Saturday, January 6, 2007

Things to know before selecting an online DNA testing service

DNA testing is very much in demand and used today to help solve many problems. It is with the help of DNA testing that criminals are caught, and relations between two or more people proven to help solve estate problems. However, today, DNA paternity testing is fast growing in popularity where you can order at-home DNA paternity test kits from the internet so that you can conduct tests in the privacy of your home.

There are many DNA laboratories offering online DNA testing services. So it is better for you to do some personal investigation to find the company that best fits your needs and situation. There is basically no overall regulation of online DNA paternity testing services. So you have to distinguish the true labs from the false ones.

One important point to consider in an online DNA testing service is whether it has accreditation from the American Association of Blood Banks and if it is ISO 17025 certified. Both of these organizations tend to inspect the companies they provide accreditation, and perform audits on the companies to find out if they maintain their designated standards. So, online DNA testing services having both accreditations can be trusted for accuracy and quality.

When paying for your online DNA testing service, make sure that you pay for the kit, the DNA analysis and the results. There are some labs that have hidden costs, and ask for additional payments to provide results of the tests. It is also important to find out if the lab provides the test you need, and if the lab meets any deadlines you have. Usually results can be expected in three or nine days; however, if you need them earlier, it can be done for an extra fee.

Find out if the online DNA testing service provides complete confidentiality in their privacy policies and if their staffs are people with doctoral levels in their respective fields of molecular biology and medical genetics. Find out if they work from their own lab or if they outsource. This is because outsourcing may cost you more and if in such cases you find rates rather cheap, the tests and results cannot be trusted.