Services - DNA Profiling

Sample Collection
DNA samples may be collected either by a trained professional using the Chain of Custody
procedure, or privately (self-collection) using our DNA Collection Kit. The Chain of Custody
Collection allows you to use the DNA profile in a legal proceeding, such as child support and
Social Security benefit claims. We will coordinate DNA sample collection at one of our local,
convenient collection sites.

DNA samples may be self-collected if you are using the DNA profile for personal reasons only,
and do not intend to use it for any legal purpose. If you choose private collection, we will
send you an easy-to-use DNA collection kit with detailed instructions and a postage-paid
envelope for shipping your samples back to our laboratory.

Optional DNA Banking
You may elect to take advantage of our DNA banking service without any additional charge if
you order a DNA profile. We will store a sample of the tested individual’s DNA in a safe, secure
facility for 15 years—in case the DNA sample is ever needed for additional testing.

Test Procedures
In the test, the individual’s DNA is extracted and purified. The DNA is then combined with 16
different DNA primers that target specific locations (loci) in the DNA molecule for amplification.
The DNA segments at these loci are called markers, because they serve as identifying marks
for individuals.

The DNA-primer mix goes through heating and cooling cycles to amplify the markers in a
molecular xeroxing process known as the Polymerase Chain Reaction. Once the markers are
amplified, they are detected by sensitive instrumentation, which determines the marker sizes
at each DNA locus tested.

Each DNA locus is comprised by two alleles, or copies, of the marker—one inherited from the
mother and one inherited from the father. Thus, the DNA profile report, also called a DNA
typing report, will typically list two marker sizes for each locus. The combination of sizes for
the 16 markers represents a DNA profile that is unique for that individual (see example below
for 3 markers).