December 2008 Archives

A Local DNA Collection Facility explains Use of DNA Testing for Infidelity Cases

OK - so you have found a sheet, a pair of underwear, a blanket, a condom or some other item in a place that it should not be found.  You suspect your partner of cheating but finding this article really doesn't prove anything.  What can you do?

First, you must figure out how important it is to you to know the truth.  Will it give you peace of mind to confirm that the semen and/or biological fluid on that sheet does not belong to you.  What is the next step in your life if you do prove that your partner has been unfaithful?   Doing the research and making your point can distract you from the consequences of Infidelity tests results.  These are life changing events, especially if children are involved. So only if you are absolutely positive you know what you will do with results of these tests, should you go forward.

The very first thing to be aware of - do not store articles to be tested for biological fluids in a plastic bag or container.  A plastic bag creates a humid environment which assist in deterioration of DNA and other biological fluids.  Any item you want to be tested for biological fluid should be stored in a paper bag, envelope or other suitable container.  

Semen Detection Tests - these are cheap, easily obtainable via the internet and if you only want to determine that Semen is found on an article then by all means, use the internet for your research.  However, after determining that Semen is, or is not, present on the article - what does that prove?  Is it your semen?  A simple semen detection test will not tell you whose Semen is on the article only that Semen is present.    A simple semen detection test will also not advise if there is a presence of female fluid.  What if the Semen detection kit you bought over the internet does not pick up the presence of Semen but you still have a question about why or how the article was found where you found it or why there appears to be some biological fluid present?  The internet Semen Detection Kits will only test for male biological fluids, specifically the prostate specific protein found in semen. 

A professional DNA Infidelity Detection Services company has a standard set of tests to assist you with true infidelity questions.  Your local DNA collection expert can guide you through a step by step process, based on your unique circumstances, to best identify what tests to take to identify the questionable articles and fluids.  When you receive our results, using the tests we recommend, you will have clear and definitive answers to your questions.  That is why we first emphasize the importance of really knowing what you want to achieve by taking these tests. 

Our first recommendation in Infidelity Testing is to detect for the presence of specific biological evidence, either male or female, dependent on your situation.  There are two main types of detection services, with two additional back up tests, that are used to confirm the presence of DNA and the presence of Semen.

DNA Detection - Y-Chromosome - this test is most commonly used when a man suspects a woman of cheating with another unrelated man.  The test detects the presence of the male Y-chromosome and subsequently a genetic profile of the Y-Chromosome is typed if it is present.  Only men carry the Y-Chromosome so only if a male's biologic fluid is present on an article will a genetic profile be created.. 

If the male client suspects that an immediate male family member, ie, brother, uncle, father from his side of the family may have contributed to the sample, a DNA Detection - Standard test must be used instead since there is a possibility of similar Y-Chromosome profile present on the article or in the fluid. 

Note:  The Y-chromosome is passed down from father to all of his sons through generations with very little mutation. 

DNA Detection - Standard
This test detects the presence of both male and/or female cells.  The results report will state if male, female, mixed profile of both sexes or multiple profiles of the same sex are found.  If you are submitting a DNA sample of yourself for comparison purposes, and if multiple genetic profiles of different sexes are found in this DNA Detection Standard test, then a Differential Extraction Study will be necessary prior to proceeding with the DNA Comparison.

DNA Differential Extraction
A differential extraction test is used to separate male and female cells in a mixture of biological evidence.  This test must be used if the initial sample results shows the presence of male and female profiles.

DNA Comparison
This test is used to compare a standard DNA sample (usually an oral swab) of the client, to a submitted article that has been processed through one of the above mentioned DNA Detection Services methods to a generate a genetic profile.  A report will indicate a match or non match to the items submitted for detection.

The most important thing to consider is what are you going to do with the results.  Call us for a confidential screening 732-632-8830 on what type of tests to consider, the costs involved and the turn-around time for results.  Since the samples submitted to us are not collected under a New Jersey's strict chain of custody laws, the results of these tests may not be defensible in a court of law.     

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Recent changes to the United States immigration law now require immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa.  Panel physicians (U.S. approved) who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are now required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the new vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations. 

