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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
How accurate is the paternity test? The exact probability is dependent on the DNA of the tested persons.  Every analysis includes a statistical measure of the likelihood of paternity. You will receive this statistical measure with your test results.

In the case of an inclusion result (the alleged father is found to be the biological father) the probability is usually more than 99.99%, and can be augmented up to 99,99999%. In case of an exclusion result (the alleged father is definitely not the biological father) the probability is 100%.

 

Is there a difference in probability based on the origin of the sample (e.g. oral fluid vs. hair vs. toothbrush etc.)? No, the probability is dependent only on the DNA variants determined during analysis. Nevertheless, some samples can be contaminated however (e.g. cigarette butts, pacifier) by someone else’s DNA or the amount of the sample´s DNA is too small. If this happens we will ask you for additional samples. Rest assured that this will not cause a faulty result. We cannot test however who the samples are actually from. A stamp might have been put on the letter by a different person (e.g. a postal worker) rather than the person you wanted to test.

What about confidentiality of data? All data will be treated with strict confidence and is not being passed on to third parties. Your samples will not be used for any other tests. All analysis is conducted in our company-owned laboratory. None of the samples leave our laboratory once we receive them. If you wish we can destroy all data once we have informed you of the outcome of your test.

How long will it take to do the analysis? Once we have received your samples, the contract and the fee we immediately start the analysis. You can expect a result including the certificate within 7 to 10 business days. We will inform you of the results immediately via e-mail, phone, fax or mail. We guarantee a result within 15 business days not counting the time it will take to mail the results to you.

Is it necessary to test the mother of the child as well? No, this is not necessary. However using DNA of the mother as well, will increase the probability of the test. The probability of the test is extremely high without DNA of the mother therefore samples of the mother are not essential.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the child to test for paternity? We need no invasive samples of the child (e.g. blood). An oral fluid sample can be used, thus a test can be performed immediately after the child is born. Taking the sample is painless and will have no impact on the well-being of the child. We can even test the child before it is born (prenatal testing). This will only be done in special cases after we have discussed it thoroughly with you and your gynecologist.

How much do your tests cost? Please see our fee schedule.

Which samples do you need? Analysis can be done with oral fluid, blood or special non-standard samples. Using modern test  methods we can even use DNA from a cigarette butt, tooth brush, chewing gum, razor, handkerchief, drinking glass, pacifiers etc. There is however a danger of contamination of these samples with someone else’s DNA. Therefore we recommend you contact us first to discuss your specific case. If we have to use blood or non-standard samples, there will be an additional cost.

Can a paternity test used to also show potential hereditary diseases? No. The DNA markers for paternity tests are in different locations than those for diseases. Consequently even an expert cannot tell if a person has a disease or possibly is a carrier for hereditary diseases based on this test.

At DelphiTest we are planning to offer genetic profiling in the future. This would allow a couple to be tested for potential hereditary diseases before they have a child. To date, we offer genetic tests e.g. for Alzheimer´s disease, Canavan Syndrome, Down Syndrome. If you are interested in such a test, please contact us.

Can you test for other biological relationships e.g. between siblings? Yes. The DNA method allows a definite result to show if twins are identical or fraternal. Many other questions (grandparentage, maternity) can be answered clearly using DNA testing. Again, please contact us if you have further questions.

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