August 2009 Archives

Too often, paternity tests are the subject of jokes and laughter or worse yet, fodder for character assassination.  Look at all the DNA Paternity Testing blog sites that have popped up on the internet over the last 12 months.  Is that the only way for DNA testing labs to gain sales and increase revenue by demoralizing the woman who take the tests?

Why, in the year 2009, are we still morally judging a female for performing a basic bodily function.  For goodness sake, when will we stop living this double standard!   It is a simple biological function - sex - yes , there I said it - what is the big deal.   Men want it, women want it - why continue to give power over to segment of the population that sits in high moral judgment - that includes both men and women who think that judging others gives them a higher ground.  This is not to say, that we should be running around like bunnies without any thought to  the consequences of our actions.  

Men, are judged by the power that they wield in business.  Men are also judged, by the sexual prowess that they let you think they have - perception is reality for some, right?  Why aren't women judged in the same light.  Think of how the local TVs shows would play out then, you wouldn't have fearful, scorned females but strong, empowered women in search of their child's identity - not just for financial support but so that the child has an equal chance in life.  After all, both adult participants in the test, have a doubt in their mind about who is the biological father - aren't both then responsible?   

I've seen Paternal Grandmothers come in, barely able to speak to a new mother who has "seduced" her angelic son - they might as well be carrying a cane and stick for all the anger and resentment they exhibit toward these young woman.  Remember, these are new, often young moms, with new mom hormones and fears.  Grandmothers, put your own fears aside (and yes, you know what lies ahead for these new young parents and their child) but be kind to these young woman - don't you remember how terrified you were on your first born's birthday or for that matter - your fifth born's birthday and arrival at home? 

If there is a unexpected baby in the picture, then two people played a part in that picture - along with science and god depending on what side of the spectrum you sit.   Every child will ask at some point in their life, how did I get here and who am I?  Take a DNA test and give that child the foundation on which to build a better life.  Don't start the child's life, by judging the actions of his/her biological parents.  Take the DNA test so that everyone in this new baby's life has peace of mind.

The decision to take a DNA test is a personal one and should involve only the mom, alleged father and baby.  Sometimes, the cost of the test is a factor and that is why the grandparents are involved - that's OK but grandparents, be gentle, you were once young.  Remember the weight of your words on your children and their children.   

DNA Lady is a Coalition Member of NPM

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). DNA Lady New Jersey office has registered as a coalition member of the NPM. NPM is sponsored by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council and is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. The more prepared the public is, the stronger our emergency response team will be. DNA Lady in New Jersey is a single resource for an agency requiring identification of victims and their families through the collection of DNA samples to matching or create a genetic profile. DNA Lady obtained certification from the US Department of Labor in the Incident Command System (ICS) 200.  This two day course covered the ICS organization, basic terminology and common responsibilities.

Everyone in the community has a role to play when it comes to preparing for and responding to the next disaster, whether an act of god, such as severe weather, or an act of terrorism.

FEMA's Ready Campaign asks families and businesses to do 3 things to participate in the National Preparedness Month:

• Prepare a Basic Emergency Supply Kit
• Create a Family Emergency Plan
• Know what types of Emergencies may happen in your area

The contents of the Basic Emergency Supply Kit should include:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (don't forget your pet's food as well)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit - include prescription medication and dosage information
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, hygiene products, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (good time to find out the source of all your utilities)
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers (have emergency contact numbers programmed ahead of time and label ICE)
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• DNA Child Safety Identification - a genetic profile of your children and family members will expedite any post-accident identification processes
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Give this list to your children, and have them create the kit and put it in a safe place. Involving the children gives them a sense of control if an emergency arises - they know they have done something to prepare for an emergency. Make it an end of summer project. Host a CSI party (Child Safety Identification), where your local DNA collections expert collects and creates a genetic profile of the entire family.Let your local DNA expert, provide a key document to be a part of your Emergency Response Kit. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also recommends that parents and/or legal guardians have a DNA profile of their children, in case of emergency. DNA profiles are the gold standard in human identification, today.

