DNA Lady
Private DNA Collection facilities receive phone calls all day about DNA Tests, what is the process, how long will it take, does the mother need to be present, what is the accuracy of our tests and in today's economy, one key question is always - How Much Does A DNA Cost?
The most experienced sales person or telemarketer can steer any phone call away from price as a selling point to a need based purchase. However, the customer asking about DNA Testing already knows this is a needs-based purchase so the best method to complete the sale is to assure them of the accuracy and reliability of the DNA tests. With the availability of do it yourself DNA kits - why should a family come to a "brick and mortar" office and have the collection performed? The main reason is because private DNA collection experts, have been doing DNA collections for a long time and will follow a strict chain of custody on all samples, assuring accuracy and reliability of the results from collection to sample receipt at the laboratory to results delivery to the consumer.
Another good reason is that most consumers (unless you have a biology degree) are not familiar with the bells and whistlers of the Paternity tests results sheet. What is an allele, what does the paternity index mean, what is an amelogin, what is the local law regarding the probability of paternity percentage, how many exclusions does a lab use to determine non-relationship status. Once you receive the DNA tests results, having someone to talk directly to about the DNA results is reassuring. If you use the OTC DNA tests, the customer service operators are not personally familiar with your case and the circumstances. Whereas had you been collected by a local, private DNA collector, the circumstances are familiar to the DNA collector and you have someone to speak to directly, by phone or in person to assure you about the test.
Of course, a major consideration on using a private DNA collector is the amount of accreditation their laboratories have achieved. The minimum accreditation for family relationship testing should be the American Association of Blood Banks or AABB. A laboratory that advertises AABB accreditation will have the following practices in place:
- Quality and Management System
- Regular Internal and External Audits
- Regular Proficiency Testing of DNA analysts (**)
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Stringent Qualifications for Staff
- Use of Validated Methods
- Duplicate Testing of Exclusions
- Continuing Education for Staff
- Regular Calibration of Laboratory Equipment (**)
- Record Retention Requirements
- Confidentiality Polices
I like to tell my callers, that using our laboratories vs. an internet kit, is laking to the difference between having a Ph.d or a high school student interpret your DNA tests. Our Ph.d will have access to equipment that is the "mercedes" of industry standards vs. the "rent a wreck" of industry standard equipment. Non-accredited laboratories do not have to follow industry standards. Think about the investment into the staff and equipment that an accredited laboratory has to maintain.
The results of DNA tests are life changing - you want to be sure that DNA analysis is performed by someone who is properly trained on the most current methods of interpreting results, has access to the best database interpreting mutations and using equipment that is 21st century
As with every industry, it is Buyer Beware and having a local DNA office to return to for questions and follow up is comforting to most families.
