Individuals are clearly and uniquely characterised by their genome. Only identical twins have identical DNA.
Every human being has two sets of chromosomes within which the genes reside. 50% of which are inherited from the father and 50% from the mother. We compare DNA patterns from both of the parents (or from the father only) with the child's DNA patterns and determine bio-statistically the probability of paternity with an accuracy approaching 100%.

Since the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953, knowledge of the composition and organisation of genetic material has accumulated at an astonishing pace. By the early 1980s it had become clear that most human DNA shows very little variation from one person to another.

In 1980 one of the major breakthroughs in the study of DNA polymorphism was made with the discovery of the "hypervariable" regions of human DNA. These regions were found to consist of short tandem sequences repeated over and over again. It is a small percentage of the human genome that does vary, but Alec Jeffreys found that these repeat sequences, called "micro-satellites" are the basis for the hypervariable DNA pattern. This DNA pattern provides the basis for a truly individual-specific identification system.

STR (short tandem repeats) loci consist of repetitive sequence elements of 3 to 7 base pairs in length. These repeats are well distributed throughout the human genome and are a rich source of highly polymorphic markers which are detected using the polymerase chain reaction. Alleles of STR loci are differentiated by the number of copies of the repeat sequence contained within the amplified region.

In our laboratory 16 STR markers are used in kinship analysis for the comparison of the DNA taken from two or more persons. They are located on 14 different chromosomes. One of them is the gender–specific marker Amelogenin. The investigation of 16 Markers in our laboratory guarantees the utmost reliability of results. Some laboratories use only 12 markers.

For taking of samples, you may visit our lab in Vienna or we can send you a test set including swabs and containers cost free to your address (order test set). Cells must be collected from the mucous membrane (buccal cells) - these are extracted from the mouth cave with a sterile cotton swab.

• Neither eat nor drink anything in the hour before taking the sample.
  
  
• Use neither toothpaste nor mouth-wash; just wash the mouth cave with water.
  
  
• Breastfed children to be tested must not have been nursed within 2 hours preceding the taking of the sample to ensure that no cells from the mother remain in the mouth cave of the baby.
  
  
• When you open the test tube do not touch the cotton swab. Be extremely careful when opening the small tube and be sure to take out the cotton swab without touching the cotton head with your finger.
  
  
• To collect a sample, rub a swab on the inner wall of the cheek both sides,8 times each side so that sufficient mucous membrane cells adhere to the swab.
  
  
• Allow the swab to air dry for at least half an hour.
  
  
• Place the swab back in the plastic tube. Remember not to touch the top of the swab!
  
  
• Label the tube with the name of the tested person and the date of sampling.
  
  
• Send back the tubes to us in the envelope provided. The specimen has to be sent back as quickly as possible.
  
  
• Do not forget to include the signed contract and a copy of the adult tested person's identification in the envelope.
  

• Payment must be made in cash or deposited in the Confidence DNA Analysis account at Erste Bank:
  
  Bank code: 20111
  Account number: 28525268400
  IBAN: AT742011128525268400
  BIC: GIBAATWW
  UID: ATU 57602918

We regularly perform paternity testing on cheek (buccal) swabs, but also on hair roots, blood, nails and otherbiologic material. A list of possible samples includes:

We take samples only with the agreement of those concerned; in the case of minors their legal guardian must give permission. The responsibility for ensuring this is left with the client.

Samples taken elsewhere and posted must be sent to us in the capsules we will provide. These must be clearly labelled showing the name of the tested person as well as the date of sampling.

Test sets consisting of swabs in capsules can be sent cost free on request. For our purposes, proof of identification must include a copy of photographic identification, for example, driver's license with photo, passport or identification card with photo, and the client's signature on the contract.

If you do not come to our lab personally, the results may only be used for personal information.

Send us your samples together with the signed contract and a copy of your identification and the address, and by what means the results are to be sent. (postal service, per fax or UAS (User-Account-System). The UAS is a certified and secure system of encoded communication for which your User-ID and your own password are needed. Access within the office is limited to the director.

In the case of reports for personal information only, you are responsible for and guarantee the transmission of correct personal data (you are liable if a mistake is made).

When results are to be used for legal purposes you would be invited to come to our partner laboratory run by Dr. Scholda. Please phone him on his number +43664-3552556 to make an appointment. Your identity will then be very strictly checked. In case of certificates for court (certified judicial expert opinion) it is absolutely necessary that the person from whom the sample is taken is the same person as the one indicated in the contract.

Please contact our registered legal representative acting as expert witness: Primary Dr. Gustav Scholda (Phone +43 664-3552556)

The legal representative must adhere to the following procedures for the verification of given data:

1. the witnessing of sample taking and
2. the confirmation of identity in the following four ways:
3. copies must be made of identification cards with photo (driver's license with photo, passport or identification card with photo)
4. fingerprints of all adult persons to be tested must be taken
5. all persons to be tested must be photographed
6. the client must sign to confirm that the information is true and correct.