1 – Where are the tests analysis held?
All tests requested by e-DNA are analyzed by Tommasi Laboratory. Both companies are part of Group Tommasi.
The Tommasi Laboratory was founded in 1962 and it is a reference in brazilian clinical analysis field. The lab has been working with human identification by DNA for over a decade. All the tests analysis are conducted in the lab located at: Av. Dr. Jair de Andrade, n° 321
Loja 2 - Itapoã - Vila Velha - Espírito Santo - Brasil - CEP.: 29101-700.
2 – Does the e-DNA perform DNA tests for paternity and maternity using hair samples and/or nails?
No. The e-DNA performs DNA tests for paternity and maternity using buccal cells and blood as a sample. Samples are collected from a kit, which is sent to the address registered in the purchase form.
3 – Can you do a paternity test before the baby is born?
Yes. However, for ethical reasons, we don’t work with this kind of tests.
4 – What is a Paternity Test?
The Paternity test is based on the comparison of genetic profiles observed in the DNA of the tested child with those found in the DNA of the alleged father, making it possible to determine with absolute assurance if the alleged father is or is not the biological father of child.
5 – How does the paternity test Works?
The child’s DNA is formed by half of the DNA of the mother and half of the DNA of the father. The first thing to be done is the comparison of the child’s DNA with the mother’s DNA. The other half that was not been found in the mother’s DNA must have come from the biological father. At this comparison we use at least 16 markers (we compare 16 regions of the DNA), which allows to the test a probability of paternity greater than 99.9999%.
6 – Is it possible to have a paternity test done without a sample from the mother?
Yes. The sample from the mother is not necessary for a maximum guarantee paternity test. If the mother is also analyzed, the probability of paternity is higher than if only the alleged father and child are analyzed, but it is not completely necessary. This kind of test is more complex because it requires a larger number of analyzed regions of the DNA in order to reach the same level of certainty when the mother is also tested.
7 – What is the e-DNA?
The e-DNA is a service offered by Tommasi Laboratory, which allows the patients to collect their own samples in the privacy of their own home, where the parties do not have to be identified. The samples are tested using the same rigorous methods that we use in a legal test. The only difference is that we do not use a Chain of Custody, a documentation process required to make test results legally defensible (accepted by Courts and other government agencies).
Patients choose in-home paternity tests when they only want personal knowledge and peace of mind, and do not intend to use the results for legal purposes.
8 – Can a paternity test be performed if the alleged father is missing or deceased?
Yes, the test can be performed testing close family members to determine if a child belongs to that family. A grandparentage test is the first option to try. The following persons must be tested:
- Paternal grandmother (Alleged father’s mother)
- Paternal grandfather (Alleged father’s father)
- Child
- Child’s mother
If the paternal grandparents are not both available, the next option is a genetic reconstruction. Those cases require a minimal number of close relatives of the alleged father to participate in this test. A close relative is a full brother/sister and/or a biological parent of the deceased/missing alleged father. In addition, the mother and child must participate. The result of this test will show the probability that the child is related to the tested parties.
In the absence of close relatives, the test can be conducted through the exhumation of corpses. For more information please contact us.
The e-DNA offers only grandparentage test.
9 – What is the reliability of the paternity test offered by e-DNA?
Absolutely. Led by a group of highly talented professionals with Master’s degree and Ph.D. titles, the e-DNA uses the most reliable and precise technology used nowadays, which allows us to reach a paternity probability of higher than 99,99%. This allows reliability with affordable prices.
10 - Do I need a doctor's or lawyer's order for a paternity test?
No. It’s not necessary a doctor's or lawyer's order in order to do the test. The majority of paternity tests are held outside the court, with the agreement between the parties.
11 – May I do a paternity test if I’m ill or under medical treatment?
Yes. The analysis of DNA in a paternity test is not affected by drugs or diseases.
12 – Do I need to be fasting by the time I collect the samples?
No. The analysis of DNA in a paternity test is not affected by food intake.
13 –The Paternity test is performed only from blood samples?
No. The DNA can be extracted from other biological samples other than blood (such as: saliva, hairs, semen, amniotic liquid, biopsy, skeletal remains, nails, etc…). Samples of buccal cells or blood, allow the obtention of DNA in sufficient quantities, which ensures the absolute accuracy of a paternity test. All cells of a person have the same DNA, so the accuracy and reliability of the results are the same, independent of the biologic material used.
14 – Must all the samples be collected at the same time and at the same place?
Not necessarily. However, the e-DNA recommends that the parties mutually witness the collection of the samples. DNA is relatively stable if proper collection procedures are followed. Samples can be collected at different times and locations, if necessary, this does not affect the result.
15 – When will my results be ready?
The paternity testing results are typically ready in five working days following receipt of the samples by our professionals. This time can be longer in special cases of deceased person. You can also get the results in as little as 24 hours* from the time your samples arrive at the DNA testing laboratory, at additional cost.
*From the time your samples arrive at the DNA testing laboratory.
16 - How do I pay for the test?
Payment can be made by Visa and Mastercard. Using those credit cards, you can divide the total value of the purchase up to 6 times without interest.
Now you can divide the total value of the purchase in both credit cards (Visa and Mastercard).
17 – May I pay for the test using 2 credit cards?
Yes. All tests purchased on e-DNA can be divided in two credit cards (Visa and Mastercard). This way you can manage better your credit cards limits and its repayment dates, choosing the value that you want to pay in each card.
18 – Who is aware of the Paternity test result?
The result of the test is strictly confidential. It will be available on our web site and through your password. Only you have access to the result.
19 – Will my test results be legally binding?
No. The test performed by e-DNA cannot be used to legal purposes because it has no legal value. The main difference between in-home and legal tests is that there is no Chain of Custody followed in the in-home test. A Chain of Custody is a legal documentation process that proves:
- Samples are collected by a neutral third party, such as a clinic or laboratory
- The individuals tested are positively identified (i.e. They presented a government-issued ID and are photographed and fingerprinted for records.).
- The samples are carefully tracked throughout the process.
- The tested parties sign a Client Identification and Consent Form (the minor’s consent form should be signed by the legal guardian)
A Chain of Custody is required for the DNA test results to be legally defensible (accepted by courts and other government agencies). However, many patients would like to take a test for personal knowledge, peace of mind, or curiosity, and they don't intend to use the results for legal purposes. The in-home test option allows them to take the test at a lower cost and in the privacy of their own homes.
* E-dna can only be offered to non-judicial cases. |
