Paternity testing

There are many reasons why the assignment of a biological father to his child may not be trivial. The more important it is to establish the biological relationship for oneself and all concerned persons by means of modern molecular biology methods and a scientifically sound expert’s report. For inquiries, please contact us via office@ingenetix.com.

 

ingenetix is a laboratory accreditated according to EN ISO/IEC 17025

 

Accreditation certificate ingenetix

 

Paternity testing and kinship analysis

 

Scientific background

ingenetix GmbH provides highly confidential DNA paternity testing based on modern molecular biology methods which accomplish rapid and confident clarification of paternity issues. Moreover we perform the analysis of claimed family relationships. Clandestine paternity tests are not performed by our laboratory. Paternity and relationship testing can only be performed after the informed consent of all parties involved has been obtained.

 

The genetic information of every human being is stored in his or her DNA (desoxyribonucleic acid) which is present in almost all somatic cells. Except for identical twins, each person’s DNA is unique. Half of the DNA is inherited from the father and the other half from the mother.

We perform STR analysis (short tandem repeat) on several areas of the DNA molecule (not less than fifteen) to generate a DNA profile. The better part of these regions is not located within genes and hence do not bear any information on genetic predisposition. These regions devoid of genetic information differ solely in their lengths and result in a unique DNA profile.

Comparing the DNA profile of a child and its parents, each of the two DNA markers (alleles) can be “tracked� either to the father or to the mother.

Sampling

At the appointment you commission a DNA analysis followed by identity verification and sampling (two buccal swabs due to quality assurance reasons).

If desired the affected parties can attend at different dates.

For identification purposes the name, date of birth and address of all concerned parties are recorded. Official photo identification serves as legitimation. The verification of identity is completed by taking a photograph and fingerprint (right index finger) of all tested individuals. These arrangements apply to guidelines for paternity testing and also serve as security.

Analysis and results

After sampling the buccal swabs of all parties involved STR-profiles are generated. To this end DNA is extracted, STR regions are then amplified by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and the length of these DNA fragments is determined by capillary electrophoresis.

Based on the DNA profiles of the mother, child and putative father DNA markers (alleles) are compared. If the alleged father can be excluded in at least three independent DNA markers as the biological father of the child, the remaining buccal swabs of the alleged father and child are examined to confirm the analysis results. Due to this confirmation the results are proven.
If the alleged father is included as the biological father, the probability of paternity is calculated and is said to be proven if the value exceeds 99.99 %.

The test result (DNA profile) will be provided as a paternity report including a table with the STR-profiles and the conclusion of either “paternity excluded� or “paternity proven�. If required you will receive an expert’s report by an expert witness for an additional fee.

Duration of investigation & costs

Once samples of all persons involved have been received, it usually takes no more than one week to carry out the test and generate a report. You are welcome to pick up the report personally. Furthermore, there is the possibility to forward the results by mail, fax or email.

Paternity analysis of mother, alleged father and child (counselling, sampling and analysis) € 650

Additional preparation of an expert’s report admissible in court € 500

Paternity analysis of mother, alleged father and child (counselling, sampling, analysis including an expert’s report) € 1.050

For each additional analysis of another individual € 200

For each additional analysis of another individual including an expert’s report € 400

All prices in Euro inclusive 20% VAT

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is needed for paternity testing?
In parentage testing the DNA of the putative father, the child and the mother are compared. Hence we need somatic cells with intact DNA from all test participants. The easiest method of sampling is a painless buccal swab. In exceptional cases such as the father being deceased, other sources can be used like contact traces from pipes, tooth brushes, spectacles etc. In this case please contact us so we can advise you accordingly.

One limitation of testing is a previous blood transfusion or bone marrow transplantation having been performed within the last three months which may cause problems based on contamination by extraneous genetic material.

May hair be used for paternity testing?
Shed or cut hairs are not suitable for DNA paternity testing.

What information can be retrieved from paternity testing?
We use a system of at least 16 (15 + 1 sex marker) DNA markers consisting of highly variable, repetitive sequences which are devoid of genetic information to generate a specific DNA profile. These DNA profiles lack any genetic information about its carrier except for the gender, so that no genetic trait or genetic disease of the tested individual is deducible.

At which age can a child be tested?
As it is not necessary to use invasive sampling methods (e.g. blood) – a buccal swab will suffice – it is possible to perform the analysis immediately after birth. The necessary swab may be taken instantaneously and painlessly without compromising the well-being of the child.

Is it necessary for the mother to take part in the analysis?
The evaluation of both parents increases the strength of evidence. Nevertheless in most cases the unambiguous determination of paternity is possible without the sample of the mother. Based on ethical reasons we insist, however, on the informed consent of the mother or legal guardian.

What are the quality standards of ingenetix GmbH?
As our laboratory is accredited in accordance with the ISO 17025 our samples are tested twice; from each person a minimum of two independent analyses are performed. The quality of the DNA analysis is guaranteed by regular participation in international quality assurance trials organized by the German DNA Profiling Group.

How does ingenetix GmbH handle my personal data?
Confidentiality goes without saying. To meet this claim, all samples are made anonymous by a numerical identification system. Only scientific staff has access to your personal data. If desired we will store your results to be able to use them for a potential later request. If you don’t wish for this service all documents will be destroyed after the compulsory period of record-keeping.

Can the result of the paternity analysis be used in court?
The expert’s report may be used in court. However we must point out that an expert’s report may not always be accepted in court. The judge is free to choose his own expert witness to issue an additional expert’s report at court costs.

Grandfather, father and “uncle� – who belongs to the family?
By means of modern molecular biology family relationships are examined on the genetic level. Typical testing scenarios are kinship analyses in the paternal or maternal lineage; expert’s reports concerning the relationship of alleged siblings, kinship analyses for uncles, aunts and cousins are also available on request.

Is it possible to perform a kinship analysis without biological material of the relevant person?
To clarify questions of descent and heritage it may become necessary to verify the relationship with deceased individuals or individuals who can not be traced. If no biological material is available (retain sample of a hospital, tooth brushes, hair brushes, etc.) evidence can be provided indirectly with the aid of statistical methods using common relatives who are alive.