A DNA test is a genetic test that looks at the tiny parts inside your body that make you who you are. These tiny parts are called DNA, and they carry information passed down from your parents. To do the test, cells are gotten from your mouth using a cheek swab. This swab is then analyzed by the laboratory and your results are gotten. DNA tests can be used for different reasons like finding out if they are related to a certain person or even learning about their health.
WHAT IS A PEACE OF MIND (POM) TEST?
A “peace of mind test” is a type of DNA test that helps you feel sure and calm about your family connections. This test is used when you want to know and be sure about your family ties. This test is accurate but cannot be used for legal matters as it does not follow a strict chain of custody.
WHAT IS A LEGAL DNA TEST?
A legal DNA test is a DNA test conducted according to legal standards and requirements for establishing legal relationships like paternity, maternity, or familial relationships for legal matters such as child custody, inheritance disputes, immigration cases, or adoption proceedings. However, before a legal test can be done it must be formally requested by the court. So, you must submit a request letter from the court to the test center.
To ensure the results are valid and usable for legal purposes, certain procedures must be followed:
- Using an Accredited Laboratory: Legal DNA tests are typically conducted by accredited laboratories that adhere to specific quality standards and protocols established by relevant regulatory bodies like ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
- Chain of Custody: This involves documenting the handling and transfer of the DNA samples from the individuals being tested to the testing facility. Proper chain of custody documentation ensures that the samples are properly collected, stored, and analyzed without tampering or contamination. In a legal case, a court witness must also be there to testify to this.
- Authorized Collection: The collection of DNA samples must be performed by authorized individuals, such as healthcare professionals or trained technicians, to ensure proper procedures are followed and the integrity of the samples is maintained.
- Consent: Consent from the individuals being tested and legal guardians for children under 18 years must be given.
- Documentation and Reporting: The results of the DNA test are documented in a formal report that includes details of the testing procedure, analysis methods, and the conclusions drawn from the results. This report is then used as evidence in legal proceedings.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PEACE OF MIND (POM) AND LEGAL TEST?
| ASPECT | POM TEST | LEGAL TEST |
| Purpose | This is done for personal knowledge and confirmation. | This is done to establish a legal familial connection. |
| Chain of Custody | Not needed for this test | Must be strictly enforced to ensure validity |
| Accreditation | Testing company doesn’t need to be accredited | Testing company/laboratory must be accredited for the results to be valid and admissible |
| Consent Requirement | Consent is only required from the people being tested | A request letter is needed and consent must be gotten from all parties including a guardian if needed |
| Documentation/Reporting | The results is written in simple English for the client to understand easily | The results include a formal report with detailed procedures and conclusions |
At SmartDNA, we understand that whether you’re embarking on a journey of personal discovery or navigating the complexities of legal matters, having accurate and reliable DNA testing is paramount. Our results are 99.9% accurate and take 5-7 working days. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you on your genetic journey or legal journey. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities.