Source folder: Q&As
Source workbook: Questions and answers.xlsx
Back to Q&As | Back to workbook index
Questions and answers imported from the source spreadsheet.
legal testing
Question: Who signs it?
Answer:
Dan Slownski
6955 N Mesa St 109
El Paso TX, 79912
USA
Question: How many markers
Answer:
DDC confirmed they test upto 25 markers or until the test is conclusive. - USD 95 / EUR 85 / GBP 75 / CAD 120 / ZAR 1200 - EDL DOES NOT DO EXTENDED TESTING (Agents $75)
Question: Can we do a DUO were 2 AF are related with only 1 AF?
Answer:
If you have a DUO and the 2 AF are related, you can offer the client a test + extended testing; mother has to do the test as well, but no need for both AF
Also, if we are not testing the mother and the fathers are related, the results could be inconclusive. In that scenario, we would not be able to release results unless the mother was added or the 2nd father was tested. It’s rare but it could happen.
If both AF are being tested + Mother sample, no extended testing is required.
So if client is aware and desperate, we can try DUO wit only 1AF, there is a risk of inconclusive result, but it is a risk they can try as it is rare
Test will be done by DDC
Question: How many markers are tested
Answer:
This is not the same as STR testing, so we do not test markers. This is mitochondria sequencing. We are sequencing through HV1, HV2 and HV3 and comparing that sequence to the Reference Nucleotides are from the revised Cambridge Sequence. Deviations from the sequence are reported.
Question: Can Detection samples be returned
Answer:
Yes - $30.00 for courier within United States - $50.00 (£45) for any international address
Question: dog genetic profile test, where the markers used are ISAG 2006.
Answer:
We test our own panel of 16 canine DNA markers. These markers include the same 13 used by the American Kennel Club plus an additional three. Cost to us is $28 USD NOT THE CLIENT
Question: How is the test done
Answer:
We perform a confirmatory test for the presence of semen that relies on the detection of semenogelin. It uses immunochromatographic strips that use two anti-human semenogelin monoclonal antibodies in a lateral flow format to detect the presence of semenogelin.
Question: Can it be performed on living tissues?
Answer:
The lab performing the test can’t accept living tissue because they don’t have the proper equipment to handle biohazardous material.
Question: It is clear that both testing Persons Y-STR matches, but below is written Matches Found: 0. It is correct?
Answer:
In order to tie a statistical likelihood of relatedness to two males that share an identical Y profile, we have to determine what’s called a haplotype frequency. To accomplish this we must compare their Y profile against a database of Y profiles to see if the profile in question matches anything in the database, and if so, how many matches were observed. The “Matches Found” and “Profiles in Database” parts of the report are listed because they have a direct impact on the statistical component of the test. Had Ricardas and Joris not shared an identical Y profile, and consequently not shared the same paternal lineage, the statistical parameters section would not be listed.
In this particular case, the Y profile was compared against a database containing 5305 Y profiles and there were no matches. This by no means indicates Ricardas and Joris aren’t related, it just means their Y profile didn’t match anything in the database. Once we know that match number, whether it be 0, 1, 2, 3, etc., we can properly calculate their haplotype frequency and establish a probability of relatedness to coincide with the fact that their Y profiles are identical.
Question: The profile look quite similar with only 2 markers not matching.
Answer:
To conclusively exclude two males in a Y-STR test we need to have at least 3 non-matching loci. In the event we encounter either 1 or 2 non-matching loci, we have to account for the possibility that both males still share a patrilineal relationship, but that their Y profiles are not exactly identical due to naturally occurring genetic mutations.
To statistically account for the possibility of mutations we first determine the haplotype frequency and then factor in a constant referred to as the mutation rate. After accounting for the presence of two potential mutations in this case we are left with a very low probability of 19%. While we cannot conclusively state both males are not paternally related due to only two non-matching loci, we can state based on the low probability that they are more likely to be unrelated and that the two non-matching systems are likely not caused by naturally occurring genetic mutations.
To conclusively exclude two males in a Y-STR test we need to have at least 3 non-matching loci. In the event we encounter either 1 or 2 non-matching loci, we have to account for the possibility that both males still share a patrilineal relationship, but that their Y profiles are not exactly identical due to naturally occurring genetic mutations.
