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 custody and access or other issues such as inheritance or adoption.

How can a DNA test 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 can a DNA test help fathers?
If you believe you have been incorrectly nominated as the father of a child, DNA testing may prove this. If you are proved to be the father the report may assist with issues such as custody and access.

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 DNA test 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).

Do you need both parents for a DNA test?
For a legally admissible DNA test the mother’s sample must be submitted.

For the self collect kit we advise that the mother should be involved in the testing.  However, the testing can still take place without the mother's sample. 

How is the DNA  sample taken?
A sample is taken from each person involved in the testing. This is done via a cotton swab to collect cells from inside the cheek. It is a painless procedure that can be performed on all participants, including babies. There is no minimum age required.

Samples from each person may be collected at different times and places. Results will not be affected by the length of sample storage.

Can Medvet perform Testing in every state ?

Yes, Medvet can provide testing anywhere  in Australia. 

• DNA Testing NSW - New South Wales
• DNA Testing SA - South Australia
• DNA Testing VIC - Victoria
• DNA Testing QLD - Queensland
• DNA Testing WA - Western Australia
• DNA Testing NT - Northern Territory
• DNA Testing TAS - Tasmania
• Regional DNA Testing

Can Medvet perform Testing in every capital city?

Yes, Medvet can provide testing in every city. 

• DNA Testing Sydney
• DNA Testing Adelaide
• DNA Testing Melbourne
• DNA Testing Brisbane
• DNA Testing Perth
• DNA Testing Darwin
• DNA Testing Alice Springs
• DNA Testing Hobart
• Regional DNA Testing

What paperwork do I need to complete for a legally admissible DNA test?
Before a legally admissible samples can be collected from participants, there are some forms that require completion. Once payment has been received, the lab will forward the appropriate forms.


Does everybody have to agree to the DNA test?
Agreement from each participant or legal guardian must be obtained in order to do the test.

Details regarding participation and payment should be discussed with all relevant parties before sample collection is organised.

It may be useful to have all required paperwork and facts with you when approaching the other party to initiate discussion.

Testing with just one parent is only performed in special circumstances.

Who gives permission for a child to be DNA 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)).

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 labeling 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 in Adelaide 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.