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What is a Paternity DNA test?
Which individuals will require testing?
Is there any age limit for Paternity testing?
Is Maxxam the best laboratory for Paternity DNA testing purposes?
Where can I go to complete my test?
Is DNA testing considered very accurate?
What is the time required for completion of the Paternity test?
What privacy laws protect my information and how confidential is your staff?
How do I provide a sample for DNA analysis?
How do I go about ordering an at-home collection kit?
How reliable are the test results?
What types of identification will be required at the time of testing?
What do DNA results prove or disprove?
Can the test results be used in a Court of Law? What about home testing?
How will I get my results?
How much will paternity testing cost me?
Paternity testing is based on the premise that an individual inherits one-half of their DNA from each biological parent. This involves the analysis of samples provided by the mother, child and alleged father. By testing the mother, one can determine which genetic markers are inherited from the mother and hence the remaining genetic markers then must originate from the father.
Which individuals will require testing?
A sample must be collected from both the child and the alleged father to perform a paternity DNA test. DNA testing to confirm paternity or maternity can be conducted in the absence of a biological sample from the mother (motherless test) or father (fatherless test).
When an individual is deceased or unavailable for testing, it may be possible to use other family members as substitute reference samples. Typically, these situations require the testing of additional genetic markers. For more information and to speak to a Client Service Agent please call:
1-877-706-7678 or email us.
Is there any age limit for Paternity testing?
There is no age or time limit with DNA analysis. Since only a small sample is required, testing can be conducted with samples from infants, including newborns right up to any age. Testing can be performed on individuals sampled weeks, months, years, or even, miles apart. A biological sample that is properly taken and stored is very stable.
DNA samples and test results can be maintained for years until the remaining parties provide a sample and the testing is completed. This provides clients with greater flexibility in scheduling individuals for sample collection, since samples need not be collected at the same time or at the same place.
Please note that prenatal testing is possible if it is required. For more information and to speak to a Client Service Agent please call 1-877-706-7678 or email us.
Is Maxxam the best laboratory for Paternity DNA testing purposes?Accreditation is the one and only way for a laboratory to give its clients confidence in the quality of the analyses performed. Maxxam was the first private laboratory in Canada to make this commitment to quality and in January 2000 was awarded its accreditation for DNA testing by the SCC. In addition to maintaining SCC accreditation, Maxxam was also audited and awarded accreditation by the FQS-I in August 2001.
Maxxam offers over 30 years of laboratory experience in providing information and expert testimony as it relates to child custody, support, immigration eligibility, estate settlements, forensic investigations, independent DNA testing and consulting services.
Where can I go to complete my test?
With over 300 collection sites from coast to coast, you should have no problem finding a location to submit a sample. For more information about a location near you, and to speak to a Client Service Agent whom will assist you in setting up an appointment, please call 1-877-706-7678 or email us.
Maxxam also provides the service of mobile sample collection in certain locations. Our mobile collectors will contact our client directly to schedule a date and time to attend at the client's home, office or other location they suggest for collection of the required sample. Call one of our Client Service Agents at 1-877-706-7678 to find out if Maxxam offers Mobile Sample Collection in your area.
Is DNA testing considered very accurate?
For confirmation or exclusion of identity in forensic or genetic relationship analysis, DNA testing is the most accurate and powerful technology currently available.
What is the time required for completion of the Paternity test?
Typically, the turnaround time (TAT) for testing varies from approximately seven to ten business days (from the time all samples are received at the laboratory). The amount of time required for testing will also depend on the amount of testing required and the difficulty involved in working with the sample(s). However, an advantage provided by PCR technology, which is the technology used at Maxxam for Paternity testing, is the potential for rapid TAT.
For urgent matters, the TAT for analysis can be decreased to 72 hours from the time of sample receipt.
What privacy laws protect my information and how confidential is your staff?
Our work is conducted in a secure environment and all aspects of your case will be treated in a private and confidential manner. The Privacy laws in Canada protect all individuals and their information from ever being shared. As well, all Maxxam staff sign confidentiality agreements.
How do I provide a sample for DNA analysis?
You may provide a DNA sample by scheduling an appointment at a certified collection site. When you arrive for your scheduled appointment, a qualified technician will collect a DNA sample through what is known as a buccal swab method. Collection is simply done by gently rubbing a swab inside the mouth for a short period of time. This is a painless and routine procedure.
If you plan to do the collection of the sample at home, then you or another person will collect the sample by using the same buccal swab method. That is, by taking the provided buccal swab and rubbing it against the inside of the mouth cheek area for a short period of time (approximately 15 seconds).
How do I go about ordering an at-home collection kit?
You may order a Home Collection Kit by phoning one of our Client Service Agents at 1-877-706-7678, available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm eastern standard time. Alternatively, you may also order a test online. Note: Home Collection Kits are to be used for non-legal purposes only.
How reliable are the test results?
DNA profiling testing is the most conclusive method available to prove relationships and allows proof of parentage at a level of certainty that is beyond reasonable doubt.
What types of identification will be required at the time of testing?
We require one piece of photo identification or two pieces of non-photo id.
What do DNA results prove or disprove?
For genetic relationship analysis, DNA testing can exclude a suspected person from being the source of a biological sample or an alleged father from being the true biological father of a child.
For paternity testing, the statistical analysis yields a likelihood of paternity called the paternity index. This is determined from the frequency in the general population of the genetic markers belonging to the alleged father, which match the obligate paternal DNA make-up of the child. Sufficient testing is conducted until a minimum cumulative paternity index of 100 (probability of paternity of at least 99%) is achieved. Typically, the probability of paternity exceeds 99.95%.
Can the test results be used in a Court of Law? What about home testing?
Only results from samples collected at a certified Maxxam collection facility are eligible for use in a Court of Law. At the time of sample collection, a strict protocol is followed that will require identification, pictures, fingerprints and the completion of a consent form that will be dated and signed. Home collection samples cannot be used in a Court of Law.
All information is kept strictly confidential and reports are mailed only to those individuals involved in the testing or their representative(s). Facsimile reporting can be done under special circumstances. Telephone reporting is not permitted.
How much will paternity testing cost me?
Paternity testing costs may vary depending on the number of individuals required for testing. At Maxxam we have an all-inclusive price that includes everything that our customers need to complete paternity testing. Many other testing companies will quote a price that does not include items such as sample collection or shipping. These additional costs can quickly add up to much more than you anticipated. With our all-inclusive price you can be assured that there are no hidden costs to deal with later on.
At Maxxam our all-inclusive pricing includes:
- Testing of a Mother, Child and alleged Father
- Testing of a Child and alleged Father
- Sample Collection—Mobile or at a collection site
- PCR Technology
- Shipment of samples from site to lab
- All analyses required
- Reports supplied to appropriate parties