October 2011 Archives

Most any 12 year old child that enters my office, knows what a DNA Test is about.  We remove any signs related to Paternity in order to allow the parents some dignity however, sex education in schools,  movies, TV, games or friends - a 12 year old is able to connect - DNA with "who is my father?".  That is why I'm always surprised when an adult gets results they did not expect and then get angry with me.  Sort of don't kill the messenger situtation.  When there are two adults and one child participating in a DNA Test to confirm or deny Paternity - one of the adults knows the truth in the situation - the other is in denial. 

There is another phenomenon and that is the person or person(s) who believe that DNA "Testes" are free.  Even if done by Maury or family court - DNA Testes are not free.  A late night caller plugs into a search engine "Free DNA Tests" and of course, lands on our page.  Then call asking if we do "free DNA Testes".   This is the segment of the population who also expects free education, free healthcare, free medicine - here's some free advice - get a job, get a life, go back to school and learn English.  One has to feel sorry for this population otherwise one would track them down through one of the many private investigators who legitimately use our tests and issue warnings about nuisance calls.

DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid or the genetic material found in the nucleated cells of your body.  A person receives half of his/her genetic material, or DNA from his/her biological mother and the other half from his/her biological father.  DNA is the same whether in your blood or your saliva and today's technology allows us to collect cheek cells from mother, father and child to confirm Paternity or Maternity.  Today most labs are using PCR Based Analysis which amplifies specific areas of DNA (loci) in search of the STRs (short tandem repeat units) of DNA.  Each person has two sets of the repeating or STRs known as allelles.  The numbers listed on a DNA Paternity Test represent the number of times the proteins (GATC) repeats at that specific allelle.  If a tested man does not have obligate paternal allelles at three or more loci, he is excluded as the biological father of the child.    Rarely, an alleged father will not have the obligate paternal allele at one or two loci.  The laboratory would then require additional analysis to determine whether the alleged father is excluded or not.  All the more reason, to use a community based DNA collector - so that you can return to that office and ask questions about the DNA Test results.   

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

The United States government issues 55,000 Green Cards every year through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. Applicants for the 2013 program should have their registration completed and electronically submitted by November 5, 2011.  Applicants are selected randomly by a computer generated drawing. If selected, the main applicant, spouse and all unmarried children under 21 years of age will have a chance to apply for permanent resident status in the United States.

This official program will make permanent residence visas available to persons meeting the U.S. government eligibility requirements. Application to this program is open to individuals from all countries that fulfill the two basic entry requirements. The visas are distributed among six geographic regions with a greater number of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration, and with no visas going to citizens of countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. Within each region, no one country may receive more than seven percent of the available Diversity Visas in any one year.

Participation in Diversity Visa program is FREE.  If you are selected  by the computer generated system as one of the winners of this year's Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, and require additional identifying paperwork, DNA Tests can be provided as additional proof of a relationship.  Be sure the DNA Test is performed only by accredited laboratories and their affiliates.

Such a program allows a more diverse population to enter the United States and contribute to our greatness.  Diversity in any resource greatly improves the outcome.  Whether it is a simple recipe - that starts with great ingredients or a powerful government that starts with great ideas from different people.  As anyone who has watched our country move through inventions, historic wars, poverty, abundance, expansion and contraction - we flourish by inviting so many into our country and our greatness is nourished by the diversity of that population (Lyndon Johnson)

The United States offers so many legal opportunities for families to live, work and be educated that those who thumb their nose and enter on an illegal basis should not be rewarded.  We have promised those who enter here legally they if they follow our rules they can bring their families - let us not forget the contribution those families have made over the last 20 years to our society and let us not interfere with their ability to continue through immigration in the name of dollars.

From time to time, The DNA Lady's office will get notices from other organizations who may have use for private DNA Testing.  We are happy to post notices, when the subject matter concerns our work and our potential clients.  Many families have been reuinited with the use of non-invasive DNA Testing.  Many families rumors have been put to rest also using our DNA Tests.  Below is a request for adoptees to participate in a Thesis project.  If you are interested, please contact Eileen at her yahoo address below. 

REQUEST FOR ADOPTEES TO PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY

As part of a Master Thesis in Sociology, the principal researcher is looking for adoptees who have been in reunion for longer than four years. The researcher would like to obtain participants who are currently in an adoption support group, and participants who currently are not.  The research is qualitative in design and would require participation in open ended interviews roughly 30-90 minutes in length. The research focus relates to the participants' experiences/relationships with their natural siblings and other extended family members, rather than their experiences with their natural parents. This study is IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved requiring a signed consent form. All participants will be guaranteed anonymity.  If you are willing to participate, please contact Eileen Skahill at:  eileenskahill@yahoo.com or 719-510-5109. 

Often it feels like we are only now opening our eyes to ignorance of just a generation or two ago.  What will our children be undoing?  If there are families still struggling with questionable biological relationships - paternity, maternity, siblingship and grand paternity - there is a DNA Test available to confirm/deny a biological relationship so that all parties can move on to the next step in the lives. 

