What is DNA?
Present in almost every cell of your body, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is your genetic blueprint. Your DNA determines the structure and function of every component in your body, such as eye and hair colour, height and susceptibility to disease. With the exception of identical twins, everyone's DNA is unique. Half is inherited from your mother and half from your father.
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Why is DNA testing useful?
DNA testing can establish whether there's a genetic relationship between individuals and consequently determine paternity, maternity and sibship (when individuals are related as brother or sister).
DNA testing is useful for a number of purposes, including:
Determining who is / are a child's parent(s)
Discriminating between identical and non-identical (fraternal) twins
Forensics
Assisting family reunions
Resolving disputed estates.
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Who needs to be tested?
To make the most accurate assessment, it is always preferable to have samples from all parties in the biological relationship. In the case of a paternity test, this would mean a sample each from the mother, alleged father and child. It is also possible to conduct a paternity test using just samples from the alleged father and child.
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What information do I need to provide?
We have application forms for most of the tests we offer, and these include clear instructions on the information you need to provide. Depending on the type of test, we might ask you for the following:
| The specific biological relationship you are trying to determine, ie "Am I the father?" |
| The name, age and sex of each person giving a sample |
| The availability for testing of the family members |
| A sketch of the complete family tree as you understand it. |
Once we have this information, we are normally able to determine quickly whether a test will be successful. Please note in complex cases we may ask for further clarification, or for additional family members to provide a sample.
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How is DNA testing done?
Collection of samples is simple. Typically, a mouth swab sample is collected from each individual being tested. DNA is then extracted from these samples and the DNA profiles of each person are compared.
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How long does DNA testing take?
Reports can be issued in as little as one day for urgent cases (DNA in a Day), up to 3 days for antenatal work and up to 10 days for routine cases.
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How much does DNA testing cost?
The cost varies according to the type of test, number of samples and the time frame in which results are required. See our price list for more information.
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What is a parentage test?
A DNA parentage test typically determines the biological parent of a child. The most common form of parentage test is the paternity test, which determines the biological father of a child.
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How accurate is parentage testing?
If the genetic profile between the alleged father and the child does not match, then it is 100% certain that the alleged father is not the biological father. If the profiles match, there is a 99.99% certainty that the alleged father is the biological father.
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What do DNA parentage test results look like?
Inclusion: a matching profile between the child and the alleged father indicates paternity.
Exclusion: the profile between the child and the alleged father does not match.
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Can I collect my own samples?
Where reports are not required for legal purposes (ie a court hearing or a government agency report), we offer a home collection kit that allows you to take your own samples in the comfort of your own home. The scientific analysis we perform on the samples is no different to a legal test and because there is less paperwork or third party involvement in the collection process, cost savings are passed on to you.
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Who can witness my Affidavit?
Only a Justice of the Peace or a practising Solicitor can witness your Form 2 Affidavit. If you live in Victoria a member of the Police Force above the rank of Sergeant can also witness your Form 2 Affidavit.
To locate your nearest Justice of the Peace:
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