1. Detailed information about the DNA test (test principle)
The maternity test is based on the analysis of human genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is a linear molecule found in the nuclei of cells, where we examine segments called STR systems or markers. These vary in length among different individuals. The length of a segment is called an allele and is represented by a number. Each individual has two alleles of a given system, with the child always inheriting one from the mother and the other from the father. In each system, the child must have one allele that is the same as the biological mother’s. In this test, we examine a basic set of 16 STR markers, plus one additional segment used to determine the genetic sex of the sample’s origin.
To perform the maternity test, samples are taken from both the child and the alleged mother via a buccal swab (mouth swab) using a collection kit (1 for the tested woman and 1 for the tested child), which we will send to you, or using non-standard material.
If you want to test multiple individuals at once (children, potential mothers, or add a father), it is possible to add additional tested individuals to your order for an extra charge.
The collected samples consist of epithelial cells, which contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). In our accredited genetic laboratory, DNA is then extracted from the cells and subjected to thorough and precise analysis using the most modern methods. The child's DNA profile is then compared with the alleged mother's DNA profile and statistically evaluated. Since every child inherits their genetic information from both biological parents, the examination of the DNA of the tested individuals accurately determines the probability of whether the alleged mother is the biological mother of the child (more than 99.9%) or 0% (in the case of exclusion).
The result of the DNA test is a simple report that either definitively excludes maternity or confirms it as practically proven.
2. Who is this test suitable for?
It is suitable for anyone who has personal doubts or questions about biological parenthood concerning a specific child and wants to verify the biological relationship first.
3. How will the DNA test result help me, and what will I learn?
Confirmation or exclusion of maternity: The primary result of the test is to determine whether the tested woman is the biological mother of the child. The result is typically presented either as the probability of maternity (e.g., 99.9% or higher to confirm maternity) or exclusion of maternity (probability of 0%).
4. Delivery of the collection kit
You can choose from the following delivery options for the collection kit:
- Czech Post – registered letter to your hands. The package will arrive 4–6 business days from the date of the order.
- DPD courier – delivery by courier to the address you provide. The package is usually delivered 1–2 business days from the date of the order.
- DPD pickup point - delivery to DPD pickup points. The package is usually delivered 1–2 business days from the date of the order. You can find the list of pickup points here: https://www.dpdgroup.com/
5. Payment options
You can pay for the DNA test using the following methods:
- Online payment by card – If you choose this option, you can make the payment for the test by card through the Stripe payment gateway. VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard, and Maestro cards are accepted. After a successful payment and order creation, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Bank transfer – After placing the order, you will receive a confirmation email with payment details (IBAN, variable symbol, amount). You can make the payment either through your online banking or by making a deposit at a bank.
After ordering the test, you will receive an email confirmation of your order in both cases.
6. Test process – sample collection, analysis
DNA samples are usually obtained through a cheek swab or from non-standard material. You can perform the oral swab yourself in the comfort of your own home using the collection kit that we send as standard together with instructions, collection instructions and a form.
If it is not possible to collect a sample using the provided collection kit due to the unavailability of the tested individual, other available samples or items from the tested person can be used – non-standard material. The analysis of non-standard material is subject to an additional fee according to the current price list. For more information on non-standard materials, please refer to the following link: https://dnatestyotcovstvi.cz/odber-vzorky/#nestandardni-material
7. Test result – how long it takes, where it will be delivered
The result of the DNA test will be sent to you by email no later than 5 business days after the samples are delivered to the laboratory, to the email address provided in your order. If you choose the option for a printed result in your order, we will also send the result by mail to the address you provided.
If you need the test result earlier, the analysis in our laboratory can be prioritized for an express surcharge (result within 3 working days).
8. Interpretation of the result
Maternity excluded – maternity of the identified woman is excluded (in the given system) when the identified woman does not have any of the allele pairs present in the tested child in that system. Due to the rare possibility of a random genetic mutation, maternity is considered reliably excluded only when it is excluded by at least two of the examined STR systems.
Maternity practically proven – if maternity is not excluded, the maternity index and probability of maternity are calculated. With a sufficient number of examined STR systems, the probability of maternity reaches certainty – at least 99.9%.
