The World Leader in Private DNA Testing

One of our readers recently asked:

What are the options available to a 40-year-old man who is searching into his past? His alleged father is deceased, but that father’s sister is still alive, as are a few more distant relatives. Would DNA samples from the father’s sister or another relative be of any use? Are there other options?

DDC has several DNA testing options that may help. The best test for the situation depends on who is available for testing.

Viability Test—If the coroner or medical examiner’s office has a biological sample from the deceased alleged father, DDC can perform a viability test to determine whether the sample contains usable DNA. If it does, the sample can be used in a paternity test. (The deceased’s next of kin must consent to such testing first.)

Grandparent DNA Test—If both of the deceased alleged father’s biological parents are available for testing, DDC can perform a grandparentage test to verify whether the child (the 40-year-old man) is biologically related to his paternal grandparents. This, in turn, would help the family indirectly determine whether the deceased alleged father could have been the biological father of the child.

Genetic Reconstruction—If multiple close relatives (full siblings or biological parents) of the deceased alleged father are available for testing, DDC may be able to perform genetic reconstruction. This is a complex series of DNA tests that would determine whether the child is related to the tested family members.

Y-STR Test—If male relatives from the deceased alleged father’s paternal line are available for testing, DDC may be able to perform a Y-STR paternal lineage test. This test determines whether two or more males are biologically related through their fathers. While the test does verify whether the tested males are paternally related, it does not reveal how they are related (e.g., uncle/nephew, grandfather/grandson).

If you have a family relationship question that you think DNA testing could help answer, please call us at 1-800-613-5768. Our knowledgeable case managers will provide a free consultation to help you determine which test would be best for your unique situation.

One of our readers recently shared her husband’s story with us:

My husband was put up for adoption at a young age, along with several brothers and sisters. Recently, he was reunited with a woman who may be his mother or one of his older sisters. Is there a DNA test that would establish if she is his mother or sister?

DDC does offer DNA testing that can help in this situation. First, we would recommend a maternity test, which would compare the individuals’ DNA to determine if the woman is the biological mother of the man. Because two closely related women are possible biological mothers and share similar DNA, the maternity test would require extended testing to produce conclusive results. Such extended testing costs an additional fee.

If the maternity test shows that the woman is the biological mother of the man, no further testing would be necessary.

If, on the other hand, the maternity test shows that the woman is not the mother, the man has several options. He could presume that the woman is his sister based on other evidence he has, or he could opt for another DNA test for more definitive proof of the relationship. DDC’s knowledgeable case managers can evaluate the situation and determine which other DNA testing service could best provide the help he needs.

Our case managers are standing by to answer your DNA testing questions. If you have a unique family relationship question and don’t know if DNA testing can help, please call 1-800-613-5768.

Recently, one of our readers wrote to us for help in solving her paternity dilemma. She writes:

My husband had a stroke a year ago. He supposedly has a son by someone else, but he is not sure if it’s his or not, and the young man is 32 years old. I don’t think the mother will cooperate with the test. So, what do I need to do to put this to a close?

In most cases, DDC encourages the mother of the child to participate in a paternity test. Her participation gives her access to the test results, and her DNA sample is helpful to the testing process.

In a situation like the one mentioned above, however, we would recommend a motherless paternity test. As its name implies, a motherless paternity test does not involve the mother; it only involves the child and the alleged father. Because the child in question is 32 years old, he is a legal adult who can consent to his own DNA testing; his mother is not required to be involved.

A motherless paternity test requires our lab to perform additional analysis, but we do this extended testing at no additional charge. What’s more, the results of a motherless test are just as accurate as the results of a standard paternity test involving all three parties (the mother, the child, and the alleged father).

If you have any questions about your own paternity situation, don’t hesitate to call 1-800-613-5768. Our knowledgeable case managers are on hand to answer any questions you may have about paternity testing. They will listen to your unique circumstances and suggest the DNA testing service that will best suit your needs.

Me and my girlfriend really want to have a paternity test done on a child. Neither of us have much money and are both on public assistance. Is there any way of getting help to pay for this test?

What do I do if I cant get samples from all of the people I need to have tested? Are there different options?? I have heard there are more tests other than a mother, child and a father. Is this true??

How does Y-STR testing help me figure out who my biological father is?

I’m thinking of having my baby tested but I don’t want anyone to know. What if someone else call and find out I’m having it done? Do you think they would tell anyone? I don’t want my parents or anyone to know I’m having the baby tested.

We recently have had several questions about paternity testing with fathers who are in the military. We’re posting a common situation below, followed by our answer:

“my baby’s daddy is in the military, and because we aren’t married they won’t put him on the insurance (even though he signed the paternity papers). i was told i need a paternity test, but he is stationed at scott air force base and i am in d.c. does anyone know if i have to travel, or can we get it done separately? this is a nightmare- especially considering my baby has shots coming up and all that.”

You don’t have to worry. DDC has an extensive network of DNA sample collection sites accross the country, and we can arrange an appointment for each tested party at a convenient location. Our sample collectors will then send all the samples to our laboratory, and we can complete the paternity test within 5 days of receiving all samples.

My boyfriend needs to get a paternity test done, but he is in Boston and the child is in Chicago. Would it be possible for them to be collected in different locations?

If you eat before they take your sample, will it affect your DNA?? Should I allow a certain period of time before I go into my appointment?? If so, how much time??