How DNA Samples are Collected for Different Testing Purposes

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Alternative Relationship Testing Options

Home Paternity | Home Maternity | Home Sibling | Home Grandparent | Home Avuncular (Uncle/Aunt)

Immigration DNA Legal Paternity | Legal Maternity | Legal Grandparent | Legal Avuncular (Uncle/Aunt)

DNA Testing Newark explains how DNA samples are collected based on the purpose of your DNA test.

DNA sample collection depends on how the test results will be used. Legal, at-home, and immigration DNA tests may use the same cheek-swab sample, but they do not follow the same identification, documentation, or chain-of-custody procedures.

Legal DNA Testing Sample Collection Process

Legal DNA testing requires an established chain of custody. A third-party DNA Specialist verifies each participant's identity, collects the DNA samples, completes the required documentation, and sends the specimens directly to our partner AABB-accredited laboratory for analysis.

What is the type of sample will be collected at my appointment?

The standard method of sample collection is performed by cheek swabs. Blood samples provide the same DNA testing accuracy as cheek swabs. However, blood collection are more invasive, painful, and are more expensive than a standard cheek-swab collection. For these reasons, cheek swabs remain the standard method of DNA sample collection for relationship DNA testing.

The DNA Specialist assigned to your case will be responsible for initiating the chain-of-custody, collecting the DNA by placing a cheek swab sample inside of each participants mouth and brushing against the cheek and the gum for a minimum of 30 seconds on both the left and right cheeks.

Upon the completion of the sample collection, the Specialist will seal the envelope in front of the participants and immediately ship your DNA samples through FedEx.

What method of specimen collection is used for minors?

The standard method of DNA sample collection for minors is a cheek swab. Blood samples may be collected in certain situations, but cheek swabs remain the standard collection method for relationship DNA testing.

Every participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of the DNA sample collection. Minors must also present acceptable identification, such as a passport or state-issued identification card, when required for the testing process.

Can a forensic samples be used for a legal DNA test?

Some forensic samples may be accepted for legal DNA testing, but only when the laboratory can establish an acceptable chain of custody. The type of forensic sample that can be used to perform a legl DNA test depend on number of different factors.

Who is in possession of the DNA sample
The type of sample, For examples a toothbrush or a shaving razors cannot be used for any legal purpose.
Any samples in your possession will affect the proper establishment of the chain of custody.

Please note, New York State residents must obtain a prescription referral when participating in a two‑location sample collection. This requirement applies even if the DNA sample collection is performed in New Jersey. Our partner accredited laboratory will require the prescription referral for New York State residents from NYS licensed doctor. The lab will remain compliant with the New York State Department of Health DNA sample collection guidelines. This compliance requires acquiring the prescription referral.

Because legal collection requires verified participants and documented control of the samples, it differs from an at-home test in which participants collect their own specimens.

At-Home DNA sample collection process

The sample collection process for an at-home DNA test is a self-collected sample collection process. What this means is that you will be responsible for collecting your own samples. The samples that will be collected depend upon the type of test you perform.

If it's a standard at-home DNA test kit that you purchased, those include sterilized cotton swabs. You will follow the instructions that are placed inside your DNA test kit and you will swab inside your mouth for 30 seconds on the left, 30 seconds on the right, between your cheek and your gum. You will place those samples in their respective envelopes for each participant, sign the consent form, and place all of those items inside the prepaid return FedEx envelope. Remember, collecting your own samples.

Can forensic DNA samples be utilized for an at-home DNA test?

Yes, forensic DNA sample collections, depending on the sample, will require you to follow the specific instructions for that sample. For example, follicle samples require 8 to 10 follicles with the root attached. If there is no root attached, the sample cannot be utilized for an at-home DNA test.

Another example is a toothbrush sample: it should be used by the individual who you are submitting the sample on behalf of for a minimum of eight weeks. These are just some examples of the sample collection process for a forensic sample that you would need to take into consideration.

We recommend contacting us first prior to purchasing a home DNA test kit to eliminate any confusion about the handling of that particular sample. At-home collection is suitable for personal knowledge, but immigration testing requires a controlled legal process coordinated with the laboratory and requesting government agency.

Immigration DNA sample collection process

The immigration DNA sample collection is almost identical to the standard Legal DNA testing process. Which means all DNA sample will be collected by a third party DNA Specialist, headshot photos and copies of your state issued-identification and all DNA samples will be tested and analyzed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory. The petitioner does not need a prescription referral when they have received a request for evidence letter to perform a DNA test from USCIS, a U.S. passport agency, a U.S. embassy, or a counselor. Without any of those documents, the DNA test reverts to a standard legal DNA test.

All DNA samples are collected using cheek swabs. Blood sample collections increase the cost of your DNA test; they can be used for immigration cases. The laboratory will be responsible for shipping a DNA test kit to the requesting embassy or consulate abroad when the beneficiary is abroad. The embassy or consulate will be responsible for scheduling and coordinating the DNA sample collection appointment for the beneficiary. The laboratory is not involved in coordinating a DNA sample collection appointment for the beneficiary.

The embassy or consulate will reach out to the beneficiary by email or phone. The embassy or consulate will ship the DNA samples back to the laboratory for comparative analysis once all of the DNA samples have been completed.

Need help deciding which DNA Testing option is right for you? Call us today at 866-269-2516 to schedule an appointment.