Private vs. Legal DNA Testing
One of the most common questions our clients ask is "what is the difference between a private and legal DNA test?"
Private tests are referred to as such because there is no requirement for sample donors' verification of identity. Also, the sample donors themselves may perform the actual sample collection, discreetly or otherwise. The samples may then be submitted by the donors themselves directly to the lab for testing. Private tests may only be used for personal knowledge or "peace of mind."
When a legal test, or an AABB accredited test, is performed, a third party with no interest in the test outcome and trained in proper sample collection technique must verify the identity of each sample donor, as well as collect each donor's sample according to the lab's chain of custody guidelines. The collecting agent then must submit the samples, ID and chain of custody documents to the lab for testing. Legal tests are performed when the test report is to be used for any legal issue, such as child support, allocation of benefits, etc.
Once samples reach our office and are checked in to the lab, the same exact test is performed on each set of samples, whether the test is private or legal. At the DNA Identity Testing Center, Bio-Synthesis, Inc., the bottom line is that there is not any difference in the actual testing procedure. What separates a private from a legal test is the manner in which samples are collected and submitted.
We do encourage our clients to opt for a legal test, just in case they may ever need to use their results for any legal matter. If a private test is performed and the results may need to be presented in a legal matter, it is very likely that they will have to have a new, legal test performed. If anyone ever runs into this problem, they should rest assured that their private test results will match that of the new legal test, given, of course, that the samples submitted in the private test were from the same individuals as in the legal test. |