In order to assist the panel physician, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physicians review at the time of the immigrant medical examination.  Visa applicants, should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available.  If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirements.  Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician.  Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medical ly appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical conditions.  Below is a list of vaccinations required to enter the United States.

Mumps
Measles
Rubella
Polio
Tetanus and Diptheria Toxoids
Pertussis
Influenza Type B (hiB)
Hepatitis B
Varicella
Pneumococcal
Influenza

 

What's all this DNA stuff? Here are some useful terms you may hear when you are having a DNA test performed to determine a family or biological relationship.

Apoptosis - the programmed death of cells.  It is a mechanism of the organism to maintain a relative constance and normal number of cells.  It also includes a cascade of biological processes tht result to the death of a cell, when it is seriously damaged or infected by a virus.

Adipocyte is the main type of cell that compose adipose tissue and are also known as fat cells, or lipocytes.  Their main function is to store energy in the form of fat. 

DNA - Deoxyribonucleic Acid - this is the biologic substance found in the nucleus of cells of all human beings.  DNA, inherited from a biological parent, is the basis of our heredity or ancestry.  DNA contains the code from which all our physical characteristics are determined as well as the instructions for making living organisms.  A single strand of DNA is composed of four different chemicals - Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C) and Guanine (G). 

Chromosome - these are groups of the DNA molecules found in a cell that are held together by the above four proteins.(ATCG)  Different kinds of organisms have different numbers of chromosomes but all are created at conception, arranged in pairs and consist of one set of  chromosomes inherited from the mother (mtDNA) and the other from the father (Y-DNA).  Humans have 23 sets of chromosomes - one pair will decide the sex of the child (XX)Female and (XY)Male.  These are the thread-like symbols you see in your Biology books. 

Y-Chromosome - the genetic material passed from father to son at conception.  The Y-chromosome is passed unchanged except for the rare defining mutations. 

Buccal Swab - the method by which a majority of DNA collections are performed today.  A large cotton tipped swab is swabbed against the inside of the cheek using gentle pressure in order to collect enough cells (not saliva) to amplify under the PCR method. 

Haplogroups - anthropologists study of population genetics and the mutations that occurred during migration and geographic manifestations.  The use of Short Tandem Repeat markers predicts or estimates one's Haplogroup to be within18 categories and 80 additional sub-groups and clades.  The STR marker is only an estimate. 

Mitochondrial DNA - the genetic material passed from mother to all of her offspring, save for a rare mutation that may occur in some instances. 

Mutation - a genetic inconsistency occurring naturally in all living organisms.  This is a permanent structural alteration in our DNA.  Mutations, may or may not, improve an organism's chance of survival.   In speaking of genetic mutations, the reference is no way relates to abnormal medical conditions or gene functions. 

Genotype - describes the constitution of a gene (the type of the gene).  It refers each time to a specific gene, under investigation, describing the alleles that the gene contains.  It often refers to the pair of the nucleotides found at a specific position of the DNA sequence. 

Genetic Marker - a segment of DNA with an identifiable physical location on a chromosome and whose inheritance can be followed.  A marker can be a gene, or it can be some section of DNA with no known function.  Because DNA segments that lie near each other on a  chromosome tend to be inherited together, markers are often used as indirect ways of tracking the inheritance pattern of a gene that has not yet been identified, but whose approximate location is known. 

Allele - one of the forms of a gene at a particular location on a chromosome.  Different alleles produce various inherited characteristics, such as eye color, hair color or blood type.  Individuals have dominant and recessive forms of alleles.  Do not use the on-line eye color charts as proof of biological relationships - these are absolutely not reliable as they do not take into consideration naturally occurring mutations that have been passed on.
 

Amino Acid - components of proteins.  Some are synthesized by the body (non essential amino acids) and others must e obtained through diet (essential amino acids)

Carbohydrate - is a compound of cargon, hydrogen an doxygen.  It is an important source of energy found in food. 

Cholesterol is the waxy, fat-like substance essential for the structure of cell membrane.  It is also a component of certain hormones and some Vitamins and is transported with lipproteins through blood circulation.

