BRT Laboratories, Inc.

What is DNA Testing?

DNA testing helps prove a biological relationship between two family members. There are many uses of DNA testing, including helping family members immigrate, identifying a father or sibling, and connecting individuals to infidelity or crimes. Reliable tests prove or disprove a relationship with over 99% certainty.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules make up the genetic blueprint of life. Each person receives half of his or her DNA from a father and half from a mother. The chain of DNA in each person is relatively similar, but a small percentage of the chain varies, which is what makes each person's DNA unique (except for identical siblings). It is within the "unique part" that DNA testing specialists can prove or disprove family connections and identity.

For a visual example of how DNA testing proves or disproves a relationship, you must turn to Mendelian Laws of Inheritance. In the below example, a child's DNA matches both the mother and the father, and the father is identified.

If, on the other hand, the child has 50% of his or her DNA from his mother and the other 50% does NOT match the alleged father, the child is not biologically related to the alleged father.

What is Needed to Perform a DNA Test?

The first thing needed for a DNA test is a DNA sample. Sample collection is a simple and safe procedure, and there are different types of samples that can be used for testing.

For most DNA testing, including immigration, paternity, and forensic, a cheek swab (buccal swab) is the easiest sample to collect. A drop of blood can also be used. For certain types of forensic DNA testing, you can also use samples such as bone, hair, or other biological material.

We make the DNA testing paperwork easy. You can download a Forensic DNA testing form, an Immigration DNA testing form, or Paternity DNA testing forms right on our site.

Our paternity DNA testing fees are $546 for a mother, father, and child's testing. Immigration DNA testing fees are $275 per person. Forensic DNA testing fees vary. Please call BRT Labs at 1-800-765-5170 to learn more.

Where Are DNA Test Samples Collected?

There are different options for sample collection depending on your needs. DNA testing sample collection is easy and convenient.

If the results are to be court admissible, they must be collected at a US embassy or one of our sample collection sites. In order to maintain a strict chain of custody and security the results are sent directly to the necessary agency.

If the DNA test results are a family matter, you can collect samples on your own using our sample collection kit, which we provide you along with mailing materials. After testing, the results are returned directly to you.

What Should I look for in a DNA Testing Company?

Accreditation and experience are important in evaluating a DNA testing company. You should also consider DNA test turnaround time and ease of access to collection sites.

There are important accreditations you should look for in a reliable DNA testing company. Look for the company on the AABB Accredited Relationship Testing Facilities List. You should also check into a company's BBB rating with the Better Business Bureau. See BRT Laboratories' accreditations to learn more.

BRT Labs has provided DNA testing since 1985, and we remain at the forefront of the technology. With our parent company, the Baltimore Rh Typing Laboratory, we have provided reliable customer service for over 60 years. Our experience has helped us keep our DNA test turnaround time low and our reliability high.

Have more questions? Contact us now for more information on DNA Testing!