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.
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.
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 than when both parents are tested.
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.