Family Emergency Plan

• Identify an out-of town contact.It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. (during 9/11, many will remember that we could not contact local family in New York and New Jersey, but could easily make a call out to the Midwest or South Atlantic)
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging. Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
• Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. For example, know the url of your local town's emergency response system - you can sign up ahead of time for messages.
• Emergency Messaging

Planning to Stay or Go

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information, including what you are learning here, to determine if there is an immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for information or official instruction as it becomes available.

Emergency Information

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door - make sure they are fully identified before you open your door.

DNA Lady is a community based DNA collections facility. Our DNA tests are performed by an AABB, CAP, CLIA, ASCLD, NYSDOH, FQS-I/ISO IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. All tests are performed twice for accuracy and reliability.  Results are reviewed by a Ph.d and notarized. Email the DNA Lady if you have any questions regarding DNA collections.

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, about 30 percent of paternity tests in the US find that the man thought to be the father is not actually the father.

Everyone is worried these days about identity theft; however, if the tenets of GINA are not strictly adhered to, there will be much more personal information lost.

Protecting your DNA, affectionately known as GINA or Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is as important to today's generation as protecting your Social Security number.  If your life can be ruined by an unknown assailant using your social security card to obtain credit and buy that big screen TV or worldwide vacations, then imagine what big government or private industry will do if they have access to your genetic predisposition.

On a good note - so big business and government know you are predisposed to long life and healthy genes - you and your family get lucky and are given jobs, insurance, education, bank financing for homes, vacations etc., you are a good bet because genetically you are predisposed to a long and healthy life.  You will live on the "good gene" street.

On a bad note - your genetic code pops up in some computer as being predisposed to cancer or mental illness or autoimmune diseases  - why would an insurance company offer you long term insurance, why would an employer hire you, or provide a pension or disability insurance, why would a bank finance a loan for your education or your house - you MIGHT be too sick to pay it back.  That is a BIG MIGHT because we are a long way off on solidly predicting through DNA tests what type of diseases you will get and what types of diseases you MAY get.  Yet, the information is valuable to insurance company, employers, doctors, future mates, etc and may affect the quality of your life - without your knowing it.
Here are the tenets of GINA

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA, is U.S. federal legislation with bipartisan support that protects Americans from discrimination (in health insurance and employment decisions) on the basis of genetic information. (*** Let me digress here for a moment -  if government is leaning to a one payor system and they have access to your genetic predisposition - how much coverage do you think you will be able to obtain? )

GINA has passed through Congress and was signed into law by the President on May 21, 2008. As a result, American insurance companies and health plans (including both group and individual insurers, as well as federally-regulated plans) will be prohibited from:

• looking at your predictive genetic information or genetic services before you enroll
• requesting or requiring that you or your family members take a genetic test
• restricting enrollment based on genetic information
• changing your premiums based on genetic information

GINA also prohibits U.S. employers (including employment agencies, labor organizations, and training programs) from:

• discriminating against who they hire or how much they pay on the basis of genetic information
• requesting or requiring that you or your family members take a genetic test
• disclosing your genetic information in their possession except under specific and specially controlled circumstances.

The bottom line is, protect your personal genetic information.  "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  Remember Social Security numbers were only supposed to provide you with access to the Social Security Fund.  Today, you can't do anything without a Social Security Number, even if by the time you retire the Social Security Fund is deplete.  Do not allow States to take your DNA, better to save your dollars and have a private DNA test taken at a private DNA facility whose only goal is to confirm biological relationships, not geneticaly predictive diagnostic information.  Most private DNA collectors will work with you on payment options.
There is a whole generation running to the local family courts because state funded DNA Paternity Tests are widely used to confirm paternity and obtain child support.  Next time, take a look at what you are signing - does it provide you with confidentiality on the report?  Does it state that your DNA is being collected only as a means to confirm paternity?  What happens with the DNA once the lab and/or collector have provided you with the Probability of Paternity. The simple Paternity via DNA test that you submit to today, may have long reaching affects on your children.

Here is a list of Database Services for Private Investigators.  Some of the sites will require the following identification prior to giving access:

Drivers Lic,

PI Lic card,

Phone Bill.

