How is kinship analysis performed?

The DNA-profile of a person comes from their parents; half from the mother and half from the father, it is always a combination of the DNA-patterns of both parents, it is a unique identification system. The more markers that are used in the examination, the more certain are the results of the analysis. In our laboratory we use 16 STR- markers binding to 14 different chromosomes. Some laboratories use only twelve markers.

What does the report of kinship analysis look like?

Results of the analysis contain detailed statements about test methods, the interpretation of results and a conclusion.

How long does the analysis take?

You will receive the result 3 to 5 days after the beginning of the test. Please note: if you would like to receive the results on Friday, samples must reach our laboratory by Tuesday at the latest before 10.00AM. The report is sent either by postal service, by fax, or through the user account system (with personal password) on our website www.confidence.at.

Can I depend on the DNA-analysis?

The scientific percentages of certainty are: 100% exclusion of the parentage or practically proven paternity to more than 99,9%.

How are samples taken and what samples are possible?

With a sterile cotton swab mouth mucous membrane is taken from the inside of the cheeks.
Samples to be analysed are taken during a short visit to our laboratory or can be taken by yourself and sent to us. (see “sampling” and test-set)

Does the sampling hurt?

No, sampling is done by rubbing a cotton swab on the inner wall of the cheek.

Who carries out the sampling?

We take the sample in our laboratory or Dr. Gustav Scholda in his laboratory (both in Vienna) or you do it yourself (order the test-set cost-free; instructions are included)

Who carries out the test?

Academically trained molecular geneticists and engineers.

How old must one be?

From newly-born onwards; there is no age restriction.

Must the mother be examined?

The mother does not have to be examined; however, the interpretation of the results is simpler if samples from the mother are available.

How sure are the results when paternity is excluded?

100% certain.

With how much security can parentage be determined?

More than 99,9%. At Confidence laboratory values lie between 99.995% and 99.999% (the percentage deviates individually negligibly. The exact probability, expressed as a percentage, is given in the report).

How are the confidentiality of results and data protection guaranteed?

Your samples are given a code number; they are treated with confidentiality and the protection of personal data. We do not send results as normal e-mails for security reasons, but can send results by post, by fax, or by means of the user-account-system (with individual password) on our website www.confidence.at.

Does the DNA-analysis reveal any information about my genetic make-up?

No. The examined DNA regions contain no information at all about the characteristics of the person, their features or disposition to illnesses, or any other diagnostic information.

Is the test acceptable for legal purposes?

Yes. An expert witness report for court purposes costs an extra 200,- €. Identification of the persons to be tested has to be strictly controlled and sampling has to be witnessed by a registered legal representative.