DDC partners with Touched by Adoption to reunite adoptees
Cincinnati, OH. August 16, 2004—DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) has partnered with non-profit organization Touched by Adoption(TBA) to create a free DNA bank adoptees and their biological relatives can use to find each other.
In this ambitious project, TBA sends free DNA collection kits to participants (adoptees and birth parents) and obtains their contact information. The participants collect their DNA samples using the simple cheek swab provided in the kit.
To protect participants’ privacy, TBA assigns identifying numbers to samples before forwarding them to DDC for genetic testing. The results are stored in a DDC database server dedicated to TBA. When a match is found, DDC confirms the testing results and TBA contacts each party.
“It took a long time to find a good company,” says TBA co-founder Linda Hammer. DNA Diagnostics Center is the leading provider of private paternity tests in the United States, testing about 75% of all private cases. DDC has provided most of the DNA paternity testing for national TV and radio shows.
Currently, the test is only performed for adoptees and birth parents; ultimately testing will be made available to siblings as well. Siblings can send in their DNA samples to be stored at DDC’s secure facility for future testing when it becomes available.
Knowing your biological relatives is especially important when the family has a history of inherited disease, says co-founder Gale Sipple, whose adoptive mother had died of breast cancer. Sipple started searching for her biological relatives when her daughter became seriously ill and the need for family medical history arose.
Touched by Adoption’s co-founders both have an extensive experience working to reunite adoptees with birth parents—Hammer through The Seeker radio talk show and website, and Sipple through the Green Ribbon Campaign, an activist organization that helps open adoptees’ birth records. Jim Hanigan, spokesperson for DDC, says that they agreed to this collaboration because the cause was worthy and the women have deep understanding of the adoption community.
The project seeks funding from local and national foundations including medical companies, genealogy-related companies, and private individuals in order to provide this free service. Those wishing to participate in this DNA banking project can write to gale@touchedbyadoption.org or call 859-393-3989 for details.
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About DDC
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is the world’s largest provider of private paternity tests. Incorporated in 1995, DDC specializes in DNA testing for family relationships, forensics, and human genetics.
As the leading force in the private DNA testing industry, DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes for stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC’s unique Dual Process™ ensures results of unmatched quality and reliability.
DDC’s quality DNA testing services are nationally and internationally recognized through a number of accreditations from professional organizations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC/ISO17025).
Contact Information:
Jim Hanigan
DNA Diagnostics Center
(513) 881-7800
http://www.dnacenter.com
pr@dnacenter.com
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