General DNA Testing FAQs
Get answers to our top questions about our DNA testing services.
DNA is the acronym for a molecule called deoxyribonucleic acid. Often described as “the basic building block of life” or the “blueprint of the body”, it is the genetic material of all organisms, which is responsible for determining the inherited characteristics of an organism. Established at conception, when the father’s sperm cell fertilizes the mother’s egg cell, an individual inherits one-half of their DNA from each biological parent. In humans, DNA is found in most cells of the body. A large percentage of DNA is the same from person to person because similar biological processes must occur in all people. However, a small percentage of each person’s DNA is highly variable between different people, and every individual, with the exception of identical twins, has a unique DNA make-up that defines that person’s genetic characteristics. It is the person’s unique DNA make-up that allows DNA testing to accurately identify that individual.
A DNA sample is collected by rubbing a soft swab along the inside of the cheek – a process that is gentle enough for newborns. For a legal test, one of our authorized collectors will verify your identity and collect the cheek swab. For a Curiosity DNA test, you collect the cheek swab sample(s) yourself using the swab provided in the DNA collection kit(s) that we ship to you.
DNA testing is the most conclusive method available to prove biological relationships. When performed properly, DNA testing allows proof of parentage at levels of certainty that are beyond a reasonable doubt. To ensure that you receive the most reliable results possible, you should select an experienced and accredited laboratory.
Accreditation is important because DNA testing services are not regulated in Canada. Voluntary accreditation through the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is one way for a laboratory to demonstrate that they have quality measures in place and staff with the necessary education and training to perform DNA testing properly.
Yes – THE DNA LAB INC. (operating as The DNA LAB) is a Canadian legal entity and is based in Ontario, Canada.
All DNA samples sent to The DNA LAB are analyzed by our experienced scientists in our Guelph, Ontario DNA Laboratory.
No! There are very few accredited DNA Laboratories with full operations in Canada. The majority of DNA companies that you will find online, or be referred to, are re-sellers who have an “office” in Canada, but may send your genetic material and documentation outside of Canada for testing and storage. If this occurs, your information may be released to Foreign Governments without your knowledge. To ensure that you are working with an SCC-accredited Canadian DNA testing company, you should check the SCC website as it will list the laboratory address for each DNA Laboratory and their qualifications.
As with other areas of clinical medicine or science, confidentiality is important in genetic testing. For that reason, we do not publish the DNA profile of the individuals being tested. Our reports include the conclusions of the analysis we conducted and our analysis is certified by our scientific staff. In addition, our work is conducted in a secure environment and all aspects of each case are treated in a private and confidential manner.
The Booker or an individual authorized by the Booker may request cancellation of a DNA Testing Service after the Booking Date. If THE DNA LAB INC. is advised within 30 days following the Booking Date and DNA analysis has not started, the amount charged may be refunded, less an administrative fee of $100 and any applicable sample collection fees, no-show fees, courier fees, third-party charges, recollection fees, or other costs already incurred by THE DNA LAB INC., as applicable.
Except where THE DNA LAB INC. determines otherwise, or where different terms are required or permitted by contract, agency or government program requirements, or applicable law, no cancellation refund can be given once DNA analysis has started or more than 30 days have passed since the Booking Date.
Refunds, where approved, will be issued to the original payer and may be returned to the original payment method or handled in another manner determined by THE DNA LAB INC., subject to payment processor, card issuer, and banking requirements.
Different cancellation, refund, invoicing, or administrative-fee terms may apply where required or permitted by contract, agency or government program requirements, or applicable law.
At each genetic location (part of the DNA), a person possesses two pieces of DNA information called alleles. Each biological parent will only pass one of these alleles (at random) to their child such that half of the child’s alleles will match the biological father and the other half will match the biological mother.
If the alleles match between an alleged parent and child, the alleged parent cannot be excluded as the biological parent. The Combined Paternity (or Maternity) Index and Probability of Paternity (or Maternity) are calculated and included in the report.
If there are 3+ allele mismatches between an alleged parent and child, the alleged parent is excluded as the biological parent of the child and the Probability of Paternity (or Maternity) is 0%.
In a rare scenario, a mutation may have been passed on from a biological parent to their child. This occurs most often, yet still rarely, between a biological father and his child. When a mutation occurs, the child’s inherited allele may differ (mismatch) from the biological parent. When one (or two) mismatches are observed, it is reported as a “single (or double) system discrepancy”. If the child’s other biological parent was not originally tested, it may be recommended that they submit a sample for a more conclusive result.
The DNA that matches between the alleged parent and child occurs with different frequencies in different ethnic populations. For example, some of the DNA is more common in Caucasian individuals and less common in Hispanic individuals and vice versa. The statistical calculations depend on how common or rare the shared DNA is in a sampling of the general population (called a population database). The population database used for the statistics is based on the alleged parent’s selected ethnicity. In cases where no ethnic origin has been selected, the statistics will be based on the Caucasian population as a default.
The purpose of a Paternity (or other relationship) DNA report is to address the relationship in question. DNA profiles are not provided in order to protect each individual’s privacy.
For Legal DNA cases, a donor may request their own DNA profile (and/or the DNA profile of an underage biological child) in a separate DNA profile report. There is an additional fee for this supplemental report and written consent will be required to release the DNA profile.
DNA testing is the most conclusive method available for parentage testing. If the alleged father possesses the DNA that must be given to the child by his/her true biological father, then the probability of paternity is calculated and is typically 99.95% or higher (if the biological mother was included in the testing). If the alleged father does NOT possess the DNA that must be given to the child by his/her true biological father, then the alleged father is excluded from being the biological father (the probability of paternity is 0%).
The alleged father is not the biological father of the child because he does NOT share the necessary DNA with the child.
This means that the alleged father (or alleged mother) possesses the DNA (alleles) that must be given to the child by their biological father (or biological mother).
The Combined Paternity (or Maternity) Index is the likelihood of the observed results if the alleged parent is the true biological father/mother relative to a random and unrelated man/woman chosen from a specified population.
The Probability of Paternity (or Maternity) is the Combined Paternity (or Maternity) Index expressed as a percent probability to help make the statistic easier to understand.
The mother is not required to get tested in a paternity test; however, it is highly recommended and testing the mother is provided at no extra cost.
The reason this is recommended is that half a person’s DNA comes from their biological mother and the remaining half comes from their biological father. By comparing the mother’s DNA with the child’s DNA it will help to determine which half came from the mother and therefore which half must have come from the biological father. Including the mother will typically produce a more conclusive result. In rare circumstances, not testing the mother can produce an inconclusive result.
Testing the child’s biological mother is recommended in most relationship testing scenarios (the exception is sibship DNA testing).
An “inconclusive” result means the results neither support nor oppose the specified relationship. On a case-by-case basis, other individuals may be recommended for additional testing. Please call The DNA LAB to discuss possible options. Note: There is an additional fee for additional testing.
It takes approximately 5 business days (or less) starting once all samples are received and full payment has been provided.