Discreet Options For DNA Testing #
If you want to do a DNA test without the other person knowing, you can use Journey Genetic Testing’s discreet DNA testing option. This special process helps you feel more at ease in such situations. First, we collect DNA samples from the people involved without using a buccal swab. After that, we send these samples to our lab for comparison.
Some items are better than others for finding DNA to test. We often use alternative DNA samples for our testing. These include things like hair, fingernail clippings, ear wax swabs, toothbrushes, cigarette butts, and chewing gum. However, there are additional steps we need to take during this process.
Before we can conduct regular testing on these types of items, our lab must perform a viability test. This test helps us determine if there is enough DNA on the item for regular testing.
When Should I Use Alternative DNA Samples For A DNA Testing? #
- The possible father is unavailable for a paternity test, and you have something that you believe has his DNA on it.
- You want to do a sibling DNA test, an avuncular DNA test, or a grandparent DNA test, and want to keep the testing secret.
- There is a DNA sample from a deceased, or missing, person that you want to test.
- Finally, the child you want to test may be older, and you don’t want them to know that their paternity is in question.
Can The Lab Get DNA From Anything I Send? #
Any sample other than a mouth swab is classified as a non-standard or alternative DNA sample. With discreet DNA testing, you may choose to secretly test someone by using and sending us samples such as hair, fingernail clippings, ear wax swabs, toothbrush, cigarette butts, chewing gum, and more. While we cannot guarantee that DNA will be present in the sample you provide to us, if it does contain DNA, we can use it to determine paternity, maternity, sibling, grandparent, or avuncular relationships between you and your loved one.
To ensure the highest likelihood of obtaining a usable DNA profile from these non-standard samples, such as a toothbrush or razor, we process them specifically as Forensic Samples. Due to the specialized handling and analysis required, opting for a Forensic DNA Test involving these alternative samples incurs a higher cost compared to standard mouth swab tests.
Will My Results Be Conclusive Testing Something Other Than A Mouth Swab? #
As long as DNA can be found on the item you send, the results of our Paternity Test are conclusive. This means you will know with 100% certainty if the alleged father is not the biological father of the child (an exclusion), or if the alleged father is the biological father of the child (an inclusion). Our kinship – relationship testing provide 100% accurate results on every test result we deliver.
Here Are The Average Success Rates For Various DNA Samples #
| DNA Sample | Comments | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Buccal/cotton swab | Swab the cheek inside the mouth and let it dry. | 99.99% |
| Whole blood | Medical blood tube drawn in medical grade tube | 99.99% |
| Blood stains | Band-aids, tampons, bloody tissues | 90% |
| Semen | Swab from condom, undergarments, clothing, etc. | 90% |
| Used tissue | Nasal mucus. Put the tissue in a paper envelope. | 80% |
| Hair | At least 5–7 strands of hair with the roots attached. | 80% |
| Toothbrush | Place the toothbrush in a paper envelope. | 80% |
| Dental floss | Do not touch with your fingers. Place this into a paper envelope. | 75% |
| Nail clippings | Nail clippings should store in a paper envelope. | 75% |
| Ear wax | Wax on a cotton swab. Put the swab in a paper envelope. | 65% |
| Chewing gum | Sugar-free is preferable, stored in foil gum wrapper. | 50% |
| Cigarette butts | Put 3 to 5 butts that you do not touch with fingers into a paper envelope. | 50% |
How Is DNA Tested When An Alternative Sample Is used? #
In the process of conducting a DNA test, samples are first collected using buccal swabs, or alternative items. We examine each specimen to gather cells, which are rich sources of DNA, the molecule that encodes genetic instructions used in the growth and functioning of all living organisms.
The next step is to isolate the DNA from the collected cells. Using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), scientists then replicate specific segments of the DNA to produce sufficient quantities for testing. This replication focuses on examining particular areas known as Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). STRs are valuable in genetic testing because they vary greatly among individuals and thus, can be used to determine genetic relationships.
The DNA profiles generated from the amplified STRs of the tested individuals are compared against each other. Each person’s unique genetic markers are analyzed to see if there is a match between the test participants. This comparative analysis helps in determining if those being tested are biologically related.