TEST CODE: 008871

DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR: DISCREET PATERNITY TEST

TURNAROUND TIME: 7–14 calendar days (8 days on average)

DNA SAMPLES: VARIOUS SAMPLES

Discreet Paternity Test

There are many circumstances where samples for a Paternity DNA Test cannot be obtained via the usual method of using mouth swabs. In these cases, a Discreet Paternity Test could be the answer. Discreet Paternity Tests can be carried out using a wide range of different samples, including fingernail clippings, hair, blood stains, teeth, ear wax, mucus and semen. Objects which have been in close contact with the person who needs to be tested, such as cigarette butts, drinking straws and even drink cans, can also potentially be used. Please note that we require consent and photographic ID from all parties in order to perform this test. It is a criminal offence to test a person’s DNA without the informed consent of the person from whom the sample came. We cannot process any samples submitted without the full consent and ID of all participants. A parent or legal guardian can give consent on behalf of a child. Next of kin must sign if the sample donor is deceased. Please see below for more information about the Human Tissue Act.

How Reliable is a Discreet Paternity Test?

The effectiveness and reliability of each Discreet Paternity Test depends on the type of tissue or object being used. For instance, semen has a 90% success rate, while toothbrushes only have a success rate of 60% or less. Nevertheless, you have our assurance that we will do our best to ensure we are able to extract DNA from the sample if at all possible. Our state-of-the-art laboratory processes enable us to give you the highest level of service at all times.

How Much Does a Discreet Paternity Test Cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of sample, see the table below for more information on what samples can be used, the additional testing cost and its estimated success rate. All our prices are based on the additional extraction processes and analysis that are required to work with the different types of samples. PLEASE NOTE that all the costs are in addition to the cost of the actual DNA Test they are being used for and are per sample per person. It is not necessary to send the same type of sample for each participant. For example, we can use mouth swabs for mother and alleged father but nail clippings for a child if you do not want the child to question why you are collecting a mouth swab sample. A parent or legal guardian must still provide consent for a child to be tested. Using an alternative DNA source will typically add 2 working days to the testing time although this may be longer for more complicated samples such as teeth, bone and paraffin embedded tissue.
However, you can rest assured we will take the shortest time possible before sending your results.

What is Differential Extraction?

Differential Extraction is recommended for Male/Female mixed DNA samples containing semen. This includes whole semen, a semen stain on fabric and tampon or feminine pad. When testing DNA from a sample containing sperm and vaginal cells we expect the resulting profile to be a mixture of male and female DNA. The Differential Extraction process occurs before DNA amplification and physically separates sperm cells from epithelial cells. This process allows us to provide two separate profiles, one from the sperm fraction and the other from the non-sperm fraction, as opposed to one mixed profile.

The Law and the Human Tissue Act

It is important to note that this type of DNA testing cannot be carried out without the informed consent of each person being tested. In other words, we cannot accept samples taken from anyone without their knowledge. The Human Tissue Act of 2004 regulates how any type of biological tissue is used. The Act has made it illegal to collect DNA samples from anyone without their informed consent. This means you cannot take a sample from someone under false pretences – they must be made fully aware of what their sample is going to be used for. If you have parental responsibility for a child you can give consent on their behalf. Next of kin must sign if the sample donor is deceased.

Exemptions

Certain exemptions apply to the collection of samples under the Human Tissue Act. These include any sample collected before 1st September 2006, when the law was put in place. Other exemptions may apply, so Contact Us if you are not sure, and our experienced customer service team will be able to assist you in complete confidence.

Type of Sample Success Rate

– Blood on Filter Paper: (90% or higher) Also called Whatman, Matrix or Parchment, preferably less than 60 days old. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

– Bone Marrow: (90% or higher) Fresh (collected within 30 days) or frozen – not on slides or in paraffin. Ship in paper envelope.

– Whole Blood: (90% or higher) Stored in lavender topped vacutainer tube. Ship in paper envelope.

– Whole Saliva: (90% or higher) Stored in tube, preferably with preservative. Ship in paper envelope.

