COMPANY/OWNERSHIP

Greater than 10 years in DNA testing business: DNA testing is not regulated in North America and therefore there is a relatively low barrier of entry into the field.  Many companies do not make it past a couple of years (financial, legal issues, etc.) leaving their clients stranded, wondering what occurred to their personal genetic information.  Maxxam (www.maxxam.ca) is the largest private Scientific Analytical Company in Canada (owned by OMERS) and has been offering analytical services for over 35 years. Plus with over 10 years experience in the DNA testing field we are not about to disappear anytime soon.

Canadian owned & operated (DNA laboratory in Canada):  There are several U.S. owned DNA testing companies offering DNA paternity testing to Canadians.  Some companies have set up call centres in Canada; however ship all DNA samples to the United States for analysis.  

DNA samples shipped outside of Canada: Once an individual’s DNA sample is shipped outside of Canada, all personal information obtained, includes genetic, are no longer protected by stringent Canadian Privacy Laws.  There is therefore a risk that genetic information will be released to foreign governments without one’s consent or knowledge (falls under U.S. Patriot Act).  

DNA test re-seller (non-laboratory): This is an individual ‘middle-man’ selling DNA tests (primarily paternity tests) on behalf of  “typically” foreign owned DNA testing companies.  They predominately offer non-legal DNA tests (to avoid accountability for errors) and will send your samples for testing to their lowest cost DNA testing provider.     

Standards Council of Canada Accredited (SCC): DNA testing is NOT regulated within North America and the only way for a DNA laboratory to give its clients confidence in the quality of the analyses performed is to obtain ISO17025 accreditation. Maxxam set precedent by becoming the first private DNA testing company to successfully become accredited (2000).   

    

Client’s personal/ genetic information protected by PIPEDA or Provincial Privacy Acts (QC, AB, BC):  To prevent your information from being disclosed to foreign governments without your knowledge and consent, it is best to choose a laboratory that conducts DNA paternity testing in Canada. There are some companies with customer service offices in Canada, however since all samples and personal information is exported to the U.S., protection by Canadian Privacy Laws is not applicable.   To be compliant with Privacy Legislation, Maxxam will NOT print genetic profiles on final DNA paternity test reports.  If one wishes to obtain their DNA profile we will gladly supply it, upon written request.  

CONTRACTS

 Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) approved:  Clients requiring a DNA paternity test, maternity test or other kinship test must have their test completed by an SCC accredited DNA laboratory.  Maxxam was the first authorized accredited laboratory approved by CIC. Currently there is only one SCC –DNA accredited laboratory outside of Canada and the CIC does recommend that clients be aware that their samples and genetic testing is done outside of Canada (thus not protected by Canadian Privacy Laws).  

Provincial and Federal Government contracts:  Maxxam is the only DNA testing company performing testing on all tendered Provincial and Federal Governments of Canada.  Since 2001, Maxxam has been the sole contract provider of DNA forensic testing to the RCMP, and we are also the sole provider of DNA paternity tests to BC – Family Maintenance Program (province-wide) and AB – Child Support Services (province-wide).   Our expertise, commitment to quality assurance and compliance to Privacy Laws has made us the predominant private DNA supplier to Government Departments across Canada.  

SERVICE

TAT of 3-5 business days advertised:  In the 90’s DNA paternity tests would take 4 weeks to complete (RFLP-DNA).  Early 2000’s, this was reduced to 2-3 weeks (PCR-DNA).   Today, testing takes on average between 1-2 weeks.  Maxxam’s DNA paternity tests typically take between 5-7 business days to complete (the majority of our tests are completed within 5 business days).  We run each test twice and adhere to strict quality assurance protocols for every test.  To date none of our DNA tests have ever been successfully challenged in a court of law.  

Trained network of specimen collection sites within Canada:  Maxxam has a network of over 400 specimen collection facilities coast to coast.  These sites are typically ready to collect DNA samples from our clients within 24 hours notice.  Clinics are supplied with everything they need to collect a legally documented DNA sample (cameras supplied at several locations).  

Network of specimen collection sites throughout the United States:  For paternity tests whereby one or more parties reside in the U.S., Maxxam has networked with one the largest laboratory services providers that has over 1600 locations through the U.S.  

Network of mobile collectors throughout Canada:  We realize that not everyone can make it to the collection facility for their paternity test.  Maxxam therefore has several highly trained mobile collectors in various locations willing to come directly to you for sample collection, and better yet...at no additional cost.     

 

Non-refundable deposits required:  Unlike the majority of DNA testing companies, Maxxam does not ask for upfront non-refundable deposits.  If one would like to pay at the time of their appointment, most clinics are willing to accept payment (money order) on behalf of Maxxam (no cash accepted at appointments).  

    

Customer service and reporting available in French & English: Maxxam is a National Canadian Company servicing all Canadians.  We offer all our testing in both official languages of Canada and have full time bilingual staff ready to assist you.