FAQs

Ans:  A DNA paternity test is a test that is carried out to determine if a man is the biological father of a child.

Ans: DNA testing is generally considered to be the most accurate testing method currently available to establish a relationship between two individuals or between a suspect and DNA evidence recovered from a crime scene. DNA paternity testing can show that a man is highly likely to be the father with about 99.9% accuracy, or that he is excluded as being the father with 100% accuracy.

Ans: A relationship test that can be presented in court or for immigration purposes. This may require more proof of identification for validity.

Ans: This is a DNA test done to find out if a man and woman are the true biological parents of a child.

Ans: Although you do not need an appointment, we recommend you make an appointment to avoid a long wait. Samples for DNA paternity test are collected at the center on Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am – 3pm. The center is closed on all government holidays.

Ans: Yes, the laboratory received its ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accreditation in February 2019 and follows all sampling and testing guidelines stipulated by the International Standards Organization for Forensic DNA analysis.

Ans: Yes, the results of each test are only given to the authorized individuals listed on the Biological Relationship Submission Form which is completed prior to testing. Then results will not be disclosed to anyone. All results are protected to the full extent permitted by law.

Ans: DNA testing can be performed on individuals at any age. However, all minors (under the age of 18) must have the consent of the parent or a legal guardian before testing can be carried out at LSD&FC.

Ans: No. A conclusive answer regarding paternity can be obtained without testing the mother. However, in the case of a maternity test, the mother must be tested.

Ans: Yes. If the alleged father is deceased, forensic DNA testing can be considered using items which may contain the alleged father’s DNA. Forensic DNA testing can be performed on anything that has biological material from the alleged father such as an old toothbrush, electric razor, blood stains, saliva stains, and bone or teeth from an exhumation. If it is not possible to obtain a forensic sample for the alleged father, testing his direct relatives can be considered.

Ans: The price for a DNA test depends on several factors including: 

1. Type of DNA test required. Is it paternity, Sibling (Brother/Sister), Avuncular (Uncle/Aunt) or Grandparent test?
2. Purpose of the DNA test. Is the test required for peace-of-mind, legal or immigration?
3. Number of people to be tested.

For accurate and up-to-date price information please call, WhatsApp, text or email us at +(234) 814-741-1921 or info@lsdfc.org  

Ans: Both civilians and law enforcement agencies can submit items for analysis.

Ans: Yes, the specific costs and fees are dependent on the specific case and type of testing being requested. Unlike DNA paternity test, it is often not possible to determine the cost of a forensic DNA test prior to examination of all the evidentiary items submitted.

Ans: A forensic case submission form and chain of custody form must be completed, evidence must be appropriately packaged and delivered to the center from Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm. In certain circumstances, properly packaged evidence may be submitted to the security staff after hours.

Ans: Samples should be collected in a manner that preserves the integrity of the item and prevents damage to the evidence. Packages should be sealed and labelled with collector name, date of collection, description of item, etc. The use of paper packaging is required because plastic/nylon causes damage to the DNA.  Items should be stored in a dry and cool environment to preserve DNA until submitted to the center.

Ans: A sample that is of known origin, i.e. the identity of the source is confirmed. This is used for comparison purposes; references are often compared to evidentiary items to determine their source. A common type of reference sample is a buccal swab containing DNA from a known individual.

Ans: A buccal swab is a sterile cotton swab that is rubbed on the inside of the cheek to collect skin cells from the mouth. These cells have a nucleus and contain DNA which can be extracted.

Ans: We conduct Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA analysis. We use a protocol that allows us to test 27 locations on each person’s DNA. 

Ans: Any item that may contain biological material with a cell and nucleus