– Whole Semen*: (90% or higher) Frozen vial (sperm bank) or fresh swab, or semen on fabric. Ship in paper envelope.
*Differential Extraction recommended for Male/Female mixed DNA samples containing semen – see explanation above.

– Blood Stain on Fabric: (60-90%) Typically bandages, gauze, facial tissues (Kleenex), napkins, or clothing. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

– Cigarette Butts: (60-90%) Multiple butts preferred. Ship in paper envelope.

– Condom: (60-90%) Send whole condom. Interior and Exterior tested. Ship in paper envelope.

– Dental Floss: (60-90%) Do not touch floss with fingers. Ship in paper envelope.

– Diabetic Test Strips: (60-90%) 5-6 strips recommended. Ship in paper envelope.

– Ear Wax / Q-tip: (60-90%) Cotton swab or Q-tip. Ship in paper envelope.

– Fingernail / Nail Clippings: (60-90%) 5-10 clippings recommended. Ship in paper envelope.

– Mucus / Sputum: (60-90%) Typically facial tissue (Kleenex), napkin or paper towel. Ship in paper envelope.

– Muscle / Organ Tissue: (60-90%) Non-embalmed specimens only. Success rate depends on age and storage conditions.

– Saliva Stain on Fabric: (60-90%) Typically gauze, facial tissue, or clothing. Indicate area of stain. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

– Semen Stain on Fabric*: (60-90%) Typically gauze, facial tissue, or clothing. Indicate area of stain. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.
*Differential Extraction recommended for Male/Female mixed DNA samples containing semen – see explanation above.

– Serum: (60-90%) At least 200μl required. Send frozen.

– Umbilical Cord: (60-90%) Preferably dried. Reference sample from mother required. Ship in paper envelope or as preserved.

– Unknown Stain on Fabric: (60-90%) Biological stain of unknown origin. Indicate area of stain. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

– Chewing Gum: (60% or less) Sugarless preferred. Ship in plastic Zip-Lock bag.

– Chewing Tobacco: (60% or less) Preferably less than 3 days old. Ship in plastic Zip-Lock bag.

– Clothing: (60% or less) Hat, baseball cap, bandana. Must be unwashed. Ship in paper envelope.

– Comb / Hairbrush: (60% or less) Send entire comb / hairbrush with debris. Ship in paper envelope.

– Drinking Straw: (60% or less) Air dry before packaging. Ship in paper envelope.

– Envelope Flaps / Postage Stamps: (60% or less) Letter envelope or stamp that was licked before sealing. Ship in paper envelope.

– Foetal Demise: (60% or less) Reference sample from mother required.

– Hair with Roots: (60% or less) Roots must be visibly present. 7-10 strands recommended. Shed or cut hair will not work. Ship in paper envelope.

– Jewellery: (60% or less) Ring, watch, necklace, etc. Ship in paper envelope.

– Paraffin Embedded Tissue: (60% or less) Paraffin block or slides. Ship in paper envelope. Testing time is 10 working days.

– Razor (Electric, Disposable): (60% or less) Send entire blade with debris. Ship in paper envelope.

– Soda Can / Drinking Glass / Plastic Container: (60% or less) Submission of can/glass/container preferable over DIY swabbing. Otherwise swab well with cotton swab. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

– Tampon / Feminine Pad*: (60% or less) Note: Feminine pad may not provide viable DNA. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.
*Differential Extraction recommended for Male/Female mixed DNA samples containing semen – see explanation above.

– Toothbrush: (60% or less) Air dry for 30 minutes before packaging. Ship in paper envelope.

– Bone: (N/A) 2” section of femur, humerus, or metacarpal (thumb bone) preferred. Ship in paper envelope. Testing time is 10 working days.

– Tooth: (N/A) Molar, premolar or canine preferred. Ship in paper envelope. Testing time is 10 working days.

*Differential Extraction (N/A)  Recommended for Male/Female mixed DNA samples containing semen. Testing time is 10 working days.
Please note that the Differential Extraction is charged in addition to the test fee and the surcharge applicable for the type of sample submitted.