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.

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.

Is it possible to determine if two cousins (a male and a female) have both the same both grandparents?

If the two cousins were maternally related, (if their mothers were sisters) it would be possible to perform mitochondrial DNA analysis to demonstrate their relationship to each other and to their mothers. The other alternative would be to perform DNA profiling on the two cousins, followed by a statistical analysis to determine the % probability that they have the same grandparents. This would not lead to a very conclusive result. The scenario might change if more family members were tested.

What happens if the alleged fathers are the first cousins?

The paternity test would distinguish between the two cousins and determine which one is the father. It's recommended that both of them are tested.

Is it possible to do maternity testing?

Yes, it is possible to perform maternity testing as long as samples from alleged mother and the child could be submitted for testing.

What kind of test is needed to perform paternity testing on an unborn child?

Is it possible to determine the paternity of an unborn child?

It is possible to do Prenatal Paternity Testing. However, it involves significant risk for the pregnancy and the unborn baby. A gynaecologist would have to perform a procedure called amniocentesis: the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus, or chorionic villi sampling (that make up the placenta). This is the material containing the DNA from the unborn child and can be used in paternity testing carried out during the pregnancy. DNA samples (in this case saliva swabs) of the alleged father need to be supplied together with the sample of the unborn child.

This type of Paternity Testing is usually not recommended due to the significant risk to an unborn baby, because of the sampling methods involved.

Synergene would carry out tests with the born child's DNA sample (saliva swab) and the alleged father's DNA sample (saliva swab), with or without mother's sample.

If the samples are sent to different laboratories is it possible to get different results?

In the case of paternity testing, assuming that two different laboratories performed testing on IDENTICAL samples with IDENTICAL markers the overall conclusion should be the same - the alleged father is or is not the father of the child -
The actual probability and index values might differ slightly but not enough to influence the overall conclusion.

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.

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).

What is the difference between Official and At home Paternity Testing?

The Official Paternity Testing is used in legal purposes and the sampling process has to be obtained by registered doctor, registered healthcare or legal professional (e.g. lawyer). At home Paternity Testing (so called "curiosity testing") can be obtained without any legal connotations and the clients can do the sampling process on their own.