What is DNA?
DNA is the genetic signature of an individual.
The information that makes up our genetic signature is donated by a biological mother and father equally for each child.
This signature is unique to each person.
What can DNA testing be used for?
DNA testing can be used to identify or confirm relationships such as paternity, maternity, full or half sib-ship and more.
It is also a very useful tool in identity verification.
In the absence of a biological parent, information based on inheritance patterns can be used to determine if a genetic relationship exists. These tests are grouped as relationship testing.
Who needs to be tested?
Parties required for testing is dependant on the relationship in question.
The most accurate test for confirmation of paternity is to compare the DNA of the possible father to that of the child. This direct analysis is the recommended paternity screening method.
Testing the mothers sample can increase the accuracy of the result, but is not strictly necessary for a paternity determination.
What DNA sample is collected for testing?
Our preferred DNA sample is a buccal swab (lining of the cheek) and is collected by a mouth swab. This method is accurate and painless.
At times, a collection of a blood spot card may be required.
What happens if the alleged father will not agree to be tested?
Testing for paternity is possible without the DNA sample of the biological father.
The possible paternal grandparents may be suitable substitutes to determine if a relationship exists with the child.
Alternatives can include comparing the DNA of possible brothers or biological mother and of two possible sisters.
Please contact us to discuss alternatives or for further information.
What options are available if the alleged father is deceased?
Each enquiry for DNA relationship testing is unique and as such, your circumstance may not have been covered by the information listed.
Our consultants may be able to provide you with further information on options available, including options in locating and testing a deceased persons stored tissue samples.
Please contact us for further information.
How accurate is your DNA testing?
Our procedures and practices ensure testing is carried out to the highest quality standard.
Our methods for testing allow us to determine the probability of paternity with a confidence of 99.9% for inclusions; and 100% certainty for exclusion cases.
Why do you need to know my ethnicity?
Information on the ethnic background of a person can be used as an extra 'signature' to calculate a more accurate probability.
Including this information may influence the chance of paternity reported.
Do I need help to interpret the report?
Our recommendation is for parties to seek independent medical or legal advice in interpreting any DNA testing report.
Express testing
Our Express Testing* service speeds up the laboratory processing time so a report is issued in two to five working days from receipt of the last sample.
Please contact one of our consultants to arrange approval.
* Please note that a request for Express Testing requires pre-approval prior to collection of samples. Pre-approval is decided on an individual basis according to Laboratory (contact 1800 010 447).
Is my information secure?
We provide a specialist medical service, and abide by national privacy principles to protect your information for relationship and diagnostic DNA testing.
Our laboratory record system is reliable and secure, and our NATA accreditation means our systems and processes have been inspected and audited regularly.
Can this report be used in court?
Our Legal DNA test can provide you with a report that can be used for matters under the Family Law Act 1975, for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Children’s Court matters as well as Immigration DNA testing.
Please contact us for more information on the requirements for Legal DNA testing.
While the laboratory methods used in Peace-of-Mind DNA Testing is the same as that used in Legal DNA Testing, the report in Peace of Mind testing can not be used for legal purposes.
What if parties live interstate or overseas?
Appointments for Legal DNA testing can be made at different locations Australia-wide if the parties live in different cities. Our large network of collection locations allows us to arrange for parties to be collected at a local centre without incurring additional fees.
We also have provisions to collect from international donors, but will need to liaise with donors offshore before the application is processed.
Please contact us for further information on our international collection process.
What is the next step in organising a test?
Once you have made the decision to proceed with testing, the process is quick and simple to organise.
Please see our Client checklist for a step by step guide to organising a test.
Are you an accredited testing facility?
Sonic Clinical Institute, part of the Sonic Healthcare group of companies, is fully accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) in conjunction with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA).
The Sonic Clinical Institute’s Department of Molecular Genetics is accredited by NATA to ISO/IEC 17025 for parentage and molecular diagnostic testing.
As a medical and ethical practice, we adhere to the highest standards recommended in the Australian Law Reform Commission report on paternity testing.
I have more questions, who do I ask?
Contact us for assistance in a confidential and anonymous environment.
Your enquiry can be anonymous and directed to us by email, phone or letter correspondence.
Where are you located?
Our laboratory is located in the Sonic Healthcare building in New South Wales, Australia.
Will I be up for additional collection fees?
We endeavour to have our invoices reflect the true and entire cost of testing.
Our quoted fees for Australia wide Peace-of-Mind and Legal DNA testing are inclusive of case establishment fees, DNA collection through our collection network, Transport, Testing and Reporting.
In some instances (such as International or Doctors collections), there may be an additional collection fee by a Doctor or professional overseas that our cost does not reflect.
Please contact the collection facility or offshore clinic to confirm their fees.
I have further enquiries, who can I ask?
Our team may be able to answer any further questions you may have.
Contact us for more information.