If you prefer to collect your own specimens for DNA paternity testing, we will mail to you a DNA Specimen Collection Kit.  This Kit contains all the needed specimen collection materials, DNA test consent forms, detailed instructions for specimen collection procedures, and return packaging materials that allow you to ship the collected specimens back to our laboratory for testing. The DNA Specimen Collection Kit allows you to discretely and confidentially collect all buccal swab specimens for DNA paternity testing in the privacy of your home.

You can also be assured that, with Genetica, you govern the use of your genetic information.  First, we strive to ensure that you and all tested individuals are fully informed about the nature of genetic testing that will be performed on your specimens and about the impact these DNA test results may have on your lives and on the lives of your families (see Choosing your DNA Test ). Second, you and all tested individuals give our laboratory permission to conduct genetic testing on your specimens and you inform us as to the type of DNA testing you allow us to perform. Legal guardians provide consent for DNA testing on minor children. We conduct all DNA testing in accordance with your instructions with strict confidentiality.  We safeguard all information you commit into our care (see Privacy).

Should you select a self-collection method of DNA paternity testing? 
What you need to know…

Specimen collection is performed privately and discretely in self-collected DNA paternity tests.
The self-collection method of DNA paternity testing allows all tested parties to discretely collect their specimens in the privacy of their home. 

Self-collection DNA paternity tests allow you to receive DNA paternity test results with less investment of time and money.
Our laboratory performs the same, extensive DNA testing procedures on all specimens. This means that regardless of the method used for specimen collections (i.e., specimens obtained by the self-collection method, and the specimens obtained by professional DNA specimen collectors), all samples are processed in the same meticulous manner in the laboratory, making the actual DNA test identical. Thus, the self-collected DNA test provides you with full knowledge of genetic heredity without the investment of time to drive to the specimen collection facility and without payment for specimen collections.

Self-collected DNA paternity test results are not usable for court.
Professional DNA specimen collectors must collect specimens for DNA paternity test results to be legally admissible by the courts and government agencies.  These professional DNA specimen collectors must officially verify and document the identity of all tested individuals.  DNA specimen collectors must also be independent professionals who have no interest in the outcome of the test results.  Self-collected DNA paternity testing does not fulfill these requirements; therefore, self-collected DNA paternity test results are generally not admissible by courts and by various government agencies. 

Self-collected DNA paternity test results provide you with the knowledge of your biological relationships, but these test results are not legally admissible.  If you bought a self-collection DNA paternity test and later you needed legally admissible DNA paternity test results, you would be required to purchase a second (legally admissible) DNA paternity test.  We will provide you with a discounted price for a legally admissible DNA paternity test if you previously purchased a self-collected DNA paternity test from our laboratory.

Self-collection DNA paternity tests require you to carefully follow all specimen collection instructions provided to you.

You probably heard in the media of a suspect who has been linked to a crime when his DNA profile was identified from a cigarette butt left at the crime scene or from an envelope he licked.  What does this tell you?… This tells you DNA testing is a very sensitive procedure that can detect even very small amounts of DNA.  This also tells you that you must use high quality, sterile specimen collection materials to obtain a DNA sample, and that you must meticulously follow instructions on proper procedures for DNA specimen collection to avoid specimen contamination.

The specimen collection Kit you receive from our laboratory contains first rate, professional, sterile specimen collection materials and detailed specimen collection instructions.  Carefully read all specimen collection instructions to make sure you can competently perform a DNA specimen collection.

If you carefully follow the provided specimen collection instructions, you can easily collect cheek cell specimens with the provided sterile buccal swabs.  Buccal swab specimen collection is safe and it is easy to obtain these specimens from all persons, even from small infants.    However, if after reviewing your specimen collection instructions you are not confident that you can correctly collect DNA specimens in accordance with these instructions, call 1-800-IDENTITY (1-800-433-6848).  We will provide you with a location of a DNA specimen collection facility near you (usually within approximately 30 minutes drive). The DNA specimen collection facility will assure your self-collection is performed flawlessly.  Please note that the DNA specimen collection facility will charge you a fee for their time to assist you with your DNA specimen collections.  We will advise you regarding the site-specific specimen collections fees when we inform you about the location of the specimen collection facility in your area of residence.

Residents of the State of New York may not order self-collection DNA paternity tests.
New York State Regulations allow DNA testing laboratories to examine DNA specimens only at the request of a licensed physician or attorney. If you reside in the State of New York, please call 1-800-IDENTITY (1-800-433-6848) to inquire about your DNA paternity testing options.

Self-collection DNA paternity tests provide you with the knowledge of genetic heredity.
The self-collected DNA paternity test provides you with the knowledge of genetic heredity. Adults sometimes want to find out, or confirm, who are their biological parents or siblings. This knowledge of their ancestry provides them with the understanding to their roots, a sense of continuity, belonging, history, and order. 

When it comes to infants and small children, a thorough understanding of the child’s genetic information empowers the man to anchor his child-father relationship on a stable foundation. The decision to father a child requires a solid foundation.  This foundation is built on the knowledge of the child’s genetic heredity and on the proper establishment of legal paternity and custody.

Confirmation of biological relation assists the man in obtaining legal paternity and custody. Alternatively, if a man is not biologically related to the child, he may choose to become the child’s father through adoption, or he may allow the man who is biologically related to the child become the child’s father. Accurate factual information is crucial in building a foundation for a permanent father-child relationship.  A man who makes a commitment to fatherhood without settling these crucial issues may expose his child to the potential for bitter disruption of family life and even to a possible loss of his father-child relationship.  Undoubtedly, you have heard of several cases extensively covered by the media (e.g., Baby Jessica, Baby Richard, and others) where the U.S. Courts extracted a child from the family he/she knew and placed the child with a man of proven biological relationship.

The self-collection DNA paternity test provides you with highly accurate genetic information. Faced with that information, you can appreciate the knowledge of your rich ancestry, medical history, and roots. When testing is done on young children, you may decide to establish legal custody or paternity.

• If after taking a self collection DNA test you need legally admissible DNA test results, Genetica DNA Laboratories can make arrangements to have your samples collected with strict chain of custody at one of our numerous specimen collection facilities, and we will provide a legally admissible DNA paternity test at a discounted price to those who already purchased our self-collected DNA test. 
• If you need legal advice on legal family matters, Genetica DNA Laboratories can provide you with referrals to regional family law attorneys.
• If you would like to receive consultations on how to deal with difficult family situations before or after taking a DNA paternity test, Genetica DNA laboratories can provide you with referrals to family counselors. 

Our highly trained, caring professionals take the time and the care to listen to you, always in complete confidence.  Your situation is extremely personal and Genetica consultants give you the special, personal attention you need and deserve.