DNA Lady
In New Jersey, carefully consider who you chose to perform your DNA tests. Whether you want a DNA test to confirm paternity, maternity or any other biological relationship, here are a few questions to ask :
1.) Where are you located?
Just because a website buys up the name of your city and links it with the letters DNA does not necessarily mean, they are located in your city. Internet savvy DNA testing companies are buying up site domains just to catch your attention.
The best advice is to work with your local DNA collections expert. Someone you can go back to in 30, 60 or 90 days who will remember you, your circumstances and be able to assist you with questions or concerns. If the 800 operator starts asking "what is your zip code? "are you located near this intersection" - it suggests that they are not in New Jersey and will hook you up to an independent collector with no personal interest in providing you with good customer care. Do you want your private information in the hands of a "consultant"?
2.) What are the accrediting institutions of your laboratory?
The minimum standard these days in DNA testing is the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). If that is the only accreditation the facility can offer you, then "BUYER BEWARE". Most reputable DNA testing facilities should be able to list at least 3 - 4 other accrediting facilities including but not limited to:
College of American Pathologists
American Society of Crime Laboratories Directors International
Forensic Quality International FQS-IOC 17025
New York State Department of Health
Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act
3.) Who will perform my DNA test?
Will the person you are speaking to on the phone be the same person who will perform the DNA test? If not, then will you have to explain your circumstances all over again when you meet to perform the DNA test?
4.) Who will provide my DNA Test results?
Will the person you are speaking to on the phone be the same person collecting your DNA and providing you with the results? If not, then how many people will know about your circumstances? How many times is your information viewed?
When you call the 800 numbers to ask questions about DNA testing, your name, phone number, address are all entered into "the" system. Each time you phone the "800" number, someone else is viewing your information and history. If you give personal information such as your Social Security or Driver's License number - how many people will be able to access your data? Don't give a credit card deposit over the phone. If you are sure you want a DNA test then a private DNA testing facility should take an appointment from you. You don't give your local doctor or dentist a credit card deposit for an appointment, do you?
5.) Is the person performing the DNA test, vaccinated and innoculated?
You may have a newborn baby? You do not want someone who is possibly infectious near your infant. Check to make sure that the person performing the DNA test is up to date on vaccinations, tetanus and hepatitis and flu shots.
Your DNA tests should be performed by someone in a private facility, preferably the same person you talk to on the phone and the same person who delivers your results. Contrary to popular TV talk shows, your DNA test is a private matter and should involve as few people as possible.
Most DNA Testing companies can deliver DNA Paternity Test results in as little as 3 business days. Fast turnaround time is not a selling point. The price on most DNA Tests is about the same, in some cases you may be paying extra for that independent collector - so ask up front if the price being quoted to you includes the collection fees or not? Ask if there are additional charges for faxing, extra copies, additional address fees? Know ahead of time so that you are not surprised and forced to pay for something at the time of the test.
You should be confident in the person performed the DNA test and assured that your DNA test results are secure. We do not know where DNA and the science behind it will take us in the next 20 years - be careful of the "nationwide facilities" storing your data, using independent collectors and 800 calling features or internet access to your DNA results. Your DNA is valuable and extremely personal to you. Until the DNA industry is fully regulated, use your local DNA collector for such a private matter.
The DNA Lady owns a private DNA collections facility in Metuchen, NJ. We have a private office that you may visit before, during and after the DNA collection process. The DNA Lady has assisted families in New Jersey with private DNA tests to confirm paternity, maternity, siblingship, grand paternity. The DNA Lady has also worked with the legal community on forensic DNA testing for criminal and civil cases. We work hand in hand with U.S. Embassies in over 150 foreign countries to expedite the immigration process. Our goal is to bring this valuable tool in human identity to the private consumer. DNA is a fascinating subject - we have the answers to your questions and doubts.
1.) Where are you located?
Just because a website buys up the name of your city and links it with the letters DNA does not necessarily mean, they are located in your city. Internet savvy DNA testing companies are buying up site domains just to catch your attention.
The best advice is to work with your local DNA collections expert. Someone you can go back to in 30, 60 or 90 days who will remember you, your circumstances and be able to assist you with questions or concerns. If the 800 operator starts asking "what is your zip code? "are you located near this intersection" - it suggests that they are not in New Jersey and will hook you up to an independent collector with no personal interest in providing you with good customer care. Do you want your private information in the hands of a "consultant"?
2.) What are the accrediting institutions of your laboratory?
The minimum standard these days in DNA testing is the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). If that is the only accreditation the facility can offer you, then "BUYER BEWARE". Most reputable DNA testing facilities should be able to list at least 3 - 4 other accrediting facilities including but not limited to:
College of American Pathologists
American Society of Crime Laboratories Directors International
Forensic Quality International FQS-IOC 17025
New York State Department of Health
Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act
3.) Who will perform my DNA test?
Will the person you are speaking to on the phone be the same person who will perform the DNA test? If not, then will you have to explain your circumstances all over again when you meet to perform the DNA test?
4.) Who will provide my DNA Test results?
Will the person you are speaking to on the phone be the same person collecting your DNA and providing you with the results? If not, then how many people will know about your circumstances? How many times is your information viewed?
When you call the 800 numbers to ask questions about DNA testing, your name, phone number, address are all entered into "the" system. Each time you phone the "800" number, someone else is viewing your information and history. If you give personal information such as your Social Security or Driver's License number - how many people will be able to access your data? Don't give a credit card deposit over the phone. If you are sure you want a DNA test then a private DNA testing facility should take an appointment from you. You don't give your local doctor or dentist a credit card deposit for an appointment, do you?
5.) Is the person performing the DNA test, vaccinated and innoculated?
You may have a newborn baby? You do not want someone who is possibly infectious near your infant. Check to make sure that the person performing the DNA test is up to date on vaccinations, tetanus and hepatitis and flu shots.
Your DNA tests should be performed by someone in a private facility, preferably the same person you talk to on the phone and the same person who delivers your results. Contrary to popular TV talk shows, your DNA test is a private matter and should involve as few people as possible.
Most DNA Testing companies can deliver DNA Paternity Test results in as little as 3 business days. Fast turnaround time is not a selling point. The price on most DNA Tests is about the same, in some cases you may be paying extra for that independent collector - so ask up front if the price being quoted to you includes the collection fees or not? Ask if there are additional charges for faxing, extra copies, additional address fees? Know ahead of time so that you are not surprised and forced to pay for something at the time of the test.
You should be confident in the person performed the DNA test and assured that your DNA test results are secure. We do not know where DNA and the science behind it will take us in the next 20 years - be careful of the "nationwide facilities" storing your data, using independent collectors and 800 calling features or internet access to your DNA results. Your DNA is valuable and extremely personal to you. Until the DNA industry is fully regulated, use your local DNA collector for such a private matter.
The DNA Lady owns a private DNA collections facility in Metuchen, NJ. We have a private office that you may visit before, during and after the DNA collection process. The DNA Lady has assisted families in New Jersey with private DNA tests to confirm paternity, maternity, siblingship, grand paternity. The DNA Lady has also worked with the legal community on forensic DNA testing for criminal and civil cases. We work hand in hand with U.S. Embassies in over 150 foreign countries to expedite the immigration process. Our goal is to bring this valuable tool in human identity to the private consumer. DNA is a fascinating subject - we have the answers to your questions and doubts.
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