Procedures
To start a twin zygosity test, simply fill out our online order form or call 1-888-362-2592. We will send you a free DNA collection kit within 24 hours of ordering.
If you need the test for legal purposes, please mention it to the case manager so that we can schedule an appointment for you. Legal tests are performed using a Chain of Custody documentation process that makes the results legally admissible (accepted by courts and other government agencies).
Sample Collection
When you order a test, you will receive a DNA collection kit containing the following:
- Detailed instructions for collecting the DNA samples.
- Sterile Dacron synthetic swabs—these are specially designed cotton-like swabs that ensure proper collection of DNA for testing. Unlike the regular cotton Q-tips used by other laboratories, the polyester made by Dacron provides a consistent surface for collecting DNA samples.
- Swab storage envelopes—These provide a dry environment for the shipment of your swab samples to our DNA testing laboratory, helping to avoid sample contamination by molds and bacteria.
- A business reply envelope for sending the samples back to our lab.
The procedure for sample collection is simple:
- Remove one buccal swab envelope from the kit and complete the requested information on the swab envelope.
- You will need to indicate whose sample is in the envelope—twin#1 or twin #2
- Take the swabs (packaged in plastic) from the envelope and open the package at the end opposite from the swab tip.
- Do not touch the swab tips.
- There are 4 swabs in the packet, two each for the left and right cheeks.
- Discard the plastic wrapper—do not use it to return the swabs to our laboratory.
- Collect the samples.
- Open the mouth wide.
- Insert a swab into the mouth and rub it firmly back and forth and up and down on the inside of the cheek, rotating the swab while rubbing to ensure enough cheek cells are collected.
- Use two swabs each for the left and right cheeks.
- Place the used swabs in the corresponding envelope.
- Do not place the swabs in plastic. Doing so will promote the growth of molds during transport of the sample to our laboratory.
- Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the second twin.
- Place all sample envelopes in the business reply envelope provided and send it back with your payment to our laboratory.
DNA Test in Our Laboratory
In our laboratory, we will extract DNA from the swabs and use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) together with at least 16 primers to create a “map” of each person’s DNA, called a DNA profile. The 16 primers we use include the 13 CODIS markers that the FBI uses in their investigations to identify individuals.
The twins’ DNA profiles will then be compared to see if they match. If they match exactly, they are identical twins. If their profiles do not match, they are fraternal twins.
Results
You may choose to receive your DNA test report via phone, email, fax, and first class mail. We send a hard copy of the results via first class mail 5 days after we receive your samples in the laboratory. To request a copy of your results via phone, email, or fax, simply call your case manager at 1-888-362-2592 or go to http://www.paternity-answers.com and click on the “Case Status” button on the homepage.
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