DNA is extracted from cells collected from the inside of the mouth. The mouth swab collection is simple and painless. DNA QLD will mail a collection  kit which contains sterile swab, FTA DNA preservation card, collection information, and an prepaid postage return envelope.

The sample for legal testing is collected in the same way. However, with legal testing the collection is required to be undertaken by a person authorized by DNA QLD. This could be a doctor or an authorized pathology collector. At the time of collection the identity of the individuals to be tested will need to be verified. Official identity documentation (such a driver’s license or passport) and 2 passport size photos of all the individuals will be required for the verification. Under the Family Law act a FORM 2 (Affidavit) must be completed on the day of collection and taken to the collection appointment with proof of ID. The authorised collector collects the mouth swabs and the swabs are security coded in tamper proof containers and submitted to the laboratory.

Paternity can also be tested on prenatal samples. Choroinic Villus (CVS) samples can be collected between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis samples can be collected between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy and later at some Maternal Fetal Ultrasound units. As with any invasive testing, there is always a risk of miscarrying a pregnancy. Please discuss this with your doctor or DNA QLD. DNA QLD can provide details of Maternal Fetal Ultrasound clinics able to collect paternity samples.

DNA QLD does not process hair samples, toothbrushes or nail clippings as these samples can be contaminated with another person’s DNA and give an incorrect result. There is no point in testing if the result is inaccurate or inconclusive.

There are many reasons why a paternity test is requested. Divorce, child custody,and child financial support are the most common reasons for testing. One of the primary benefits of DNA testing outside of the criminal justice field is to for women who are seeking financial support for their children. In cases where a man denies that he is the biological father, DNA paternity testing can confirm or exclude a biological relationship and the Family Court determines whether or not a man is legally responsible for child support payments .

Men who are seeking custody or visitation rights may avail themselves of the benefits of DNA testing. Again, a DNA paternity test provides crucial confirmation of the existence of a biological relationship between father and child. This confirmation is necessary before awarding custody or visitation rights. Some men merely need to gain peace of mind regarding their relationship to a child. One of the benefits of DNA testing is being able to conclusively establish or exclude a relationship. Adopted children may someday wish to find their biological parents. DNA testing will allow them to confirm the biological relationship between themselves and their possible biological heritage.

DNA testing is done on specific areas on the DNA chain where there are repeated sequences that are individual to each person; these are called ‘short tandem repeats’. A child inherits half its DNA from each parent. Every repeat that is found in the child’s DNA must be found in the alleged mother’s and father’s sample – if not, then it can be determined which parent’s DNA matches or does not match. This is proof of parentage to a minimum certainty of 99.9999%, and proof of non-parentage as 100%. Short tandem repeat testing is highly accurate with the chance of mis-identification being one in several billion.

For peace of mind (non-legal cases), DNAQ can send a collection kit to your home for the DNA collection. DNA is collected by swabbing the inside of the mouth and is not painful or difficult to do. DNA swab collection kits are sent individually to the alleged father and child. For Legal testing, DNAQ can arrange sample collection from all areas within Australia and overseas. Brisbane based clients can use our collection services in our Brisbane CBD office. Australia wide collection can be collected at a pathology centre or your local GP. Overseas collections can be facilitated upon request. Immigration case collections are facilitated through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

For paternity or maternity testing, a sample is required from the alleged father, mother and child or children. For peace of mind testing, the mother’s DNA is not usually required.