Our Laboratory Process

American Paternity’s laboratory procedure is the most stringent in the nation and ensures accurate results for every case. A DNA paternity test is a complicated process. Below is a simple explanation for what happens to your DNA sample from the moment it arrives in our laboratory.

1. Samples are checked for the required information and assigned a case number. This case number ensures that your samples are tracked throughout the entire testing process.
    
2. Samples are divided in two and sent to different teams for independent testing. At American Paternity, all samples are tested twice to ensure accuracy. Most other labs test samples only once, but there are chances for their samples to be switched or contaminated. Our independent testing procedure eliminates false results. Steps 3 to 5 describe procedures performed by each team.
    
3. DNA is purified from the samples using our automated processors. We use advanced robotics equipment at this step to speed up the process while eliminating handling errors. This allows us to test many samples at the same time, resulting in cost reduction and enabling us to offer you lower paternity test fees.
    
4. DNA is amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Your cheek swab samples contain small amounts of the DNA markers we examine and compare to determine paternity. The PCR process selectively multiplies these markers in the DNA, giving our scientists a “blown-up” view of the DNA.
    
5. DNA markers are analyzed using our ABI® Prisms. The ABI® Prism generates the raw data, which includes sizes of the DNA markers of each person. This raw data is used for the next step.
    
6. Comparison of results from independent testing and statistical analysis. The raw data from each team are compared by our PhD DNA analysts to make sure each team produced the same results. The analyst then loads the raw data for the mother, child, and alleged father into a special software system that aids in calculating the probability of paternity.