Where are samples collected?
Volunteers have the ability to choose a sampling site. There are two criteria: 1) no other PMN volunteer is sampling at or near the site and 2) the salinity of the site is greater than 15 ppt. The salinity of site can be tested with a refractometer. Feel free to contact PMN staff if the salinity of a sampling site is in question. The site should be convenient for ease of weekly sampling.
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 Certificate or a child’s last name does not automatically give custody to the father. For DNA grandparentage testing, DNA sibling testing, and genetic family reconst
Samples are collected from as close to the middle of the stream as possible – the midpoint of the width and midpoint of the depth. This ensures that the sample is representative of the stream as a whole. In addition, samples are taken near a stream flow gauging station so that the volume of stream water is known during sample collection. Knowing stream flow is important for computing the amount of pesticides in the water and interpreting water quality. Water samples are collected by immersing a clean glass jar into the stream upstream of any local disturbances (e.g. humans or animals wading in the stream, construction, equipment crossings). The jar is filled to the top and capped with a TeflonTM-lined lid to prevent sample contamination. Samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis within 24 hours. When are samples collected? Samples are collected once a week during runoff periods, such as spring snowmelt and storm events, because overland runoff is one of the pathway