To statistically account for the possibility of mutations we first determine the haplotype frequency and then factor in a constant referred to as the mutation rate. After accounting for the presence of two potential mutations in this case we are left with a very low probability of 19%. While we cannot conclusively state both males are not paternally related due to only two non-matching loci, we can state based on the low probability that they are more likely to be unrelated and that the two non-matching systems are likely not caused by naturally occurring genetic mutations.
To conclusively exclude two males in a Y-STR test we need to have at least 3 non-matching loci. In the event we encounter either 1 or 2 non-matching loci, we have to account for the possibility that both males still share a patrilineal relationship, but that their Y profiles are not exactly identical due to naturally occurring genetic mutations.
To statistically account for the possibility of mutations we first determine the haplotype frequency and then factor in a constant referred to as the mutation rate. After accounting for the presence of two potential mutations in this case we are left with a very low probability of 19%. While we cannot conclusively state both males are not paternally related due to only two non-matching loci, we can state based on the low probability that they are more likely to be unrelated and that the two non-matching systems are likely not caused by naturally occurring genetic mutations.
Question: Sampler Collection Samplers In the US
Answer:
Professional sample collection fees will vary between $25 and $45 USD. It all depends on the sample collector. I would recommend setting the price to your clients at no less than $50 USD. This way you are always covering the cost. We do not mark up professional sample collection fees, so what we are billed is what we invoice you.
Question: Can people infected submit sample?
Answer:
NO We do not recommend sampling someone who is currently experiencing a MRSA infection. The infection can survive in the mouth and saliva for several days and outside of the body for weeks. We recommend waiting until he is no longer experiencing the MRSA infection to sample him for the test to minimize the risk.
Question: female and male are cousins from mothers side. would like to know if they share the same father (AF Not available) Are conclusive results possible if we run a siblings test with both mother's samples? Cousin relationship from their mother's side would make this not viable?
Answer:
Unfortunately we would not be able to run this test due to the fact that there are 2 underlying possible relationships the results would not be conclusive.
Question: What are the laws in the US regarding testing samples without the consent of a participant?
Answer:
Surreptitious testing is lawful in the US provided the client obtained the samples legally. The US Supreme Court has ruled there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for DNA samples obtained from trash. Presumably, this is how most non-standard samples are obtained. Regardless, the person submitting the samples/paying for the test still needs to provide consent.
Question: Your cost for an amnio prenatal paternity
Answer:
$110 for non-legal and $119 for legal - Done at EDL
Question: How long are the samples good for?
Answer:
Samples last a minimum of 3 months thanks to the stabilizing liquid contained in the saliva tube
Question: Dear sirs,
I have done DNA testing to prove my relationship with my parents in 2013. I’ve been told that the DNA laboratory conducted this test is ISO 17025-2005 accredited and recognised by Home Office.
I have applied in 2021 to bring my mother to UK. The Home Office send me email below (please see email below) stating that your laboratory is not accredited by ISO accreditation. Please provide us the schedule of ISO 17025-2005 accreditation to show Home Office the attached result is fully compliance with Home Office guidelines.
Answer:
the lab has since closed down and removed off the Ministry of Justice list as it does not exist anymore. The lab at the time was ISO and MOJ accredited. Since 2013 the website GTLdna has changed ownership and have no longer an affiliation with the lab that went with the name of Genetic Testing Laboratories in NM, USA
Question: They want to use the uncle to determine the biological father. Can we do Avuncular testing when the Uncle is half brother to the Father?
Answer:
It would not be possible to do an Avuncular test with the AF’s half brother. We recommend that the Female Child looks for additional relatives to test.
Question: When a client asks what the sibling combined index
Answer:
In general, a larger sibship index (>1.0) corresponds to a higher likelihood of relationship. The higher that the sibship index is above 1.0, the higher the likelihood that the two individuals are related as siblings. Likewise, a smaller sibship index (<1.0) corresponds to a lower likelihood of relationship.
Question: Can the test be done if the mother had a blood transfusion
Answer:
Yes, a blood transfusion will only affect the results of the test if the transfusion was within the 3 months prior to the sample being taken.
