Is an appointment required?
You do not need to make an appointment if you will be testing at our facility. Just visit us during normal business hours (M-F 8-5).
How long does the collection process take?
We are a walk-in clinic, so collection times may vary based on the number of donors that are present when you arrive. The entire collection process usually requires about 30 minutes to complete. This includes the average time it takes donors to complete the paperwork as well as the technician to review the procedures and collect the specimens.
How are the Specimens Collected?
Buccal Swabs
The standard collection of samples is a safe and reliable procedure that uses Buccal Swabs. The collection procedure is a painless non-invasive procedure in which cheek cells are collected with cotton tipped swabs for transport and testing.
Buccal swabs allow for the collection from newborns, children and adults. Buccal Swabs are a very efficient method of collecting samples and seldom require recollection of samples. Under special circumstances arrangements can be made to use umbilical cord blood, venous blood, tissues, bone and other body fluids.
Can Parentage be established for a deceased or missing individual?
Yes, if blood or tissues are collected at postmortem and properly stored, they can be sent to the laboratory and used in paternity tests. If the alleged father’s parents are available, they can be used in grand parentage testing.
Can Paternity be established in cases if the mother does not participate in the test?
Yes, DNA testing is so powerful that the mother does not have to participate in the test. *Although in some cases, additional alleles have to be examined to achieve a probability of paternity greater than 99.0%.
Can accurate results be obtained from brothers or other related individuals of the alleged father?
Yes, the laboratory should be notified of circumstances involving relatives. Although related individuals have similar genetic markers, additional testing can be performed until one man is excluded.
One or more of the donors live far away. Can you set up a site for their testing?
For Court Admissible Tests, MedScreens can make arrangements for sample collection throughout the United States. We will provide a convenient location, date, and time for your collection. Testing arrangements can be made by calling MedScreens at (601) 939-3030.
What is the difference between a court admissible paternity test and a peace of mind test?
The sample collection for a peace of mind test is completed by the individuals involved in the test in the privacy of their homes or in a collection site where the strict requirements of a court admissible test are not adhered to. The photographs, finger printing and strict chain of custody are not implemented thus making the results inadmissible in a court of law. The alleles (genes) examined, accuracy, and the results are the same as a court admissible paternity test. The peace of mind test is for circumstances where legal proceedings are not needed. The results of a peace of mind test can not be used in a court of law.
Do all parties have to be collected at the same time?
No, arrangements can be made to collect samples from people at different times and/or places.
Can different specimens (i.e. blood and buccal swabs) be used in the same case?
Yes, DNA tests are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a person’s body.
What do I need to bring to the testing process?
Legal photo identification (e.g. drivers license, state I. D. card, passport).
Can buccal swabs be stored for future tests?
Yes, cells on swabs have been shown to be stable for many years.
Do you have to be a certain age to undergo testing?
No, the collection of cord blood at birth and the use of buccal swabs allow for testing at any age.
Are there differences in test results between buccal swabs, blood or other tissues?
No, DNA test results are the same because the DNA is the same in all nucleated cells of a person’s body.
Can the results be admissible in court?
Yes, if samples are collected according to legal requirements; a government issued identification (i.e. drivers license, state id, or passport), photos, fingerprints, strict chain of custody, and documented procedures produce results that are admissible in a court of law.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are released in 3 to 5 working days from the receipt of the samples of all tested parties in the laboratory.
How will I receive the results of the test?
Results can be mailed, emailed or faxed. Results are not released over the phone.
How accurate are the paternity test results?
The probability of paternity is greater than 99.0% with an average of 99.5%. If after a standard test the probability is less than 99.0% *additional alleles are used to achieve a greater probability of paternity.
Are the test results and client information kept confidential?
Yes, all client information as well as the test results are strictly confidential.