Here are some frequently asked questions about DNA testing in Nigeria.
What is DNA testing?
DNA testing is like a checkup for your genes. It uses a swab or blood sample to look at your DNA and see if there are any signs of health risks or conditions. It can also tell you about your ancestors or confirm biological relationships between family members.
What types of DNA tests are available?
Medical: Checks your genes for health risks.
Ancestry: Uncovers your roots or confirms family relationships.
Here at Smart DNA, our medical and ancestry DNA tests include paternity tests, maternity tests, infidelity tests, and health and wellness tests.
What is DNA testing used for?
DNA tests are used to confirm biological relationships for peace of mind and legal or immigration purposes. It could also be used to discover health risks and solve crime cases.
How accurate is a DNA Test?
A DNA test is 99.9% accurate based on the samples received at the laboratory
What sample collection method is used for DNA testing?
Cheek swab– This involves the use of a swab stick to rub inside the cheek for tissue samples.
Blood sample– This involves using a blood sample which is drawn by a phlebotomist, (a professional trained to draw blood).
Other sample collection methods may include nail clippings and toothbrushes.
Is the sample collection process painful?
No, it is not. DNA samples are collected with a swab stick used to rub the inner part of the cheeks. The process is painless and non-invasive.
What is a swab stick?
It is similar to a cotton bud with a cotton-ended part on a single end of the stick (wooden or plastic). It is used to rub both sides of the cheeks to collect cells.
How long does DNA testing sample collection take?
The sample collection process can be completed in less than five minutes
Can a DNA Test be done at Home?
The answer is a yes and a no. DNA samples can be collected from home with a swab stick which can either be bought or provided by the test center. However, the sample must be sent back to the laboratory to undergo analysis to get a result.
What is a DNA test kit?
A test kit contains swab sticks, consent forms, and envelopes.
How much is a DNA test in Nigeria?
The cost of a DNA test in Nigeria is determined by factors such as test type, sample collection method, and the number of individuals tested.
How long does a DNA Test result take?
The results are available within 7 to 14 days after samples are collected.
Can a DNA test be wrong?
The DNA testing process (sequencing and analysis of the samples) itself is highly accurate. However, there is a minimal possibility of error caused by factors such as sample contamination or human errors.
At what age can a DNA test be done on a child in Nigeria?
A DNA test can be conducted with a child of any age, whether children or adults. Even for expectant parents, a non-invasive prenatal paternity test can be conducted as early as the 8th week of pregnancy to ascertain the paternity of the child before birth
What are the requirements for doing a Paternity DNA test in Nigeria?
Requirements for a Paternity DNA test include the DNA sample which is collected with a swab stick, and proper consent from all participants. For children under 18, their legal guardian must provide consent. Other requirements might include documents such as identification cards, birth certificates and passport photographs.
Can Paternity DNA testing be done discreetly?
The answer is yes. It is possible to do a Paternity DNA test without the knowledge of your spouse and child. This could mean doing the test discreetly with a sample collection method other than a swab stick which might not be suitable if the participants are older. To maintain confidentiality, using sample collection methods like toothbrush or nail clipping can be more effective
Can a Paternity DNA test be done with just the father and child?
The simple answer is yes! The test can be done with the DNA samples of the father and child only.
Can a Paternity DNA test result be used in the court?
If the test ordered is a peace of mind test (personal DNA test), the result cannot be used in court. If the test ordered is a legal DNA test, the result can be used in court as proof of biological relationship.
Can a Paternity DNA test be done if the alleged father is unavailable?
In situations where the alleged father is unavailable, dead, or has refused to participate in the test, paternity can be established indirectly (i.e. grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc). Close relatives will share much of the DNA as the alleged father, hence their sample can be analyzed for the DNA test.
Can a Paternity DNA test be done without the mother knowing?
Yes, a Paternity DNA test can be done without the knowledge of the mother. DNA samples of the mother is not usually required to determine the paternity of the child.
Can a Paternity DNA test be done when two possible fathers are related?
A Paternity DNA test can be done when two possible fathers are related, even though the genetic profiles of the possible fathers may share similarities due to their relationship. Thus, it is very important to notify the test centre if two possible fathers are related.
Can a DNA Test be done while pregnant?
Yes, DNA testing can determine the paternity of a baby before birth. This is known as Prenatal DNA Testing. When a woman is pregnant, the baby’s DNA is present in her blood. Paternity can be determined by sequencing and analyzing the baby’s DNA extracted from the blood of the pregnant woman. The baby’s DNA is compared to the alleged father’s DNA to identify similar genetic markers. The test can be conducted from the 8th week of pregnancy and is safe for both mother and unborn child.
What are the requirements for doing a Prenatal DNA test in Nigeria?
Requirements for a Prenatal DNA test include a blood sample from the pregnant woman and a cheek swab from the alleged father(s). Other requirements include consent from all participants, documents such as identification cards, and passport photographs
Can DNA testing be used in legal cases?
Yes, it can be used as evidence for legal cases such as child support, child custody, alimony, and inheritance disputes. Note that sample collection for a legal DNA test must be carried out in the presence of a court-appointed representative.
Can DNA testing be used for immigration purposes?
Yes, an Immigration DNA Test can be used when an individual applies for immigration benefits, such as a visa, green card, or citizenship, and must establish a biological relationship with a family member who is already a citizen.
What are the requirements for doing an Immigration DNA test in Nigeria?
Requirements for an immigration DNA test include the DNA sample which is collected with a swab stick, and proper consent from all participants. For children under 18, their legal guardian must provide consent. Other requirements might include documents such as passport photographs, an international passport, and a request letter from the relevant government agency of the country where the immigration process is taking place.
Is DNA testing confidential?
The process of getting a DNA test is highly confidential. At Smart DNA, we take adequate measures to protect the privacy of individuals’ genetic information. Also, results are sent to the provided email address, alongside an access password
Where can I do a DNA test in Nigeria?
Smart DNA offers fully accredited DNA testing services to clients in accordance with the highest international standards. We have a team of fully trained individuals to ensure that we make the procedure as seamless as possible. We guarantee you accuracy and confidentiality all through the process.
For more information about our services, speak to our care experts at +234 802 984 0246 or click here