Question: Positive result for semend, but no male dna found in a detection
Answer:
There was no male DNA detected. The laboratory has explained the reasons why an item would test positive for semen but not yield a male DNA profile: *“A positive result for the presence of semen without detection of male DNA can mean that either male DNA is present in extremely low amounts relative to female DNA, or that the male contributor is possibly vasectomized, oligospermic, or aspermia.” *This means that either there are only very small amounts of male DNA that cannot be detected due to the large amount of female DNA or that the male contributor has had a vasectomy, has a very low sperm count or a total lack of semen. *DNA is found in the sperm whereas a semen detection test detects the presence of semenogelin which is a protein produced by the seminal vesicles and is responsible for the coagulum associated with ejaculate. It does not detect sperm cells.
Question: RAW DATA GeneWell test, incl. for celiac and lactose analysis
Answer:
We can provide raw data files for GeneWell test, incl. for celiac and lactose analysis for 20 eur.( cost price to us) . 50 Euros to charge client. The file format is text file (.txt) and its size is about 27 MB
According to our prices, providing the raw data file is 20 eur. If there are other companies offering it “for free”, then most likely this service is included in the test price.
Yes, we do have expenses involved with this process, starting from the expenses for storing the data and somebody needs to spend time to look for the files and upload them.
Question: Do Corticosteroids affect act results?
Answer:
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and can suppress the immune system however bioresonance is measuring the frequency of wavelengths coming from the body/hair so corticosteroids will upset the energy balance of the body and this may show in the results.
We are unable to confirm if this will reflect on an individual pet’s results and therefore feel this decision would be your clients and we accept no liability.
Question: Post vasectomy, I want a sperm sample tested to see if the vasectomy was effective – ie the presence of sperm in the sample. Will the semen detection test show there is sperm in the sample?
Answer:
when performing serological testing for the presence of semen ( Semen Detection Test) , it is possible to obtain positive results indicating semen is present, but not detect DNA from the Male contributor when undergoing DNA analysis ( Autosomal DNA Comparison or YSTR Comparison Test). A confirmatory positive result for the presence of semen without detection of male DNA can mean that either male DNA is present in extremely low amounts relative to female DNA ( in cases of infidelity testing) , or that the male contributor is possibly vasectomized, oligospermic, or aspermic.So technically we can do a DNA Comparison ( Autosomal or YSTR) to see if a DNA is obtained or not and they can conclude if the vasectomy was successful, but our test results will not specifically use the verbiage that the presence of sperm was found or not.
Question: For this report we notice that only 15 loci were tested besides Amelogenin.
Could you explain why the others were not used as the client may query this and want to know
Answer:
The decision to test only 15 loci, in addition to Amelogenin, was made based on a careful consideration of several factors, including the specific requirements of the analysis, the relevance of the loci to the investigation, and the overall efficiency of the testing process.While it's true that a larger number of loci can potentially enhance the discriminatory power of DNA analysis, the selection of loci depends on the objectives of the analysis and the specific forensic or genetic testing requirements. In many cases, a panel of 15 highly polymorphic loci, in conjunction with Amelogenin for gender determination, is deemed sufficient to achieve reliable results.
Question: Would like some information as to what conditions you screen, particularly including Parkinson's and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Answer:
we can offer Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) services that cover both Parkinson's and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. The cost of this service is approximately 2000 USD (lab cost).Client cost $2250
Question: We have this client who had written about testing of embryos to ascertain maternity. This is after we did maternity for two kids got of IVF only to realize they children were not biological kids to the mothers. What we need for a sample from the embryo and the cost
Answer:
EDL Reply: Our ability to extract sufficient DNA from an embryo is directly related to its age. An embryo that is only a couple days old will likely not be successful due to limited amounts of DNA.
For our purposes, the embryo should be in the blastocyst stage to optimize for successful DNA extraction. The embryo should already be stored in preservation fluid, so it is best just to leave it as is for transport.
EasyDNA’s cost is $37.00. (FOR AGENT $55 as per our pricelist)
Question: We have this client who had written about testing of embryos to ascertain maternity. This is after we did maternity for two kids got of IVF only to realize they children were not biological kids to the mothers. What we need for a sample from the embryo and the cost
Answer:
DDC Reply: We would need either an Amino sample or a CVS sample for each embryo and a Buccal for the Alleged Mother.
Question: Can YSTR Profile can be used for Paternity Test?
