Specimen Collections

How are Samples Collected?
Where are Samples Collected?
Who Needs to be Tested?
Age Requirement?
What Do Clients Need to Bring?
Must Everyone's Samples be Collected at the Same Time?

How are Samples Collected?
Cheek swab specimens are most often collected from the test participants by gently rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of the mouth.

Where are Samples Collected?
Genetica has an extensive, established network of sample collection sites nationwide. All scheduling and arrangements for sample collections are made centrally by calling 1-800-IDENTITY (1-800-433-6848) or contact us.

Once we receive your information and payment arrangements, we will provide you/your client with the location (usually it is a local laboratory or hospital within approximately 30 minutes drive), date, time, and name of your contact person for the sample collection.

Who Needs to be Tested?
In most paternity cases, a specimen is collected from the mother, child, and alleged father. Single parent-child identifications are also performed. In cases where the mother is not tested, the child's custodian must authorize testing if the alleged father does not have custody of the tested child. A father's name on a Birth Certificate or a child's last name does not automatically give custody to the father.

For DNA grandparentage testing, DNA sibling testing, and genetic family reconstructions, contact us at 1-800-IDENTITY / 1-800-433-6848 or by using the online form.

Is There an Age Requirement?
DNA Parentage Testing may be performed at any age. The accuracy of the test is not affected by the age of the child or the fetus tested.

What Do Clients Need to Bring to the Appointment?
Strict Chain-of-custody procedures will be followed and polaroid photographs will be taken of all persons at the time of sample collection.

      Adults present for sample collection need to bring:
      1. Picture ID (i.e. driver's license).
      2. Payment for the collection of samples.

      Children present for sample collection need:
      1. Birth certificate, Social Security Card (if available) or crib card.

Must Everyone's Samples be Collected at the Same Time?
No. Samples may be collected at different times and at different locations. However, we recommend that whenever possible, it is best that samples are collected at the same time.