by Maria Soto on October 31, 2011
In a perfect example of how DNA testing brings families closer, a pair of 12 year old Russian girls recently discovered they were switched at birth. It all started when the father of Irina, and ex-husband of Yuliya Belyaeva, claimed that his child didn’t look like him which led him to deny paying child support. As a result of said claim, various DNA tests were done. The shocking results proved that neither Yuliya nor her ex-husband were the biological parents of Irina.
Yuliya ended up remembering that when she was giving birth, there was another woman who was in labor in the same maternity ward. Fearing that the ward mixed up their daughter, Belyaeva proceeded to use the copies of her DNA test results to trace her biological daughter, by contacting the police. The police were successful and found that Yuliya’s biological daughter was living a few miles away with Irina’s biological parents. The outcome of this case was a great one in the end, because both of the girls decided to stay with the family they grew up with, instead of their biological parents.
Although having babies switched at birth isn’t something that happens frequently, losing contact with your biological family may happen. A lot of people have chosen DNA testing to reunite with estranged family members. In the case of children who are adopted, looking to reconnect with their biological parents; the option of using a DNA test to prove that their new relative is indeed a blood related one is very common. In the case of children who are trying to reconnect with their extended family and whose biological parents have passed away, DNA testing used to prove relationships (siblingship, avuncular and grandparentage) is a great option as well.
Whatever your needs, DNA testing can bring families together. It is very important to find a DNA testing company that you can trust in, especially with such personal and important issues as these.
Source: Yahoo!
by Maria Soto on October 12, 2011
Even though Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, it doesn’t mean that it is completely accessible to the conveniences the rest of the continental US has. This fact used to apply to DNA tests as well.
In general, the process of looking for a trusted DNA testing company in the Island can be pretty difficult. The majority of Puerto Ricans are aware that the main hospital branch “Centro Médico” in Río Piedras, does DNA tests and also processes them in their own laboratories. The government, courts, and doctors usually refer them to this source, but it isn’t as simple as it seems. One of the inconveniences that “Centro Médico” has is precisely that it is the main source for DNA testing in PR. The huge amount of cases they receive means that the processing time takes longer, therefore it will take longer for you to receive your results. Their pricing has no reason to be competitive and affordable due to the fact that they are referred directly from the government and courts. Another downfall is that they are hard to reach. You would think that being the main hospital, it would be easy to reach them by phone, but it really isn’t. It’s usually necessary to take the drive and personally go in and make an appointment.
Throughout the Island, there are other options as well. If people refuse to use “Centro Médico” as their DNA test provider because of the soaring prices, they can call and shop around different laboratories around the Island. This requires a lot of time to call each lab and compare prices. These labs usually don’t do non-legal DNA tests, and they don’t do DNA tests with non-standard samples (hair, nails, etc.) either.
The good news to all of this is that there are companies out there that you can trust in to provide you the DNA test you need in a simple, easy, and accurate way. Boston Paternity is making DNA testing accessible and affordable for Puerto Ricans. Boston Paternity has a large network of DNA clinics throughout the Island. In addition, they offer non-legal tests and paternity tests using non-standard samples. They also offer mobile collections, so if the locations available are too far for you, they can go directly to your home and make a collection. Puerto Ricans will find the pricing is very competitive. Overall, Boston Paternity is making this very personal decision to have a DNA test, more convenient in Puerto Rico.
Boston Paternity Locations in Puerto Rico
View Puerto Rico Locations in a larger map
If you are in Puerto Rico and need a DNA test, keep in mind you have more options than “Centro Médico”.
by Maria Soto on October 10, 2011
According to the Seattle Times, the police from Spokane, WA; have released a search warrant on Planned Parenthood. They need to obtain the tissue from an aborted fetus from the previous pregnancy of a 15 year-old girl who became pregnant by a 21year-old man. Although the girl claims there was consent, the age of consent in Washington is 16, and if they are able to perform the test it will help prove the case of child rape.
If they are able to find the tissue from the aborted fetus, they will perform a DNA test to prove paternity and see if it matches the genetics of the 21-year-old who committed the alleged rape. In the past, this procedure has been used, just not in the circumstance of an abortion.
Of course, the DNA test would be much easier if the victim had chosen to give birth and had a standard paternity test done. This case clearly shows the importance of a prenatal paternity testing. In this case, it would be a forensic prenatal DNA test because the case is related to a crime.
Although many of us hopefully will not need to get a test under this specific circumstance, it’s great to know that technology allows us to have the option of choosing a prenatal paternity test if the situation merits it.
Prenatal testing can usually be done between 10-22 weeks of pregnancy depending on the method that is selected. Two options that can be used are: the CVS – Chorionic Villus Sampling and the amniocentesis. The CVS usually is completed between 8-14 weeks of pregnancy. The procedure is to insert a catheter into the cervix, and then utilize suction to collect a small sample of chorionic villi. The amniocentesis is completed usually between 14-20 weeks of pregnancy. During this procedure, the doctor uses a needle to transabdominally withdraw 10ml. of amniotic fluid.
It’s very important to consult your doctor to find out if you qualify to have a prenatal paternity test and to receive a referral for it. Also, you should find a trusted DNA testing company that you can consult with regarding the steps that are needed for you to take to achieve your prenatal DNA test successfully.
Source: The Seattle Times
by Ryan Q on August 15, 2011
While U.S. Embassies in many countries have made the DNA testing process difficult for families, the Embassy in Kenya is making it easier. They are providing a colorful and simplistic procedure sheet which can be used to make sure the DNA test process goes smoothly. Use the sheet below as guidance not only for Kenya DNA cases, but also for other countries. These procedures are fairly consistent across the board. Be sure to talk with the DNA lab to make sure the procedures used are correct for your particular country.
Follow These Steps For Immigration DNA Testing
by Ryan Q on April 20, 2011
The IRS has thrown its hat into the ring of government agencies requiring DNA paternity testing. Apparently they have noticed a rise in the number of occurrences where more than one man claims the same child as a Dependant.
When this happens, the IRS is notifying the men that they need to show proof of paternity in order to validate their tax status. Many times the father who is claiming the child is not listed on the child’s birth certificate. A legal paternity test is the best proof you can offer the IRS.
Home test kits purchased online or in a drug store are not sufficient evidence in these cases. You’ll need to have the collection completed by a non-bias third party, usually at a clinic. This legally admissible testing costs more than home testing, but it provides the proof needed.
If you’re being asked to appear in tax court because of suspected fraud regarding claimed Dependants, a DNA test should be all you need to get you off the hook. Make sure it’s legally admissible.
