Twin Testing - Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have a DNA test?
In some situations there is a need to determine who the parent of a child is. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as disputes regarding child support payments. It may also assist in Family Law Court matters involving residency (custody) and contact (access) or other issues such as inheritance or adoption.
How could this help mothers?
If the biological father of your child disputes financial support, a DNA test by us will provide you with a report admissible to the Family Law Court.
How could this help fathers?
If you believe you have been incorrectly nominated as the father of a child, DNA testing may prove that you are not. If you are proved to be the father the report may assist with issues such as residency, contact etc.
Is DNA testing the same as parentage testing?
DNA based testing has been adopted as the standard form of Parentage Testing. It offers accurate and precise results within a reasonable timeframe (about 2 weeks), and allows collection of samples over a wider timeframe than previous techniques.
What is DNA?
The human body contains 100 trillion cells and inside each cell is a nucleus. Within the nucleus are organised structures called chromosomes that are arranged in pairs. Humans have 22 pairs of chromosomes plus 2 sex chromosomes. Contained within chromosomes is DNA, the genetic information that determines our physical form
Where do our chromosomes come from?
A child receives one chromosome of each pair from their biological mother, and the other from their biological father.
How is DNA used in Parentage Testing?
In general the DNA of individuals is similar. However there are small regions that demonstrate high variability throughout the population. It is these regions that form the basis of parentage testing, as they can be analysed to produce a unique genetic profile of an individual. Usually the mother of a child is not disputed. Therefore the first step in the analysis of the test data is to compare the genetic profile of the mother with that of the child. We can determine which of the child’s DNA has come from the mother, and therefore the remaining half must have come from the biological father.
Can I be certain of the result?
If the nominated father’s DNA does not match the child’s DNA he cannot be the biological father and is excluded with 100 % certainty.
If the nominated father’s DNA does match the child’s DNA he is a possible father. We then determine the relative chance of paternity of at least 99.5 % (as required by the Family Law Court). To put this into context, there would need to be another 995 potential fathers before there was any question as to the accuracy of the result.
Do you need both parents?
The mother’s sample is required so that we can identify which DNA comes from her and which from the father. Therefore the test is not as accurate if the mother is not tested. If two potential fathers are blood relatives it is advisable for both to provide a sample.
How do I get a sample taken?
A sample is taken from each person involved in the testing. This is done via a small swab to collect cells from inside the cheek. It is a painless procedure that can be performed on all participants, including babies.
Where do I need to go?
Clients who live in, or near, metropolitan Adelaide can make an appointment to visit our collection centre on Frome Road in Adelaide. Country and interstate clients may attend a local pathology centre or hospital, which we organise at a convenient time and location.
Samples from each person may be collected at different times and places. Results will not be affected by the length of sample storage.
What paperwork do I need to complete?
Before any samples can be collected from participants, there are some forms that require completion
Click here for download and completion instructions.
Does everybody have to agree to the test?
Agreement from each participant or legal guardian must be obtained. Details regarding participation and payment should be worked through as a first step. It may be handy to have all required paperwork and facts with you when approaching the other party to initiate discussion.
Who needs to be tested?
The mother, child and assumed father should all be tested. If a sample cannot be obtained from the mother the testing can still be performed, however the results will be less conclusive then when both parents are tested.
Testing with just one parent is only performed in special circumstances.
Who gives permission for a child to be tested?
If the child is less than 18 years of age, consent must be obtained from the child’s mother (or legal guardian). This is a legal requirement of the Family Law Act (21F(3)).
What should I bring to the appointment?
Parentage Testing Information sheet
FORM 2 (Affidavit)
Passport sized photograph (approx 45mm x 35mm), recent, full face view of donor’s head and shoulders.
Mother, child and assumed father must provide separate photos
The collector will complete and attach the photograph to a form on the day of your sample collection.
How do I know that the correct samples are analysed?
All samples are collected according to the Family Law Act 1975.
This includes:
- Completion of Affidavit, witnessed by a Justice of the Peace on the day of sample collection
- Mandatory photo identification for all participants*
- Specification for the correct labelling and sealing of sample containers to identify if samples have been tampered with after collection
- Samples and case files are kept secure once they are received at the laboratory with only our staff having access to them.
*If there is a dispute about the result of the test, the photograph may be viewed to verify the identity of the person who gave the sample. (This is at the discretion of laboratory staff unless accompanied by a court order).
How do I get the results?
Reports are issued by mail to all adult participants involved in the test or their legal representative. Alternatively, they may be collected from our collection centre by an authorised person. Reports are generally issued within 10 working days upon receipt of all samples and full payment. Results are not released over the phone.