In
most cases, a sample is collected from the mother, child, and alleged father.
A sample may be collected from just the child and the father.
All
to be tested must bring a picture id to the collection site, and all persons
under 18 must have authorization from a legal guardian or a court order.
The
most common sample type is the 'cheek
swab'. A professional collector will gently rub the inside of the cheek
to collect tissue.
The
samples are securely sealed at the collection site and shipped overnight
to the DNA laboratory.
At
the laboratory DNA extraction is performed. The DNA is then purified and
evaluated for quality and quantity. The DNA sample is then separated into
fragments and the gene is identified.
The
report will be issued on completion of analysis at the lab. You get a phone
call with the results. The paper copy is mailed to you.