Chromatin is the combination of DNA an dproteins which when condensed makes up chomosomes. 

Enzymes is a protein that controls biochemical reactions, resulting in either production or inactivation of substances in cells.

Glucose is a very important carbohydrate in biological systems.  It is used by cells as a course of energy and is also an intermediate of metabolism.

Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium (balance) or the tendency to reach equilibrium. It is the ability of a living organism to regulate its internal environment in order to maintain a stable condition.

Homocysteine is an amino acid, important for the production of another amino acid call  Cysteine.  Homocysteine metabolism and maintenance of normal levels is crucial for the health, as elevated homocysteine levels in blood is associated primarily with problems of the cardiovascular system. 

Mutagen is an agent which can cause change in the genetic material of an organism.

Oxidative stress is caused in cells due to their reduced ability to fight against oxidative factors, which are substances like peroxides and free radicals.  Whether caused by normal functions of cells, or produced by environmental toxins - both can have toxic effects as t hey can damage seriously the components of cells (proteins, lipids, DNA).

Pharmacogenomics is the field of Pharmacology and Genetics, which investigates how the DNA of individuals affects their response to drugs.  Based on DNA testing, it aims to identify which drugs have increased efficacy or cause reduced toxicity to an individual. 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - this is the process by which copies of our specific DNA segments are made from a DNA sample.  In a DNA Paternity test, DNA are amplified so they can be analyzed to determine whether the alleged father and tested child have common loci (position of a gene on a chromosome), supporting the existence of a biological relationship.  This process has been extensively used for paternity testing.  Large databases have been accumulated for accurate DNA analysis.  This large database enables paternity testing via PCR to have the highest power of exclusion. 

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) - this is process that relies on the genetic uniqueness of an individuals to determine a biological relationship to another individual.  No two persons (except for identical twins) have the same DNA.  A DNA sample is treated with specific enzymes to create fragments.  The size of the fragments are then measured and statistically analyzed.  If too many fragments do not have a match, the a biological relationship is considered excluded or not possible.  This technique increased the power of the exclusion of biological relationships to 99.99 % and greater. 

VO2 - maximal oxygen consumption, describing the amount of oxygen transported and used during physicla exercise of individuals.  It is an important factor for physical fitness. 

Xenobiotic is a chemical found in an organism bit it is not normally produced by it nor obtrain by diet.  Drugs and antibiotics are examples of xenobiotics.

History of DNA Testing for Paternity
1920s Blood Type - identifying one blood type only and ability to exclude only 30% of the population - not useful or conclusive in proving paternity.
1930s Blood Groups - measured inherited proteins in the blood and ability to exclude 40% of the population - not useful or conclusive in proving paternity.
1970s HLA Typing - cannot differentiate between related alleged fathers (brothers, uncles, grandfathers) and but had the ability to exclude 80% of the population.  The test required a large amount of blood from all participants and was therefore not used on infants younger than 6 months.
1980s RFLP  - ability to exclude 99.99% of the populations
1990s PCR - ability to exclude 99.99% of the population and oral swab method preferred.  This is the method by which we perform our DNA Tests in New Jersey *732-632-8830*

 

Do you have a question about the Paternity or Maternity of a child or relative?  Do you have a question about the biological background of a family member?

In New Jersey, you do not need a doctor's prescription or Court Order to have a private DNA test performed to confirm any family relationship.   

There are a few methods by which we can test to determine paternity:

1.)  Prior to Birth

Amniocentesis Prenatal Paternity Test
This test proves the paternity of an unborn child.  This medical procedure is performed between the 14th and 24th weeks of a pregnancy.  The procedure involves inserting a needle into the womb and drawing out about 15 - 30 mls of amniotic fluid.  Your gynecologist should discuss with you the potential risks to you and your unborn child involved in having an amniocentesis performed.  You must arrange with your doctor to have them perform the amniocentesis and coordinate with us on the same day to have your DNA sample collected and the alleged father's DNA sample collected by oral swab and sent to our laboratory together with the amniotic fluid to be tested immediately.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Prenatal Test
This test proves the paternity of an unborn child.  The CVS is a medical procedure performed between the 9th and 12th weeks of a pregnancy.  A very small piece of the placenta is removed through the vagina.  Your gynecologist should discuss with you the potential risks to you and your unborn child involved in having a CVS performed.  As with an amniocentesis, you must coordinate with your doctor and a DNA collector, so that on the same day the CVS is performed, we can collect a DNA sample from the mother and the alleged father and have all 3 samples sent to the lab for analysis immediately.