Answer:
We can certainly still proceed with Y-STR testing for this case. However, Y-STR testing isn’t used to establish paternity, only paternal lineage. If the Y profiles are not identical, Y-STR results can technically be used to prove non-paternity, but identical Y profiles can’t be used by themselves to establish paternity. Also, it’s important to note the Y-STR report makes no assertions regarding paternity - it only mentions paternal lineage. All males in the same paternal line will have identical Y profiles. That means the great -great grandfather, great grandfather, sons,grandsons etc will have the same Y profile. So for examples if we tested the grandfather against his grandson they would have the same y profile but we know they cant be father and son. Conversely the autosomal DNA we test in our standard paternity test produces a DNA profile that is unique to that individual. it is that unique profile from the father compared to the unique profile of the child that is used to establish paternity.
When loci are not reported, that generally means the peak heights do not reach minimum reporting thresholds. These peak height thresholds are established based on validation studies performed by the laboratory.When peak heights do not reach minimum reporting thresholds, that is usually because the concentration of DNA is too low, the DNA is degraded, or a combination of the two.Emaple: In the case of EAS88195SG / 397064, the concentration of DNA available on the child’s swabs was low. In turn, amplification at STR loci D2S1338 and TPOX was sub-optimal and the alleles from these loci were excluded from the report. Had we included the alleles from these two systems, the overall result conclusion as reported in 397064 would not change.
Question: Lab cost
Answer:
Peace of mind £80.00 duo & £115.00 trio (£35.00 for additional person). Legal £90.00 duo & £125.00 trio (£35.00 for additional person)
Up to 45 DNA markers (loci) analysed – double the industry standard
Question: Client is going for surgery within the next few weeks : is it better to leave the testing till after surgery (full hysterectomy). Like will it effect results...
Answer:
Regarding the timing of the test in relation to the upcoming surgery, it is generally recommended to conduct the genetic testing either before or after the recovery period from the surgery.
Genetic testing, including our health testing package, assesses long-term genetic markers that are not influenced by temporary physical conditions such as surgery. However, if you are concerned about factors like stress or changes in your body's current state due to surgery affecting your sample collection or immediate health metrics, it might be more comfortable to wait until after recovery.
The all-in-one health testing package will provide valuable insights into how your body processes nutrients, as well as other health-related genetic predispositions, which can be beneficial in managing your health post-surgery. It's important to note that the results focus on genetic predispositions and should be interpreted in the context of overall health management.
Question: We have a lady that needs a test to her son alone including an electropherogram . We fully understand her request that she doecnt need our conclusion. Please confirm if we can do this. Most of all how the results will be presented and what will it cost.
Answer:
EDL: Yes, we would be able to process this. The price is below.
$44.00 for informational
$53.00 for Legal
$10.00 for Electropherogram
Question: Is the lab could be able to test multiple samples for the same deceased child with the Alleged Father?
Answer:
EDL reply: Yes, the lab can test multiple samples if needed, however, my recommendation would be to start with just one. The charged for nail is $33 and the hair is $37. The lab generally prefers nails over hair in most scenarios.
Question: Clarification on Grandparentage & Avuncular Test Results
Answer:
he difference in overall outcome for this case is directly attributable to the 11 additional markers. More specifically, the larger indices produced by SE33, D6S474, D3S4529, F13A01, and Penta C provided the increased statistical power. The DDC report contained 33 markers, while the EDL report contained 22. When I reduce the DDC report down to the same 22 markers that EDL reported, the profiles are identical and the DDC combined index equals 1.003. This would be considered inconclusive, aligning with EDL’s original report.While the EDL 22-marker panel did not yield a strong enough probability, this is not an error as implied by the suggestion that these results are discrepant, but rather a natural limitation of statistical certainty when a smaller panel is not able to provide enough resolving power due to a given combination of matching and non-matching alleles. Regardless, I spent some time this morning researching DDC’s 33 marker panel and crosschecked with different vendors for what we could potentially offer in the future as a way to mitigate inconclusive results. It is possible that we can test up to 38 markers. I’m waiting to hear back from those vendors to confirm this is feasible.Lastly, in the interest of managing expectations for Ilona, adding more markers to inconclusive kinship tests is generally helpful, but won’t always produce more conclusive results. To illustrate this, had Penta C not been tested along with any two of the other markers I mentioned above, the DDC report would still be inconclusive.
