Straightforward answers
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What
is identity (paternity) testing?
Identity testing determines the genetic identity of an individual.
Identity testing can be used to determine who is the father of a child,
whether a baby was switched at birth, or that a baby conceived by advanced
reproductive technologies is, in fact, the parents' child. Identity
testing can also be used to determine if twins are identical or fraternal.
Law enforcement agencies use identity testing to identify individuals who
are victims of crimes or accidents, or perpetrators of rape and other crimes.
How
is the testing performed?
Before modern DNA analysis became available, identity testing relied
mainly on analysis of blood and HLA types. These tests, which are
still available, can be accurate. However, compared to this older
method, DNA-based testing is cheaper, easier to perform accurately, and
feasible in nearly every situation. Because the genetic variation
tested by DNA-based methods is far greater than in blood and HLA types,
testing can confirm or rule out paternity with accuracy often exceeding
99.99%. Since DNA is present in every tissue and bodily fluid, and
since DNA is quite stable, testing can be performed on small blood samples
or tissue samples.
What
should be considered prior to testing for paternity?
The result of paternity testing may not be the expected one, and it
is important to remember that this may have economic and social consequences.
For instance, if the presumed father of the baby is not actually the father,
he may not be required to support the child, and he would most certainly
view the child differently than if he were the biologic father. Geneticists
use the term non paternity when the suspected and the biologic father are
not the same. Non paternity is estimated to be present in over 10%
of individuals. Non maternity is far rarer, since switching babies
in hospitals is extremely uncommon.
We recommend that any couple thinking about identity testing for their child consider speaking first with a lawyer, in part because results of testing may become legal evidence. Since the testing is so very accurate, it is nearly impossible to refute an unexpected paternity testing result. Also, consulting with a health professional may be helpful, especially if that health professional has had a long standing relationship with the family.
How
to get additional information on identity testing?
We offer genetic consultation for individuals or couples thinking about
identity testing, and we will obtain the samples, arrange for the testing,
and interpret the laboratory testing results. However, since identity
testing is not considered to be medical diagnostic testing, having the
testing through our office or a doctor's office is not required.
Identity testing is typically NOT considered
to be "medically necessary", and this means that virtually no insurance
companies will pay for the testing.
Identity testing laboratories usually offer testing directly to interested individuals, in some cases requiring a doctor's order. Points to consider before selecting a laboratory include the cost of testing, length of time for obtaining results, availability of a convenient way to collect the required DNA samples, and availability of professionals at the laboratory who can assist in interpreting results. Most laboratories require payment in full prior to releasing results, and many require at least partial payment before accepting samples. Testing a child, mother, and a father typically costs $100-500, and discounts from list price are commonly offered. Prenatal testing, which would involve an amniocentesis to obtain DNA-containing cells from the unborn baby, entails additional laboratory costs, as well as the costs (which may or may not be covered by medical insurance) of the amniocentesis procedure.
Listed below are several identity testing laboratories which perform
paternity testing. The list below is not meant to be comprehensive,
and comparison shopping is suggested. In particular, make sure that
a laboratory guarantees that it will do sufficient testing to ensure that
the probability of paternity exceeds 99% or that is excluded with a greater
than 99% probability.
BRT Laboratories | (800) 765-5170 | $276 / $399 |
DNA Diagnostics Center | (800) 613-5768 | $189 / $450** |
Fairfax Identity Labs | (800) 735-9224 | $145 / $400** |
Genetica | (800) 433-6848 | $210 / $525 |
Identigene | (888) 404-4363 | $159 / $359 |
LabCorp | (800) 742-3944 | $___ / $525** |
Paternity Test US | (866) 434-2400 | $99 / $400 |
Paternity Testing Corporation | (877) 362-4222 | $295 / $395 |
Note: Formal testing, ordered by a physican or court, is the only option available for New York State residents. Additional laboratories, which are not approved by the New York State Department of Health, perform this testing as well, but cannot accept specimens from New York State residents.
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