May 2010 Archives

Those are the words inscribed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in the United States.  There are over 40 other countries who followed the British example and established a national memorial for the "unknown" soldiers who fought valiently for their countries.  No matter what country or belief, there are young men and women all over the world who have fought on behalf of their governments for their families, children and friends.  We have to thank god there are people out there willing and/or able to interrupt their own lives and defend a way of life. A special thanks to the families of our armed forces who were never able to identify or receive back the remains of their loved ones.  Imagine, having that picture in your mind of your son or daughter in uniform going off to first learn how to and then fight for their country - the tears of joy and fear and the swelling pride as they march onto a plain, bus or train for camp.  The strong bodies of young men and women who have chosen to protect us.  Yet, there are thousands of unidentified men and women in these cemeteries all over the world, who families never got to say their last goodbye - never really accepting the loss.   I can't imagine that the moms and dads don't still "hope" or "dream" at night, that perhaps the military was wrong, that my son or daughter is just missing and the phone will ring one day soon. 

With the increased use of DNA technology today, perhaps these monuments to the Unknown Soldier have received their last soldier. 

This weekend, as we all set off in our cars, or start of the barbecue, or open the pool - please remember at 3:00 pm on Monday is set aside as a moment to remember and give thanks. If you know of a family with relatives in the military - go over and purposefully thank them for their sacrifice.

In New Jersey, there are Memoral Day Parades in almost every little town.  If you google - Memorial Day Parade + New Jersey there are over 422,000 entries.  All week I've heard how President Obama is bucking the tradition and not attending a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.  Memorial Day is not for politics and besides it is just not true that he is the first to not attend the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony.  Memorial  Day is not about Democrat or Republican - it is not about White or Black, Confederate or  Union, Christian or Muslim - it is for remembering those who died in the service of their country.  Does it matter where President Obama goes as long as he is bringing honor to the memory of our men and women in the military?   There are over 144 National Cemeteries where more than 3.4 million veterans of every war and conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present day Wars in Irag and Afghanistan are buried.  The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery outside of Chicago, IL actually boasts the first soldier burial site in 1862 whereas Arlington claims 1864 was their first soldier burial. It was also President Lincoln's congress, who signed into legislation a law enabling the President to purchase cemetery grounds to be used as national cemeteries. 

There is still honor is what President Obama is doing and although it is not what we think we are used to  - he is setting aside a time and keeping in the minds of the American people, that on Monday we will honor our fallen heroes.    That's all that needs to be said - Honor the men and woman of our military who sacrificed their lives so that you and I can continue to pursue happiness in the manner to which we are accustomed and let's hope that one day soon, we will have no more "unknown' soldiers, no more fallen heroes and less need to sacrifice the lives of so many. 

 

 

Binding of brothers and sisters.

There are two types of Siblingship tests: full Siblingship and half Siblingship. A Siblingship test provides the likelihood of genetic relationship between two possible siblings, specifically when no other relatives are available for study. Please note that a grandparentage or reconstruction test is more definitive than a Siblingship test, especially if the mother is not involved.

Full Siblingship with a Common Parent Participating
A full Siblingship test can be performed if the two individuals
(Sibling 1, Sibling 2) know they share the same mother, but
want to know if they share the same father (who is
unavailable for testing).

Full Siblingship without a Common Parent Participating
We can perform a full Siblingship test even if the mother is not available for testing. The mother's participation is always encouraged for more conclusive results.

A half Siblingship test is performed if the two individuals
(Sibling 1, Sibling 2) know they have different mothers but want to
know if they share the same father (who is unavailable for testing).


Half Siblingship without Parents Participating
We can perform a half Siblingship test even if one or both mothers are not available for testing. A mother's participation is always encouraged for more conclusive results.

Notes
o In general, biological relationship testing (such as genetic reconstruction and Siblingship testing) is not
as definitive as DNA parentage testing. It is not possible to determine with absolute certainty whether
two people are siblings or biologically related in some way other than the parent-child relationship. We
can only test whether they are more or less likely to be related.

o Including any biological parents will increase the probability of obtaining conclusive results.

Paternity Testing is  not  just for parents anymore!

The unmarried birth rate is at an all-time high in the United States, topping out at in confirmed statistics at 36.8% in 2006 and possibly as high as 40% in 2008. Social and governmental agencies alike are coping with establishing paternity for children. However, there is a growing group that is affected by the issue of paternity that is being overlooked - grandparents.