DNA Testing and the DREAM ACT

As with so many trends in the United States, most are started in the sunny state of California.  So the latest, is that California Governor Brown has signed into law, the DREAM Act - Development , Relief and Education of Alien Minors - which allows for in-state tuition aid to non USA citizens students who are on the path to citizen ship.  To prove a point about trends starting in California - who was the first to ban cigarette smoking in public places.  A long time ago (1986) a family member returned home from living in California and posted a sign in her home "No Smoking - Lungs at Work".  We were horrified by the construction type sign displayed in her ladylike home - yellow with a big black "X".  But having lived in CA for sometime, our family member saw nothing odd about this notice and in fact, thought we (East Coasters) were out of touch.  Turns out - even though the sign was offensive - the sentiment was logical and is today part of the entire nation's every day life.  So, I plead my case - that many trends start out in CA and the rest of us just better get on board.

If that is the case, then we can see that the remainder of the States will shortly be considering the DREAM Act and its' value to the growing immigrant population.  Watch for States like New York (already pushed through Regents Board), Florida, New Jersey, and others to quickly follow.  Children brought into our country illegally through no fault of their own, are motivated to continue their efforts to work hard and gain a good education and become US citizens. 

The question remains - Do School Administrators/Superintendents/Counselors/School Nurses/PTOs and PTAs in districts with majority of immigrant population - have any responsibility to inform students and their parents of the need for proper documentation or the PATH to citizenship, in order to obtain federal financial aid at secondary schools.  Who will start the minor alien child on the path to citizenship?

Perhaps a child was born in Mexico to a father who was a USA citizen.  Perhaps a mother, who had already obtained Permanent U.S.Residents, returned home to Mexico to have her child clowser to her family.  All that child needs is corrected birth certificates or CRBA as outlined below.  DNA Tests are an affordable and painless method of proving biological relationship to a USA citizen and are accepted by the U.S. Consulate and Embassy offices, provided an accredited laboratory performs analysis. 

For a quick reference regarding Children born in Mexico to a U.S. Citizen:

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

The U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara strongly encourages all U.S. citizens who have children born in Mexico to register them as U.S. citizens as soon as possible after birth. Upon registration, the child will be issued a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA), which is an official record confirming that the child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth. A CRBA can be issued only at an American Consular Office overseas, and only before the child reaches 18 years of age.

Parents seeking to obtain a CRBA for a child must be able to demonstrate to the interviewing consular officer that:

1. At least one of the parents was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child's birth;
2. The child is the biological child of the U.S. citizen parent(s); (DNA Tests are the gold standard of identification but only use a reputable collector and accredited lab)  and
3. If only one of the parents is a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the United States for the required length of time prior to the birth of the child.

If both parents are U.S. citizens, at least one of them must have resided in the United States prior to the child's birth. The period of physical presence in the United States required to transmit citizenship to a child born abroad varies, depending on the date of birth of the child and the marital status of the parents. Please see the following Citizenship Chart to determine which category applies to you and your child.

Infidelity Testing

As if we are not all bombarded on a daily basis with fears, uncertainties and problems in life - let's highlight one more for all the ladies (and men) to think about as we slowly ease into the holiday season.  Please, I need to get passed Halloween and Thanksgiving before I can get into "holiday" mode.  

However, in times of stress, and that is eustress and distress, infidelity cases increase - not necessarily a by-product of a marriage or a cohabitation relationship but more a by-product of financial problems, extra time on your hands,  unresolved emotional issues, availability and access to anonymous sex through social media sites (thoughts about the Craig's List Killer should eliminate some activity) and don't forget facebook - how many quick hookups have taken place by "friending" someone from 20 years ago and then remembering the reasons why you didn't stay friends in the first place!  And of course, once a cheater always a cheater.  People rarely change their stripes - perhaps control for a short while as they mature - but without a profound life-change event  - if you cheated in your 20s you are bound to cheat in your 30s, 40s, 50s....  Ladies, you just can't fix everyman that walks into your life- some are only meant for fun - others are meant for life.

I don't believe for one minute that Ashton cheated on Demi - it was a cheap publicity stunt - probably set up with the extras from the set of the show that aired October 18th.  It all seems too coincidental.  Without ever having met Ashton, he seems to be closer to the character he now plays on 2 1/2 Men, then to someone who cheats on his wife in a very public venue. 

Just as a reminder, if you think you partner is cheating here are some tips to follow:

1.)  hushed phone calls or a quick I'll call you back when there is no reason why he/she can't have a conversation right there in front of you

2.)  missing time - I'm going to the store for milk and then showing up 8 hours later without the milk?

3.)  check cellphone records, deleted messages, email accounts, facebook status, does he close the screen quickly as you walk in the room?

4.)  old stand bys - is he/she coming home smelling freshly showered and shaved and primped - why?  check out his/her clothing - are there any unusual smells or stains?  Put the garment in a paperbag and bring it to the DNA Lady to determine the presence of male DNA (not yours) or female DNA (not yours) - or simply determine if the stain is semen - which you know should not be there?

5.)  mileage on his car - if he/she only drives 5 miles to work everyday but comes home with an extra 40 miles on his/her car - where did he/she go that day?  Ask before  you mention the difference in mileage.

