Paternity Test

How I can order the free kit?

You can request the FREE kit

• By sending an email to: info@gentras.com and writing “sample kit request”
• Telephoning 0574/468695 (ore 9,30-17,00)
• Sending an sms to 335/1598129 and writing “sample kit request kit”
• Complete the form on the page “information service”

You can request a kit from Gentras without any obligation to purchase.
If after having received the kit you decide not to carry out the paternity test no payment will be requested.

Where will I receive the paternity test sample kit and where will the results be sent?

The sample kit and the clearly explained test results are delivered in a strictly confidential way according to the modalities requested by the client in appropriate space of the authorisation form (mail, fax, telephone).

Is the free kit delivered confidentially?

Yes, absolutely, the requested kit will be sent in a totally anonymous white A4 envelope without any external indication of the content. Moreover since the envelope containing the buccal swabs for taking samples is in packing, it is impossible to discern the contents by touch.

When will I receive the results of the analysis?

You will have the result of your analysis within 10 working days from receipt of the samples by the laboratory. However, if you need a quicker response, request the fast procedure and you will have the results within 5 working days, with a small supplement in the price. Non standard samples such as cigarette butts, plastic glasses, etc can require more time for analysis.

How precise is the paternity test?

In order to carry out its paternity tests, Gentras follows and uses the most up to date procedures available in the field of DNA analysis. The Gentras test in fact identifies 16 different regions in the DNA which are highly variable from person to person. By comparing these 16 regions of the presumed father, and eventually also those of the mother, with those of the son or daughter, it is possible to successfully exclude or confirm biological paternity with practically zero margin of error, the reliability of the test being equal to 99,999999%. The Gentras procedure for paternity testing, the most advanced worldwide, analyzes more genetic markers than those routinely used by the technicians of the American FBI, Moreover, all our methods follow the standard protocols and recommendations of international bodies, in particular those issued by the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG). Italian law specifies that paternity is considered as “practically certain” with values of probability of paternity exceeding 99.75%.

Can the paternity test be made without the mother?

Yes, however with a sample from the mother it is possible to subtract her contribution to the DNA profile of the child, before being compared with that of the tested father, and in cases where results border between exclusion and attribution it can help obtain a definitive and certain final result.

Is it possible to carry out the paternity test without the consent of the mother?

Yes, but in case of a minor child, parental authority is necessary to request the test. In fact no norm exists in Italy that prevents a parent from carrying out a paternity test (without legal validity) without the consent of the other parent or prohibits a laboratory from accepting to analyse such a request.

At what age can a buccal sample be taken from a child?

From the day of birth.

How many persons can the test be carried out on?

The standard kit contains sufficient swabs to carry out the test on 3 individuals. Gentras can agree to send kits containing pads to carry out the analysis on more than three individuals.

Is a medical prescription or a request from a lawyer necessary in order to carry out the paternity test?

Not, if an informative paternity test is requested.

What guarantees are offered by Gentras on the non-dissemination of results obtained from a paternity test?

Gentras carries out the commissioned tests directly in its laboratories, guaranteeing maximum discretion and quality. The, clearly explained results of the tests are delivered in strict confidence exclusively to the person who has commissioned the test. Moreover in order to guarantee the confidentiality of your data, Gentras will rigorously apply all regulations governing the protection of privacy according to the legislative decree 196/03.

Can the parental relationship be obtained from blood groups?

Even the rarest blood group is present in at least 10% of the world’s population, which means that millions of men could be the “presumed father” of a child. Therefore it is not possible to establish a parental relationship with blood groups alone (but can exclude it only in a small number of cases); moreover blood groups analysis does not take into account a fundamental phenomenon for personal identification: mutations.

How much does a test cost?

With a view to establishing direct contact and the greatest trust with its clients, Gentras prepares personalized estimates, each time the known details of a case warrant it, on the basis of your specific requirements (as for example the number of individuals to test and the type of samples), you can contact us from the "contact page".

When and how can I pay?

You will find the payment details for the form of payment of your choice (bank transfer or postal order) in the envelope sent to the address you indicated at the moment of the kit request. We will not be able to carry out your tests if we do not have notification that payment has been made (bank transfer or postal order receipt) to be inserted in the envelope with the samples that you will send to our laboratory.

It is possible to request two kits to different addresses?

Yes. It is possible to request several kits be sent to individuals living at different addresses in the same or different countries. The analysis will only start on reception of all the samples necessary for this purpose.

What is the difference between a maternity test and one of paternity?

There is no difference, from the experimental point of view nor in the form of presentation of the results. The substantive difference concerns only the initial samples. Even the cost of the assessment is the same.

How long are the DNA samples conserved?

It depends on the instructions from the client. Unless otherwise specified, the DNA samples sent by the client will be destroyed at the end of the analysis. In the case of an express request from the client, it is possible to archive the genetic material, at an additional cost.

In what form are paternity test results presented?

The genetic profile of the subjects submitting to the exam is indicated on a very simple table. After a series of elaborations and calculations which are not indicated the analyst deduces and indicates the ATTRIBUTION or the EXCLUSION of paternity with a relative probability of paternity (PP).

What can the DNA be extracted from?

DNA is present in every cell of the human body as well as in its fluids (semen, blood, sweat, etc). Therefore it can be obtained from objects entering into contact with the body or its fluids (chewing gum, cigarette butts, plastic cups, etc). In case of samples other than from a buccal swab, we suggest you contact our technical service for additional information and advice on the shipment of non-standard samples.

Is it possible to do the test with samples other than the buccal swab?

Yes. There can be analyzable samples of various types: cigarette butts, chewing gum, plastic cups, etc… however we advise you to contact our technical service for additional information and advice on the shipment of non-standard samples. Moreover it is necessary to specify the type of sample you want to send at the moment of the kit request, since a personalized sample kit will be sent.

What is the difference between an informative paternity test and a legal one?

The methods and analysis of DNA samples for the informative and legal paternity tests are exactly the same. The difference between the two tests concerns the sample taking phase and their handling. To have a paternity test with “legal” value it is necessary for a technician to take the sample in the presence of a third party witness. It is moreover necessary that the technician follows an established procedure in order to verify the identity of the person subjected to the taking of the sample and that a “chain of possession” is respected.

Can the result of the paternity test be used in Court?

The result of the “informative paternity test” cannot be used in Court. The results of the “legal paternity test” can be used in Court, in this case it is necessary that a technician personally takes the samples, after having verified the identity of the persons who submit to the sample taking, and that the “chain of possession” is then respected for the samples during transport to the laboratory and the analysis, according to a pre-established procedure. The presence and signature of a witness is moreover necessary.