Question: A client is sending a non standard samples fro resampling for the deceased twin to be tested as Twin Test? How much it will cost?
Answer:
EDL Reply: If it is a twin test it would be $47 for non legal and $62 for legal. It would be this cost plus $37 to run the cap/hat - As per Ms Chan we charged Coster based on the standard nss price on the website which is R1195.
A tissue sample is not recommended for a body that is being exhumed. For the best chance of pulling a clean DNA profile, I would recommend a 2 to 3 inch section of the femur bone.
Depending on the type of test we will be performing, it will be the normal cost of the test plus $185 to process the bone. So if it was a legal paternity duo, the cost of the test is $62 plus $185 (LAB PRICE) for a total of $247.(lab price) Test is done with Endeavour - Surcharge is USD 350 for an agent and USD 450 for a direct client
2” section of femur, humerus, or metacarpal (thumb bone) preferred. The bone is destroyed in the testing process so we cannot return it.
Question: How to ship bone samples
Answer:
For a bone sample please ensure that the sample is dry and placed in a paper bag or paper envelope depending on the size. Then use a clinical pak to ship via the carrier of your choice. Also, if you could inform us what bone you will be sending in and case number, this will help the analysts be prepared for this sample.
Question: Endeavour charges $185 + Test in TAT is 10 working days
Answer:
Test is done with Endeavour - Surcharge is USD 350 for an agent and USD 450 for a direct client
2” section of femur, humerus, or metacarpal (thumb bone) preferred.
The bone is destroyed in the testing process so we cannot return it.
Question: Can we test cremains? (ashes)
Answer:
We can perform testing on these remains. However, they do have a very high rate of failing to provide viable DNA due to their prolonged exposure to very high heat. I would like to advise the low probability of success so you are aware. We typically receive the entire canister/urn containing the remains and we inspect the contents to determine which bone fragments to test. We advise against having you sift through the cremains to mitigate any chance of contamination.
The testing time for this sample is 10 business days. The cost is $325 plus the cost of the test. Please remember this may not work. Charge $430 for the NSS to the client + Test
Please note when completing the forms:
However, from experience they do have a low level of accuracy, 5% or less, as most of the time the sample has very little DNA that we can extract from it.
This type of sample is considered as a non-standard sample and will therefore be an added cost to the test you order, around $430.00. As a non-standard sample we require the declaration of consent and identification documents to be sent before we can proceed with testing.
If you are going to use this type of sample, you will need to send them in a paper envelope or in a cardboard box. Plastic containers will damage the sample.
For the amount of sample, we require:
For an adult male 2500-3000 grams / 5.51-6.61 pounds
For an adult female 1800-2000 grams / 4.0-4.5 pounds - 50grams if the sample is for a child.
Question: What are the requirments of a deceased legal profile
Answer:
It is important the consent form for the deceased is completed by the coroner’s office, specifically in the collector’s section located at the bottom of the form. We also require the next of Kin’s signature giving .A photo of the deceased is not required but you may include his passport and death certificate.consent to test the sample in the area where the participant would typically sign. Please be sure to specify on the manifest this is a legal single profile, the participant is deceased and what sample you would like tested first, if you would like the swbas tested I would recommend processing as NSS.
We can issue legal results for deceased individuals so long as the usual legal sample collection paperwork is completed correctly and the chain of custody is maintained. The impartial, unrelated sample collector will still need to verify the decedent’s identity before sample collection. Since the deceased cannot provide consent for the test, someone else (usually next of kin), will need to sign consent. Nails and hair (with roots) are viable options for embalmed individuals. If they have recently been embalmed, swabbing their cheeks is still a viable option as well. Skin is also an option, but only if embalming was recent (within the last week or so). I recommend collecting multiple sample types in this scenario just in case. Please make sure the sample collector signs off on all the sample envelopes just as they would for a regular legal case.
Question: Legal forms when a participant is deceased are different than when all participants are alive?
Answer:
Please use the same legal forms that you would use when all participants are alive. Although you may not be testing cheek swabs from the deceased, the collection process will be the same as a regular legal case in that the sample collection paperwork must be completed correctly and the chain of custody is maintained. The impartial, unrelated sample collector will still need to verify the decedent’s identity before sample collection and since the deceased cannot provide consent for the test, someone else (usually next of kin), will need to sign consent.