6.)  are there charges on his/her credit card for items for the opposite sex - like perfume or cologne - or jewelry or clothing that you didn't receive?   

Unfortunately, once you get that doubt in your mind, or mistrust about your partner - it is often hard to remove it without some kind of concrete information.  Even then, when clients receive information it is often hard for them to accept.  Always know your next step, if you are going to push for DNA Testing to confirm an infidelity.  There are usually more than two people involved - you might have children to think about, in-laws, siblings  -not to mention the "other women" or "other men" involved in this situation. 

You may have landed on this blog because you are trying to set up a DNA test with a local New Jersey based DNA collections facility.  In my business, working with a local company on such an important matter in your life - is more important than the $10 or $20 you can save by dialing one of those "800" numbers.  Once you have results, if you have questions, you can simply walk into our collection facility and ask me direct questions about the Paternity Test.

While you are here looking at all the different DNA topics, that I as an expert DNA collector, keep on top of everyday - here is one that you (the new alleged dad) or you (the new mom) should also keep in mind.

Many woman suffer from PostPartum Depression (PPD), in fact up to 80% of new mother's experience a range of highs and lows during pregnancy or following delivery.  Usually, these "baby blues" are mild and go away in about two weeks.  However, if you are feeling a little more than the "baby blues" and a heavy feeling of sadness doesn't stop in about two weeks - please speak up to your doctor, your family, your friends - even your local DNA collector.  and Men if you see this in the new mom in  your life - make sure her family and doctor know about it.  Too many times, women try to put a "strong" or "happy" face on because they think they are supposed to be happy and elated after a child is born.  PPD is treatable with support, patience and knowledge and it will not last forever.  Some of the syptoms of PPD are:

General lack of interest in the baby, family or friends

Changes in Sleep Patterns (too much or too little)

Uncontrollable crying

Irritability and anxiousness

Changes in Appetite (too much or too little)

These are only a handful of signs.  Each mother experiences pregnancy differently and each mother experiences the postnatal days just as differently.  But with treatment, love, understanding, and support PPD is treatable and will not last forever.  Mom can restore her joy in her new baby. 

Perhaps this may not be the time to push for a Paternity Test.  Don't sign papers in a hospital or court if you have any doubts.  Assure the mother and family that you intend on doing the right thing for everyone involved but that there is no sense putting your name on a piece of paper only to have to change it in the future.  Better to wait a few weeks until Mom has settled in, any signs of PPD are managed by her physician and then attend to a Private DNA Test to confirm paternity. 

Ultimately, while taking care of a new mom who may be experiencing PPD is important task - it is equally as important for the child to know his true and correct biological parent through a private, non invasive DNA test - finding out later in everyone's life only upsets the entire family and make shake the child's foundation.   

Just in case here is a telephone number and a website link in case you think a new mom may be experiencing PPD 1-800-328-3838.  First things first.

As a local, private DNA collector  and to maintain a level of expert knowledge - I monitor the activity at the local, state, national and international level of the DNA testing industry.  I am always amazed at the amount of time a "State" lab takes in completing a DNA test vs. a private laboratory.  In the below post, from a local Philadelphia paper - they indicate that over 500 tests went incomplete and that it took an average of 240 days turn around time to complete those DNA test that they could complete?   Is that a simple DNA Profile - how many hands touched the case - from original collector - to state lab tech - to state Phd then back to collector then entry into CODIS - really 240 days.  Is the perpetrator out on the streets in all that time or is he/she sitting in jail - either way out on the street - you and I are in danger - in jail and not the right perp - he/she has not been given a due justice in a speedy trial.   Understandably, the standard at State labs have to be strictly followed but most of the private laboratories also have attained national and international accrediting standards - which make for accuracy and reliability as well.  Hate to be a naysayer of government workers, but this DNA collector was at a recent event, with men and women who were either former law enforcement, FBI, etc., and when I asked an innocent but simple question - Why does it take the State Lab so long - after a few uncomfortable shrugs and giggles - the surprising response was - dragging out cases means job security.  Not coming from the government employee mentality - I never did understand why they wouldn't do a good job because they are being paid salaries and benefits and have chosen to work for the State because they have an honest desire to protect citizens???  At this age, I am still naive!  I don't picture scientists taking something so important as determining a perp's DNA - and delaying results - so that they have jobs until their desired retirement date.

On the flip side, when I work with the private AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH, ASCLD accredited labs - for simple paternity tests to the more involved forensic cases, I know that my DNA samples, paperwork, photographs are checked and doubled checked for accuracy.  I know that the lab is competing with at least 25 other private laboratories who have the same accredititations and so they want to provide a product that is both reliable and accurate and more importantly, timely.

so, whether you need a simple paternity test or a genetic profile from an object at a crime scene, think of bringing in a local, private collector to at least jump start the DNA testing process - I know I would feel safer that the perp is off the street faster than 240 days!

QUOTE FROM PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

State police have said their DNA lab last year received 1924 cases and completed 1412, with an average turnaround time of 240 days. The department received 23938 samples from convicted offenders for testing, and the state now has more than 240000 ...

UNQUOTE FROM PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER