AbsoluteDNA

For most of our DNA tests, all that is required for testing is a sample collected using a mouth swab. The collection process is simple and painless, and our kits will contain everything you need to collect your sample. The swab is rubbed on the inside of the cheek, to collect cheek cells that contain DNA. The swab is then pressed into a special preservation card, known as an FTA card, that stores the sample for transport. The FTA card is then sent back to our laboratory for testing.

A paternity test is conducted to prove paternity, that is, whether a man is the biological father of a child. This may be relevant in view of rights and duties of the father. DNA testing is accepted worldwide as the most accurate method of determining paternity. In Australia it is believed that at least 1 in 5 men who are uncertain about the paternity of their children will have their uncertainty confirmed by paternity DNA testing.

Relationship tests provide information on the level of biological kinship that two people share. They are often used when a parent is not available to be tested, so a potential grandparent, or uncle/aunt is tested against the other person. Results will either confirm or exclude a familial relationship between two people.

Sometimes, a client will request a forensic DNA test be carried out, often to try and prove infidelity. Our laboratory technicians can analyse DNA from a variety of sources that you send in, including clothing with bodily fluids on it, hair samples (but only with roots attached), toothbrushes, ear swabs and nail clippings.

Choosing a NATA accredited laboratory is essential if you intend for your DNA test results to be admitted in court. For a DNA test to be legal, it needs to meet certain criteria. The sample collection must be witnessed by an unbiased third party, and the identity of all applicants who provide a DNA sample must be witnessed. Identity can be proven by submitting photographic proof, and 2 passport-sized photographs, which are witnessed and signed off by the appropriate party.

If you order and complete a home DNA test, this will not meet the requirements of the law courts and is therefore not a legal test. Home DNA tests have their place, and are usually chosen for peace of mind, but it is important to know that a home DNA test will not be admissible in court.

A legal DNA test is accredited, and will require the client to prove their identity, and have it witnessed. A legal DNA test will come with full instructions for the third-party sample collector and witnesses.

It is important to note that the home DNA test and the legal DNA test both comply with our strict accreditation standards and the only difference is the method of sample collection.

When you start the process of ordering a DNA test, it may become apparent that not all parties who need to be tested live in the same location. Participants may live in different parts of the country, or even in a different country.

From this, we are flexible in sending DNA test kits to any location that is provided to us. We are fortunate to be a global company, with offices worldwide, and can send test kits from our nearest office, ensuring a timely delivery. All kits come with full instructions and can be tailored to a variety of foreign languages, for ease of use.

Depending on the location of the recipient, appropriate courier and administration fee will be added to the cost of the DNA test kit.

For clients who are in a hurry, or if you live in a remote area that is not readily accessible by postal workers, a Do It Yourself (DIY) test kit is an easy alternative. The DIY DNA Kit saves you time, money, and the results are equally as accurate as our in-house kits.