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Frequently
Asked Questions
How
accurate is the DNA test?
How
long does the test take?
Can the my case be
rushed?
What is the
fastest way to get results?
Is it easy to
make a kit?
How long does
it take to receive a kit?
What if the father is incarcerated?
Why are our
prices so affordable?
Can we extract
DNA from anything?
How does a
paternity test work?
What is the
difference between a legal and personal test?
Is a legal
test necessary?
How well does
the sibling test work?
Does anyone
else have exactly the same DNA profile as me?
How is the
Y-chromosome inherited?
Can DNA be
used to catch a cheating spouse?
How
accurate is the DNA test?
DNA
testing is the most accurate way to prove paternity. Our
laboratory follows the Excellent Laboratory Practices (ELP)
program which includes proficiency testing 3 times a
year for all DNA analysts and second pass analysis on
all excluded fathers. Websites claiming 99.999% accuracy
should also say how they arrived at that percentage. In
order to calculate a laboratory's actual accuracy, the
lab would have to retest every sample using another lab.
How
long does the test take?
Our
typical processing time is 1-2 business days once we
have received the samples.
Can the my case be rushed?
We
offer a 24 hour rush processing for an additional fee.
What is the fastest way to get results?
Make your own kit and ship it to the lab by overnight
express. Pay the additional fee for 24 hour processing
and we will call you with results.
Is it easy to make a kit?
Yes. You will need Q-tips and envelopes. Make sure
everything is clearly labeled and follow the
instructions on the Make Your Own Kit
page.
How long does it take to receive a kit?
We
send our collection kits out by regular mail. We do
offer affordable rush shipping options.
What if the father is incarcerated?
Each jail has different rules but the best thing is to
be honest. We recommend for the person incarcerated to
go to the medical office with an envelope that is
addressed and has postage. Ask the nurse to swab and
send your samples for paternity.
Why are our prices so affordable?
With the GFI Lab you are dealing directly with the lab
and we operate in Western Pennsylvania, where the cost
to do business is less expensive. We do not sacrifice
quality just to give you an inexpensive test.
Can we extract DNA from anything?
The
techniques used at the GFI Lab are extremely sensitive
and successful at retrieving DNA from any item where
cellular material is present. If we do not get a
profile, there was no DNA on the item.
How does a paternity test work?
Generally, if the alleged father and child share a DNA
type in common at all 16 markers, it is concluded that
he is the biological father. If he does not share DNA in
common at all the markers, he is not the father. It is a
bit more complicated and technical but this
generalization applies to the majority of the cases. The
answer to this is best explained on the
Science of Paternity page and
the Paternity Statistics page.
What is the difference between a legal
and personal test?
The
DNA test is the same. The DNA test is identical. The DNA
test is no different. The difference is found in the
collection method. A chain of custody must be
established and maintained in regards to the swabs
collected and they must be collected by an independent
third party. A personal or non-legal test allows you to
collect your own samples.
Is a legal test necessary?
Maybe. Only you can determine if it is and we recommend
that you discuss your case with the agency you are
working with as to the need of a more expensive legal
DNA test. Most of our clients order the personal
or non-legal test first, allowing them to make decisions
before getting a lawyer involved.
How well does the sibling test work?
When comparing two siblings or half siblings it is best
to also test the mother(s) of the two individuals. This
strengthens the statistics by isolating the father's DNA
type that was given to each of the siblings. If only the
two siblings can be tested, there is a chance that the
results will be inconclusive. In most cases, a
conclusive result can be determined.
Does anyone else have exactly the same
DNA profile as me?
Not
unless you have an identical twin.
How is the Y-chromosome inherited?
The
Y-chromosome is passed down from father to son. None of
the female children get the Y-chromosome. The profile
generated between a father and son will be identical
barring any mutation.
Can DNA be used to catch a cheating
spouse?
Yes. We are trained forensic scientists and have
experience dealing with criminal sexual assault cases.
If the cells from another man or woman were left behind,
we will find them.
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