According to AARP, nearly 6 million children are raised in households headed by grandparents or other relatives; 2.5 million of these children are without parents in the household at all, leaving their care and upbringing to their grandparents or other relatives. In light of the high out-of-wedlock birth rate, some grandparents must take an extra step and establish their biological relationship through DNA testing in order to gain legal guardianship or visitation rights to their grandchild.

There are also other, little-known situations that the grandparent generation is faced with in relation to their family status. They may have to establish paternity for reasons such as:

• Helping their son or daughter, who may have a child born outside of a marriage to determine paternity for the completion of the Acknowledgement of Paternity as quickly as possible. Many grandparents do not want to wait for state testing because it can take weeks and months to prove or disprove paternity. They want to know whether or not to bond with the grandchild to avoid future family dysfunction.
• Establishing paternity if the father is deceased, yet his name is not on the birth certificate. Helping the mother establish paternity will allow her to seek social security or military child-survivor benefits on behalf of the child, while affording grandparents the proof they need to establish legal visitation rights.
• Establishing paternity in situations where the grandchild may be placed in fostercare and preference is given to kinship support. Grandparents may need to prove their biological relationship to the child to take on the role as the legal guardian or foster parent.

Determining relations, or possible relationships, between family members will lead to a family secured from unanswerd questions or acquisitions. Paternity finds the bond between Mother, Farther and Child.

Chain of Custody Requirements
Chain of custody requirements must be fulfilled for test results to be defensible in any legal situation, such as inheritance disputes. These requirements include the following:
o Samples are collected by a neutral third party, such as a clinic or laboratory.
" The individuals tested are positively identified (i.e., they present a government-issued ID to be photocopied and/or they are photographed and fingerprinted).
o A standard DNA Diagnostics Center kit is used.
o Each party completes and signs a Client Identification and Consent Form (COC-4002).

Non-Chain of Custody Requirements
In a non-chain of custody test, samples are collected by the patients themselves. Results of this test are for personal knowledge only and may not be used for legal purposes.
. A Beta Genetics kit is used, and buccal samples can be collected by the patients themselves at a time and place that they choose.
. Since the origin of the samples cannot be verified, names are not listed on the report (i.e., the report will only show "Child," "Alleged Father," etc.)
o An RL kit number is assigned to each kit and will appear on the report as a reference for the case.

Paternity Test (Trio)

A standard paternity test, called a trio, involves the child, mother, and alleged father. The mother's participation is always encouraged in a paternity test.
Who needs to be tested?
One Mother, one Child, and one Alleged Father (AF)

Turnaround Time
3-5 business days from receipt of all samples

Notes
o The mother's participation is encouraged because we can identify the DNA she passed along to the child. By
process of elimination, the lab can identify the DNA the father has given to the child. The average Combined
Paternity Index (CPI) of a trio is 1 million, while the average CPI of a motherless case is only 10,000.
o A trio paternity test provides the strongest case for use in the courts, where the mother's involvement is
preferred and sometimes required.
o The mother's involvement allows her access to the case with questions or concerns, a copy of the paternity
results, and a full chain of custody if required.
o The mother is tested at no additional fee.

Paternity Test (Motherless):

Motherless Paternity Test
Because DNA testing is so powerful, paternity can be determined even when the mother is unwilling or unavailable to be tested.

Who needs to be tested?
One Child and one Alleged Father (AF)

Turnaround Time
3-5 business days from receipt of all samples

Note
If the mother is unwilling to be tested but can accompany the child to the collection, request that she provide consent for the minor child. Her signature and consent will provide her with access to the case with questions or concerns, a copy of the paternity results, and a full chain of custody.

Paternity Test with Related Alleged Fathers

If two alleged fathers are closely related (full brothers, half brothers, or father/son), their genetic structure can be similar, and they might share the same DNA markers commonly used in a DNA paternity test. Both could test positive as the child's biological father.
DNA testing is powerful enough to determine paternity even if the alleged fathers (AFs) are related, but you must notify our laboratory of this possibility before the testing begins. If there are two or more biologically related alleged fathers, you have three options.

Option 1:
Test all biologically related alleged fathers
The best scenario would be to test the child, the mother, and all biologically related alleged fathers at the same time to compare their DNA profiles with the child's DNA profile. When we have samples from each AF, less testing is required to achieve conclusive results. There will be an additional charge for each additional alleged father tested.

Option 2:
Test one alleged father with extended analysis
If only one alleged father is available for paternity testing, we can perform additional testing and statistical analyses to reach a conclusive result. We have an extended testing panel that allows us to test up to 9 additional markers. With this testing panel, we can either achieve an exclusion or provide a probability that the tested man is the biological father as opposed to the unavailable alleged father. There is an additional testing fee for extended testing and analysis; the turnaround time is 14 working days.

Option 3:
Test one alleged father without extended analysis
If you are unable to include the other alleged father in the paternity test, we can also run a standard paternity test; however, there is a possibility of false inclusion. The AF will be tested as only a random individual, so the results would include the following statement: "The paternity calculation does not take into consideration any biological relatives of the AF."

Prenatal Paternity Test

Paternity can be determined before birth through prenatal testing, which can be done during the 10th through the 24th week of gestation using amniocentesis or chorionic villi samples collected by an OB-GYN. The mother is required to give buccal swab samples in all prenatal tests.

Who needs to be tested?
Mother, Prenatal Sample, and one Alleged Father (AF)

Turnaround Time
5 business days from receipt of all samples

Notes
• CVS (chorionic villi sampling) is usually performed during the 10th-13th week of gestation. This is done either transcervically (through the vagina) or transabdominally (using a long needle through the abdomen).

• Amnio (amniocentesis) is usually performed during the 14th-24th week of gestation. The procedure involves drawing amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding and protecting the fetus. This fluid contains some viable (live) cells that have been shed by the fetus.

• Because both Amnio and CVS are invasive, the patient should speak with a physician about the risks involved in prenatal testing.

• Our fees do not include the OB-GYN fee for collecting the prenatal sample. This fee usually ranges between $500-$1,500. We have an OB-GYN referral service for patients who do not have access to an OB-GYN. The fee for this referral service is $200.

Post-Mortem Test

It is possible to perform DNA testing on deceased individuals using their stored samples. The post-mortem viability test is performed on a sample from a deceased individual to determine if the sample yields sufficient viable DNA to proceed with further testing. The fee for the viability test is separate from the paternity test fee. The fee varies according to the sample type, as specified in the Unusual Samples List (which appears in the first section of this manual).

Turnaround Time
5 business days from receipt of samples (bone and tooth samples require longer turnaround times)

Suggested Information to Be Obtained from Clients
o The date of autopsy, if an autopsy has been or will be performed
o Race of the deceased individual
o Type and quantity of available samples
o Storage method of available samples (e.g., frozen, refrigerated, or room temperature)
o Type of container the samples have been stored in (e.g. purple-top EDTA tube)
o The date and cause of death
o Name and phone number of the "next of kin" or estate attorney of the deceased
o Contact information for the facility in possession of the stored samples, and if it is willing to release
the samples. (Many medical examiners and hospitals require either a court order or written permission
from the next of kin before releasing a sample.)

Maternity Testing

A maternity test is performed to confirm the biological relationship between a mother and child-for example, in immigration cases, adoption, and hospital nurseries.

Who needs to be tested?
One Alleged Mother (AM) and one Child

Turnaround Time
3-5 business days from receipt of all samples

Genetic Reconstruction

Genetic reconstruction is used to test the relationship between a child and biological relatives of the alleged father, if he is deceased or unavailable for testing.
Who needs to be tested? - Option 1
One Mother, one Child, one Paternal Parent (PP) of the Alleged Father (AF), and one Full Sibling (FS) of the AF.


Who needs to be tested? - Option 2
One Mother, one Child, and two Full Siblings (FS) of the Alleged Father (AF).


Turnaround Time
14 business days frojji receipt of all samples

Notes
o There are several different scenarios for genetic reconstruction. An ideal situation would be to test the
mother, child, one parent of the deceased, and one or more full siblings of the deceased. We can also
perform the test if we have two full siblings of the deceased, the mother, and the child. For circumstances
other than these, please contact your account manager.
o In general, biological relationship testing (such as genetic reconstruction and siblingship testing) is not as
definitive as DNA parentage testing. It is not possible to determine with absolute certainty whether two
people are siblings or biologically related in some way other than the parent-child relationship.
o Results will show a Combined Relatedness Index, a statistical value showing the genetic odds in favor of
the relationship. This number represents the number of times that the tested individuals are more likely
than not to be biologically related in the manner being tested.

A Personal Case Manager is assigned to you, dedicated to providing information, resources, advice and DNA testing so you and your family can benefit from the applications of DNA.

Our business is founded on the privacy, accreditation and security of your DNA Test results.  We are not an "800 number company" where anyone can see your results. With us, only you, your personal case manager and the lab we use will know.

Only one case manager from initial contact to your DNA test results, will be working for you.

We provide the personal care, collection and testing performed by AABB/FQS-IEC/ISO 17025 accredited genetic laboratories. American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) is the most respected accrediting association for parentage testing in the United States.

All DNA samples are handled, tested, and stored according to the AABB Standards for Parentage Testing to maximize the security of the samples, preventing loss, contamination, tampering, or substitution.

Recently, on a sales trip to small towns in New Jersey, I did my usual stop into hospitals, lawyers, laboratories, clinics and private practice medical offices.  Most of the office staff and/or laboratory staff are happy to see me.  My presentation about the DNA Test we offer is short and sweet and if there is already a relationship with the facility, I'm usually carrying candy, cookies or gift cards as a small thank you for their referrals.  Private consumers are confused as to where, how and when they can get a DNA test to confirm paternity, siblingship and other biological relationships.  I welcome the few minutes I can get with the office staff to repeat what we do (DNA Tests); how we do it (privately); when we do it (at the customers convenience - no one has to miss work or school) and where we do DNA Tests (our private offices or someplace local that the customer can travel to).

I then take a ride through the local towns and see if there are any places, where a public sign may be welcomed.  You know the kind you usually see in laundromats, libraries, or at exactly eye level on telephone polls at red lights.  Some small towns clearly indicate "post no bills" and so I move on.  On this one day, as I drove up to what look like an acceptable post - about 10 men between the age of 15 and 50 came running up to my car - right to my door.  My car was empty so I could have fit at least 4 men in the front and back seats - so I think these guys thought they hit pay dirt. 

I nearly hit the curb trying to avoid them but then suddenly realized, they thought I was trying to pick them up for day labor.  Honestly, at least 10 able bodied men, sitting on the roadside in the hot sun got on their feet so quickly because they thought "work" had finally come. I know of some able bodied young men, who think looking for work is sitting on computer job boards all day.  I was impressed that these men were not only putting themselves in harms way (you'll understand later) but were so eager and anxious that they ran to my door. 

Since the men were harmless, I decided I would talk to them about my DNA Testing business and that I was there for work, just like they were.  Usually, if you have a minute, I'll talk to you about the merits of DNA testing.    I posted my sign for DNA Testings outlining all the relationships we can confirm:
Paternity
Maternity
GrandPaternity
Siblingship (Full vs. Half vs. UnRelated)
Avuncular (aunts, uncles)

outlining all of our accreditations:
aabb
NYSDOH
FQS-ISO 17025
CLIA
CAP
ASCLD
etc., etc.,  all the necessary accreditations for a government entity to accept the results of our DNA tests.

and finally outlining all the uses a private consumer may have for a DNA Test:

Acknowledge Paternity for a baby's Birth Certificate
Complete Request for Evidence in Immigration Cases
Confirm Maternity or Paternity for Parental Termination in Adoption Cases
Confirm Paternal Relationships via other living relatives in order for children to receive benefits
Confirm Paternity via PreNatal Paternity Tests so that the new dad can participate in preparation for a new baby.

Most of the men were disappointed that I wasn't picking them up for day labor but they were still polite and seem interested in talking to me. I applaud these men for being out there and looking for work but there was one lingering concern on my mind - none of the men understood a word I was saying - no English and even my broken Spanish wasn't working.  One really young guy, maybe 15 kind of looked like he understood Paternity Tests (he probably watches reruns of Maury Povich)  and I used my broken spanish "Paternidad" - he gave a little laugh but still didn't indicate complete comprehension.  One older man, said gracias as I walked away. 
 
So the first question that comes to my mind is how does an employer explain to these men what he/she needs done and secondly, as impressed as I was with their eagerness to work, isn't there something blatantly illegal about this and where are all the able bodied young American guys looking for work?  How do 10 - 15 men, who are obviously not here legally, get to sit on a pretty well known street corner, looking for work and not one public official does anything about them?

And then again, what are you going to do about them.  They need money to support themselves and their families.  They are here and I don't think going back to their country of origin anytime soon (not w/o a ticket from Uncle Sam) They appear to be hard working and if employers weren't picking them up for day work then these men wouldn't be there waiting.  It's a double sided sword - they need the work - employers need hard workers who they can pay "off the books" cheaply.  And let's face it, the age of the American born teenager going around and cutting grass, shoveling snow and doing odd jobs to pay for his first car are over.