Question: Can a legal test be done with blood?
Answer:
Yes it can. It adds an additional 10 days to the time scope. There is an additional charge for this from the lab
Question: Price and info w. EDL
Baby teeth can be tested
Answer:
Per the analysts, we have tested teeth that were that old before and obtained a useable profile, but I’d say it really depends on the condition of the tooth.
If its split, has cracks or the inside is exposed, then the chances for a successful extraction decrease.
The ideal sample would be a tooth that is intact with a root, with no fillings or other dental alterations.
Since the client mentioned they have multiple teeth, I would advise them to send us what they have, and we could pick the best one.
If we think none of the teeth would be viable, we could advise them before testing so they’re not charged.
Your cost for a tooth samples is $185 (lab cost) plus the cost of the test - we charge the client $235, GBP185.00, €215.00 - AGENT PRICE $265.00
Question: Possible to obtain the genetic profile from a tissue in paraffin?
Answer:
Yes but the success is less than 60% - test done with Endeavour
Question: How much would it cost for differential extraction? We understand this could be at the customer's own risk as the test may not yield a DNA profile due to the dominant female DNA.
Answer:
The differential extraction cost is $135 plus the cost of the sample, which should be $37.The differential extraction TAT is 10 business days.
Question: Can we test Dentures as NSS?
Answer:
Testing dentures for a paternity test has a success rate of 60% if they are 1 year or less old and a 10%-50% if they are more than 1 year old. For an POM Test, the price is the statdard NSS rate.
Question: It is possible test chewing tobacco as Non standard sample? The tobacco is not chewed, but in the bag, as is the tea in the bag (a principle the same). This tobacco-using option is just kept in the mouth for a while and then spit out.
Answer:
We can test tobacco as a NSS but please note the success rate for obtaining a profile is less than 5%. The laboratory recommends using another sample.
Question: Umbilical cord testing - A client requested a Paternity test using an umbilical cord sample taken 8 or 9 years ago. The client would like the sample to be returned back.
Would it be all consumed at testing or would it be possible to send the samples back to the client?
Answer:
Typically if the umbilical cord is longer than an inch the sample will not be consumed but we will not know until testing is completed. Please make sure the umbilical cord is dry and not submerged in any type of fluid. - edl
Question: Inquiry on Umbilical Cord Testing Without Maternal Reference Swab
Answer:
It is not necessary to provide the mother’s sample when sending in an umbilical cord for paternity testing. In this case are they requesting a maternity test? If so, we would require the mother’s sample.
Question: For a CPI of approximately 1.6B for EAS88063SG, which translates the probability of paternity of 99.99999994%, does it mean that there is a 1 in 1.6B chance or ~0.00000006% chance that a random man may test for inclusion as the biological father? Would this mean that for a population of a billion over East Asian men, there could possibly be another man that tests for a similar result that I did with my child?
Answer:
To address the client’s interpretation:Yes, in theory, a CPI of 1.6 billion means there is a 1 in 1.6 billion chance that an unrelated man from the same population could coincidentally match the child’s DNA in the exact same way.However, this is an extremely rare statistical possibility, and the result provides overwhelming evidence of paternity.Even in a population of a billion East Asian men, the chance of another individual matching the DNA profile in this exact manner remains exceptionally unlikely and statistically negligible.
Question: is there an age restiriciton
Answer:
no age restriction, can be done at any age
Question: to submit a sanitary pad sample that is over two months old to determine whether it contains male DNA and/or sperm.
Answer:
Question: Lab Cost: DNA extraction and STR profiling from FFPE, and The single profile cost is $44. The FFPE sample cost is $37 (Total = $87)
Answer:
Agent price: $450 USD
Question: Lab costs: A two-sample comparison (FFPE vs FFPE). The HID comparison is $94 plus $37 for each FFPE sample (Total = $168)
Answer:
FFPE HID Comparison (2 FFPE samples, FFPE vs FFPE) - Agent price: $850 USD
Question: Completed 5 Panel test proceeded to legal standalone ETG test
Answer:
Omega lab charged as $86.00 - we charged the client $180 for standalone ETG test