Since 1996, our laboratory has been at the forefront of DNA profiling techniques and innovations. As a major division of Genetics and IVF Institute, the largest facility of its kind in the world, our facility shares 100 thousand square feet of laboratory and clinical space, and provides services to attorneys, child support agencies, physicians, and patients from throughout the United States and the world.

In 1998, the laboratory successfully evaluated 50,000 samples. Our clinical services division of fully qualified physician geneticists and genetic counselors have extensive experience dealing with complex genetic issues, assuring you that the most comprehensive interpretation is always available to you.

• Our Court Admissible results are guaranteed to 99.9% or greater.
  
  
• Protecting your privacy is our number one priority
  
  
• We pride ourselves on meticulous attention to detail
  
  
• Accredited by parentage testing committee of American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
  
  
• We offer competitive pricing and payment plans
  
  
• Our turnaround is 9-10 business days for routine cases
  
  
• Expedited service is available in as little as 5 working days
  
  
• Our lab will stand by its results with expert witnessing and disposition (additional charges may apply)
  
  
• We have an extensive network of worldwide collection facilities so your specimens can be gathered virtually anywhere including prisons, institutions, interstate and international locations.

DNA profiling is a biological tool which allows the scientist to compare samples of DNA material. With the exception of identical siblings, the DNA of each person is unique. That is why it is so valuable as a form of identification. DNA analysis can reveal the genetic profile of an individual and compare this with samples from a relative to determine whether or not he/she may be the source of the biological material.

DNA profiling is commonly in use for paternity testing, usually to determine fatherhood of a child when this is disputed. It may also be used in helping to identify whether objects have been handled by, or belonged to, a missing person.

What IS DNA?

The initials DNA stand for "DeoxyriboNucleicAcid'', found in the cells of all living things, including the human body. The DNA is a threadlike molecule and is found in the nucleus of cells.( see "What is DNA?" )

Although each person's DNA is unique (unless he/she has an identical twin), the techniques for identification only look at small parts of the DNA. ( see "Why don't I look like my brother?" )

It is important to realize that a person will have the same DNA throughout their body in every cell with a nucleus. That is, the same DNA profiling results for one person will be obtained whether testing blood or semen or muscle tissue.

How is DNA typing done?

Only one-tenth of a single percent of DNA (about 3 million bases) differs from one person to the next. Scientists can use these variable regions to generate a DNA profile of an individual, using samples from blood, bone, hair, and other body tissues and products.

In paternity cases, this generally involves obtaining samples from the individuals in question, extracting the DNA, and analyzing it for the presence of a set of specific DNA regions (markers).

Scientists find the markers in a DNA sample by designing small pieces of DNA (probes) that will each seek out and bind to a complementary DNA sequence in the sample. A series of probes bound to a DNA sample creates a distinctive pattern for an individual. Forensic scientists compare these DNA profiles to determine whether the suspect's sample matches the evidence sample. A marker by itself usually is not unique to an individual; if, however, two DNA samples are alike at four or five regions, odds are great that the samples are from the same person.

If the sample profiles don't match, the person did not contribute the DNA.

The more probes used in DNA analysis, the greater the odds for a unique pattern and against a coincidental match, but each additional probe adds greatly to the time and expense of testing.