General Information
PCR analysis of short tandem repeat (STR) loci is the most advanced technology currently available for DNA paternity testing. It can conclusively determine parentage and non-parentage. Using this technique, non-parentage can now be stated as 0% and positive parentage can now be reported with a minimum of 10000 CPI = greater than 99.99% (CPI 100 and above is acceptable for court use in the US and Canada; older techniques previously provided an average CPI of 100 to 500). The current technology for DNA testing involves polymerase chain reaction amplification and fluorescence detection of STR loci.

Usage
Determination of parentage for child support, child custody, legal proceedings, immigration, Vital Statistics (birth certificates), and for personal knowledge.

Age Limit
DNA testing can be performed on patients at any age. Testing can also be performed before birth using chorionic villus samples or amniotic fluid samples.

Attending the Appointment for Legal Testing
Patients must bring valid photo identification to their appointment. Identification for children is also required and can be in the form of a health care card, birth certificate, or vaccination records. Appointments for sample collection are approximately 15 minutes in duration. Phlebotomists will obtain either a small blood sample or non-invasive buccal swab sample. Strict chain of custody and identification procedures will be followed during the appointment. Patients will be positively identified, a Polaroid photograph is taken and a right thumbprint is obtained for verification. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by their legal guardian.

If your patient does not require the results for legal purposes, they can choose to omit the steps above and order the discreet home collection kit to collect the samples discreetly in the privacy of their own home.

Length of Time for Testing
Results are generally available 3 to 5 days after sample collection. Tests involving buccal swab samples, chorionic villus and amniotic fluid require an extra 24 hours.

Reporting of Results
All reports will provide the entire genetic profile for each individual tested. An interpretation of the result is provided in the form of a legal document which is recognized by Vital Statistics and validated for court use throughout North America. An additional report with explanation of the results in laymen's term will also be provide dot the patient. Copies of results will be forwarded to the physician and legal counsel upon request.