Forensic DNA Relationship Testing

An ANAB Accredited Criminal Justice Agency

We provide our Forensic Relationship Testing services, a form of forensic DNA analysis, to the legal and forensic science communities. If you are law enforcement or legally representing an individual we can be of assistance to you.

Forensic Relationship Testing, also called paternity or parentage testing, has broad applications for the legal community; such as aiding in sexual assault, incest, body identification, and homicide. A test is performed by collecting cells from the submitted sample type; DNA can then be extracted from the cells of the sample.

What is Forensic Relationship Testing?

DNA relationship testing allows direct examination of genetic materials which a child inherits from biological parents. During the testing process, the genetic profiles of the submitted samples are evaluated for common DNA which could suggest a relationship. Relationship test results are used to determine the likelihood of the relationship in question.

Below you will find information about the relationship testing process and the services we provide. Please contact our Forensic Relationship expert to discuss your case before sending any materials.

Our Commitment

We provide relationship testing services to law enforcement agencies. Our services are designed to meet the highest standards of the legal community. We offer:

  • Test results at 99.99% probability of paternity for a standard DNA test
  • Experienced DNA analysts
  • Confidential test results
  • Strict chain of custody
  • Efficient service
  • Consultation
  • Expert witness testimony

Our professionals within Forensic Relationship Testing services are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards in the laboratory. We are dedicated to a system of process improvement, which includes feedback from our clients.

Laboratory accreditation is highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an indicator of technical and managerial competence. Our Forensic Relationship Testing laboratory is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for relationship testing through DNA analysis.

Our laboratory has also been accredited by ANAB as an ISO/IEC 17025 testing laboratory. ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation uses criteria and procedures for technical competence to assure customers the test, calibration and measurement data provided by the laboratory are accurate and reliable. In addition, our Forensic DNA laboratory provides databasing services to the forensic science community.

Testing Requirements

Required Documentation for case initiation:

  • Documentation of Consent for each individual tested
    • Examples; Copy of a Court Order, Signed Consent form
  • Consent from the legal guardian is required for minors at the time collection.
  • Completed Submission forms, available after case initiation.

We recommend you provide additional documentation in the form of:

  • Picture identification of the mother and alleged father
  • Birth certificate of the child
  • Proof of custody or guardianship for child, if appropriate

Forensic Relationship services

  • Standard Trio DNA Test
    (Mother, Child, Alleged Father)
  • Single Parent DNA Test
    (One Child, One Alleged Parent)
  • Sibling DNA Test
  • Body Identification
  • Reverse Paternity
  • Expert Witness Testimony

Typical DNA Sample Types

  • Blood Cards
  • Buccal Swabs
  • Bone Samples
  • Product of Conception
  • Tissue Samples

Confidentiality & Privacy

Our goal is to protect privacy, both individually and genetically. We understand the sensitive nature of testing results and privacy is of utmost importance to us. Test results are confidential and genetic information will never be distributed without proper consent or authorization. Our building is a secure, card-access-only facility and samples are kept in a locked storage area where only authorized laboratory personnel have access.

Contact MUFSC

Marshall University Forensic Science Center

1401 Forensic Science Drive
Huntington, WV

Laura Kuyper
Director
304-691-8948