New York and DNA testing

Collecting and mailing DNA tests in New York

New York is the only state in the United States that does not allow DNA testing by mail.  Collecting and mailing your own DNA sample in the state of New York is prohibited under New York State Public Health Law (Article 5, Title V, Section 574) and regulations (Part 58-1.10 (g) of 10NYCRR).  

Simply put, under the New York health regulations a person wanting to have DNA or genetic testing done in New York should:

• Obtain permission from a physician or lawyer for DNA testing

• Have the DNA sample collected by a physician under chain of custody

• Use a testing laboratory in the State of New York

• Ensure the laboratory doing the DNA test holds a New York State Department of Health certification

• Obtain permission to view their DNA results from a physician or lawyer

These extra hurdles are unique to New York residents in the United States.  Because of them we, and many other DNA testing companies, are dissuaded from offering our services to residents of New York State.

While we believe these regulations serve a purpose:

If a customer in New York does order a test kit from us we will send one to them under the implied understanding that the sample will not be collected in the state of New York (crossing into a neighboring state to swab the cheek) and will not be mailed from inside New York to our laboratory (again, in a neighboring state). 

As a general rule we do not, or in most cases cannot, determine from where a package is mailed.  Packages sent from New York to our laboratory run the risk of being discarded and destroyed, as to not run afoul of New York law.  Samples discarded in this manner may not be eligible for a refund.

For additional questions contact us or email us at Info@ValidityGenetics.com

Common Types of DNA samples

What can be tested for traces of DNA?

How is a normal DNA sample gathered?

For DNA testing the most popular and reliable way to collect samples is the oral buccal swab method. A buccal swab closely resembles a one ended Q-Tip in appearance. Using swabs as a collection method is quick and painless and is the recommended way to collect DNA samples for testing.

In cases where an oral swab sample cannot be obtained (the individual to be tested is missing, deceased, unwilling or unable to participate) a forensic sample can be submitted for testing. Most DNA companies will charge an additional fee for each forensic sample used in place of a swab.

Are there risks to sending a forensic sample?

Yes, one of the risks of sending a forensic sample for DNA testing is the quality of the DNA in a forensic sample cannot be guaranteed. There is a chance that the DNA in the sample submitted is degraded, contaminated, or insufficient. In these cases even the most advanced laboratories in the world may not be able to obtain any usable DNA information. In these cases DNA companies will still charge you the full cost even if the attempt is unsuccessful.

What types of samples can be tested for DNA?

A few examples of DNA forensic samples which are commonly submitted to a DNA laboratory for testing include:

• Dried blood stains (dried blood on bandages, on tissue, cotton, or paper)

• Dried saliva stains (cigarette butts, stamps, stains on clothing or napkins)

• Hair, you will need 6-8 strands per test. (Hair works best if it is taken directly from the head. Hair which has fallen out of the head naturally may work as well. Cut hair will not work, the strands of hair must have roots, that is where the DNA is located)

• Dried underwear stains (pads, tampons, diapers)

• Dried semen stains (tissue, underwear, bed sheets)

• Fingernail clippings can work, but are at a much lower chance of success (6+ or more clippings to ensure a higher success rate)

• Teeth (Molar, premolar, and canine work best. Higher costs are usually involved, best to contact the lab you are looking at before you order a test)

When it comes down to it, any sample which contains biological material has a chance of working. It also has a higher chance of not being usable, or contain enough DNA to be usable in a DNA test.

If you have any questions in regards to your situation, please contact us or email us at Info@ValidityGenetics.com directly.

What is DNA and Genetic Testing

What is DNA and genetic testing?

DNA profiling used as a unique identifier was discovered in the 1980s. However, the genetic testing as we know it today was not developed until a decade later. 

The premise of DNA and genetic testing is centered on the fact that (other than identical twins) each person’s DNA is completely unique. 

This means that DNA can be used as human identification because of the unique STR loci that exist on autosomes and sex chromosomes within human DNA.

These chromosomes and STR loci can also be analyzed for forensic use and in legal proceedings. 

DNA as a unique identifier

Our DNA is constant and can’t be changed – unlike physical appearance which may change over time. A genetic identity can be used as a permanent identifier for every single individual on the planet.

Half of this unique set of information is passed down between parents and their children.  Thus enabling DNA to be used as a unique and reliable form of identification for paternity, siblings, and related parties.

For additional questions contact us or email us at Info@ValidityGenetics.com

What is AABB Accreditation?

Why does accreditation matter in DNA and genetic testing?

Firstly, what does AAbb accreditation even mean?

This certification is given to a very select few DNA laboratories that have undergone a highly intensive and rigorous inspection of their testing facilities and techniques to ensure all tests are done accurately and thoroughly with attention to detail.  It is an accreditation bestowed by the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) and all laboratories with the accreditation are subject to proficiency tests and bi-annual re-inspections. Standards for the AABB accreditation can be found here. 

DNA testing should be done with a company offering AABB and ISO accredited results

Why does AABB matter to a DNA test?

Holding an AABB accreditation means a laboratory is on par with the best in the world and holds itself to the highest of measures within the DNA testing community.  An AABB accredited lab exceeds the industry standards in technique, accuracy, and modern scientific processes.

Additionally facilities with the AABB accreditation are the only DNA testing laboratories acknowledged by the U.S. Government to perform legal court admissible DNA tests, as well as provide services for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
 

What other DNA Lab certifications are there?

If a laboratories meets AABB standards they are usually also certified to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for technical competence, calibration, and lab testing. A laboratory compliant with ISO 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2008 standards should incorporate the most advanced technical and quality management systems into all DNA, forensic, and genetic testing.

In addition a DNA and genetic testing laboratory may also hold accreditation or certification from national and international bodies such as:

• A2LA

• The UK Ministry of Justice

• CAP

• GBSI

• International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC-MRA)

• as well as regional affiliations like NMBio

Take away

DNA companies and their laboratories are governed by many standards, accreditation’s, and certifications. The most important of which is AABB and ISO. If your DNA test is important to you and you want the results to be as accurate as they can be, whether an informational Paternity DNA Test for private use or a legal Sibling DNA Test to be used in a legal matter, make sure the company that handles your DNA test offers AABB accredited and ISO certified results via an accredited laboratory.

 For additional questions contact us or email us at Info@ValidityGenetics.com