Results for both of these types of Prenatal Paternity Tests take approximately 5 - 7 business days.  We will call you at a convenient number with the results and then mail directly to you (or where you instruct) the hard copy of the tests.
 
2.)  At Birth

Legally Admissible Paternity Test - a DNA Collector can come to your hospital room as quickly as the day of birth, as a visitor and perform DNA collection on the mother, child and alleged father.  Proper identification is required for both mother and alleged father, ie, driver's license, state services identification card, work ID, current student ID, current military ID.  Our DNA Collector has undergone a series of vaccinations as well as criminal background check, to insure she is not infectious to a new born or anyone with a weakened immune system. You must clear our presence with the floor nurse, prior to our entering the facility.  The mother's DNA is not required to prove paternity, however, results are stronger if the mother is included in the testing.  If the hospital would prefer that you not have us enter the facility, we are happy to offer our private office for collections at a time convenient to everyone.

Private Paternity Test - A DNA Collector can come to your hospital room as soon as the day of birth, as a visitor and perform a DNA Collection on the mother, child and alleged father.  There is less time spent on identification of the mother and father; however, you must clear our presence in your room with the floor nurse.  The mother's DNA is not required to prove paternity, however, results are stronger if the mother is included in the testing.  If the hospital would prefer that you not have us enter the facility, we are happy to offer our private office for collections at a time convenient to everyone.

Home Paternity Kit - you have seen these on the market and in local drug stores.  We want to participate in this market as well; however, we notice that many customers are paying for the over the counter kits and then not confident in the results.  We offer a short lesson on how to perform the actual collection when you purchase a Home Paternity kit from us.  You will leave our private office confident in your skills to properly collect a DNA sample from all parties.

The results for any of the above 3 after birth paternity tests are provided within 3 - 5 business days.  90% are provided within 3 business days.  Only the Legally Admissible Test can be used in the future to secure child support and benefits.

3.)  Father not available for testing

If the father is missing or deceased, we can establish paternity of a child to obtain survivor benefits (military, social security)  through other methods.  If for any reason, the alleged father is not available for a DNA test and you have access to any of the following biologic fluids:

Blood, fresh in cold storage, less than 30 days old
FTA Blood Stain Card, less than 30 days old, usually held by a County Medical Examiner's Office if an autopsy was performed in New Jersey
Semen, fresh or frozen, on a swab or in a vial
Cotton Swab (mouth swab)
Bone Marrow - fresh or frozen, not on slides or in paraffin

Other unusual samples can be used as well please check with your local DNA collector.

We first will need to test the biologic fluid for viability of DNA.  If viable (usable) DNA is present, we can then proceed with a regular paternity test using the mother and child's DNA and comparing to the genetic sequencing found in the biological fluid of the alleged father.

Relatives
If your baby is a boy, and the father is not available for DNA testing but his father (the paternal grandfather) and mother are available we can perform a Y-Chromosome Test to determine the probability of paternity.

If your baby is a boy or girl, and the father is not available for a DNA test, but his father and mother (paternal grandparents) are available, we can perform a GrandPaternity Test to determine the probability of paternity

Brothers and Sisters
There are various methods to establish a familial relationship by collecting DNA samples from brothers and sisters - siblingship tests.  Call us with your unique circumstances and we will provide you with the best test available to determine the relationship you are seeking to prove.

Call 1-732-632-8830 for a Private Consultation
Discounts available to all Armed Forces, Hospital Staff, Students
Lab Accredited by AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH

Cash, Credit Cards, Personal Checks and Extended Payment Options available.

Do you have questions of your heritage?
Where your ancestors came from can make you feel part of something greater than yourself.
However, much can be lost on the roots of ones family over the years.

DNA testing can link you back to your roots.