his family is willing to?
It is possible to do paternity testing if a relative of the alleged father is tested. If only the child and relative of alleged father are tested, the results may not be completely conclusive. If the mother's DNA sample is available for the testing, the results will be more conclusive.
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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.
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