How are samples collected?
The Department of Public Safety provides collection kits free of charge. The kit contains everything necessary to take a DNA database sample. Collecting a sample consists of drawing one tube of blood, completing an information card, and rolling thumbprints of the subject. A ten-minute videotape is available to familiarize you with the collection process. To ensure the integrity of the sample and prevent tampering, the law enforcement or probation officer should supervise the blood collection and keep the sample until it is mailed.
Cheek swab specimens are most often collected from the test participants by gently rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of the mouth. Where are Samples Collected? Genetica has an extensive, established network of sample collection sites nationwide. All scheduling and arrangements for sample collections are made centrally by calling 1-800-IDENTITY (1-800-433-6848) or contact us. Once we receive your information and payment arrangements, we will provide you/your client with the location (usually it is a local laboratory or hospital within approximately 30 minutes drive), date, time, and name of your contact person for the sample collection. Who Needs to be Tested? In most paternity cases, a specimen is collected from the mother, child, and alleged father. Single parent-child identifications are also performed. In cases where the mother is not tested, the child’s custodian must authorize testing if the alleged father does not have custody of the tested child. A father’s name on a Birth Cer
The routine method for DNA sample collection is the buccal swab. For home paternity tests, we send you a DNA collection kit that contains complete instructions, envelopes containing cheek swabs for each person, and a postage-paid return envelope. Simply remove the swabs from the container and collect the samples. The swabs are then returned to the labeled envelopes and sealed. The envelopes are placed in the pre-paid return envelope and sent by mail back to our laboratory. For a legal paternity test, a similar procedure is performed by a trained professional.
Testing can be done by a buccal cheek swab or by a blood draw. The buccal swab sample is collected by gently massaging the inside of the person’s mouth. This procedure is non-invasive and painless and can even be performed on newborns. Blood can also be used for testing if desired. Blood can be drawn in our offices, or in any one of our nationwide network of laboratory draw sites. Unique specimens can be also used if circumstances warrant. This includes prenatal samples, or samples from a deceased individual, such as hair, teeth or other tissues. All testing including all information and all results are kept strictly confidential. Results are provided only to those adult persons who were tested and have requested the results, or to other individuals authorized by the tested parties to receive the results, such as lawyers. You determine how results are delivered including by standard mail, fax or overnight delivery for an additional fee. Personal information and results are never releas