A DBA

A Wall Lic (if issued by the State) 

www.accurint.com (subscription database)
www.confi-chek.com (subscription based database)
www.usdatalink.net (subscription public record research services US wide)
www.dataquick.com ( real estate information solutions for all your needs including)
www.IQdata.com (subscription database)
www.irbsearch.com (subscription database)
www.lexisnexis.com (subscription database public records and legal research)
www.locateplus.com (subscription database)
www.masterfiles.com (subscription database)
www.merlindata.com (subscription database)
www.pallorium.com (subscription database)
www.pac-info.com (largest set of public records links)
www.skipsmasher.com (subscription database )
www.telequery.net (subscription based; search by phone, name or address)
www.tracersinfo.com (subscription database)
www.westlaw.com (fee based; legal research)

www.netsleuth.com

www.publicdata.com

www.cis.com

www.melissadata.com

Thank you to all the Private Investigators in New Jersey who have recommended or directly used our private DNA and Drug Screening tests.  I found the above list on a Professional Networking website.

The DNA Lady owns a DNA testing franchise in New Jersey and offers private, affordable DNA tests to confirm biological relationships, the presence of biological substances (blood, hair, nails, saliva, semen, tissue) and relationships between an unknown substance and persons.

How many times do you interact with a client and just wish they were all like that.  Providing private DNA tests to the community has truly opened my eyes to the world and to the different kinds of people. 

Children of about 4 - 8 years old are particularly fun.  They are somewhat aware that the DNA test has something to do with them and their parents - but they don't grasp the full concept or levity in the situation.

One little boy recently just made my whole day worthwhile.  It was in June in New Jersey and we were either having rainy days or hot, humid days.  Either way going out on a mobile DNA collection in any of that weather was not something I was looking forward to doing that day.  First, establishing that we could use a local social service office to meet and do the collection, then finding parking close to the facility as the area was not one of the best New Jersey has to offer and then getting through the paperwork - I would rather have spent the day in an air conditioned office making phone calls to the gate keepers in doctors and lawyers offices.    You get it.

But, the little guy in the test made my day.  He was about 4 - 5 years old, he was being tested in order that his mother (beneficiary) could be sponsored by him a little 5 year old boy and his older brother and brought to the United States through a family Visa.  He was too young to fully understand how important he was on this day.  As I said, it was probably 80 degrees out and humid as possible.  The little came guy came bouncing into the facility with his dad and sat right down next to me.  He was neatly dressed, his hair all brushed, shoes polished and just a bubbly bunch of energy.  He was also very polite and talkative, a clean slate of open eyed trust and faith.  He had on very cute pin striped pants and couldn't  have been more proud of himself that day because he dressed himself. 

The facility we were using didn't have the best of air conditioning so I was showing signs of feeling the heat, a little runny make-up, a bit of friz in my hair and that clammy feeling.  But my little DNA participant didn't feel a thing.  He had dressed himself to the nines that day and I don't think that his Dad took a good look at him before leaving the house.  My little DNA guy, in 80 degrees and probably 80% humidity had on his Blue Winter Coat with the Big Red Race Car on the front that you couldn't miss as he sat down next to me to tell me all about the car. And underneath, his warm snuggly Big Red Race Car jacket, he has put on two of his favorite yellow T-Shirts - which may have had something to do with sports again but I was too dazzled by his Blue Winter Coat to hear him say what sports the Two T-Shirts underneath his Blue Winter Jacket represented.  You see he did know there was something important about him today, more so than other days and so he had dressed for the event.  All through the DNA test, he talked about the Red Race Car, not the least interested in what a really important thing he was doing that day and I can tell you for two days I smiled about this little guy and his Blue Winter Jacket with Red Racing Car.  Just for the record, his big brother was just as sweet and polite but he didn't have a Red Racing Car jacket. 

You see DNA Tests are not always about "whose the daddy" - DNA tests offer so much more to our community besides just a simple Paternity Test. 

Sometimes, it is the little things that can make it all worthwhile.