Complex parentage

Samples of the people involved in the test between whom it is desired to determine whether or not there is a family relationship (e.g. sister-brother).

As an example, through a sibling test we can determine whether two people are sisters on their father’s side or not. In these cases, in order to try to achieve a conclusive result, it is advisable to also include the sample from the mother (or from one of the mothers if they were different), to build the genetic puzzle, since, if we know the genetic material that comes from the mother we can, by exclusion, compare that which comes from the father. It should be noted that the study of kinship is sometimes inconclusive, so, if it is possible to obtain a sample from the alleged father, it is always more advisable to do a paternity study than a kinship study.

The type of sample can be any type that may contain DNA, such as swabs with cells from the oral epithelium, hair with roots, nails, cigarette butts, toothbrushes, chewing gum, fluid-filled surfaces, milk teeth, umbilical cord, cadaveric remains, etc.

There are several procedures. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

• Go to the LabGenetics facilities. Our staff will take the samples using an anonymous mouth swab (no need to identify yourself).
• Go to one of our collaborating centers if you are not in Madrid. Contact LabGenetics and we will inform you about the nearest collaborating center.
• Ask us for a sample collection kit. We will send it to the address you provide. Requesting a sample collection kit involves payment for the test at the same time. The kit contains precise instructions for use. Once the samples have been taken, you must send them to us by registered and express mail, or by courier. Shipping costs are your responsibility.
• Take the samples yourself and without the need for a kit. To do this, proceed as follows for each of the test participants:

Rub the inner right cheek of the mouth with a cotton swab (on both ends) for approximately 30 seconds. Using another swab, repeat the same operation on the inner left cheek. Afterwards, it is VERY IMPORTANT to let both swabs air dry at room temperature in a protected place for at least 1 hour. After this time, handling the samples as little as possible, place the swabs for each person in a paper envelope that is properly identified (son/daughter, presumed father, presumed mother, etc.).

If the samples you have have been collected indirectly (nails, hair with roots, cigarette butts, blood stains, semen, etc.) place the samples in separate, well-identified envelopes. It is important that, to ensure the integrity of the samples, you handle them carefully, avoiding touching with your fingers the areas that may contain biological remains.

Once you have the samples taken and properly identified, you must download and complete the application form. Finally, you must send us the samples and the application by registered and express post, or by courier. The shipping costs are your responsibility.

• If you wish to carry out this test with judicial validity, those involved in the test must go to our facilities or to any of our collaborating centres (distributed throughout the national territory) where they can take the samples. Contact us and we will indicate the nearest collaborating centre. In order to take the sample and complete the chain of custody, participants in the test must provide:
  • ID or passport
  • In the case of minors, a recent photograph (essential) and a photocopy of the family record book or legal authorization that justifies parental authority over the minor (recommended).
• The collaborating center will be responsible for sending us the samples along with all the necessary documentation (application form, chain of custody, photocopies of the participants’ documentation, etc.).

For LabGenetics to send you the report with the results of your test, you must have made the payment in advance using one of the following methods:

• Payment gateway when requesting the kit
• Bank transfer (to the account number indicated on the request form)
• Credit card
• Credit card or cash at our San Sebastián de los Reyes facilities
• Cash on delivery of results, with an additional charge of €20

The results of your DNA analysis will be ready within approximately 3 to 5 business days from the receipt of the samples. You will receive your report, completely confidential, through the medium you prefer (as indicated on the request form):

• Email
• Regular mail
• Courier service, with an additional charge of €15
• In-person delivery at our San Sebastián de los Reyes facilities, with prior identification of the person requesting the test

At LabGenetics, we have ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification. Additionally, we meet all technical and methodological requirements necessary to achieve accreditation under the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard for Forensic Genetics testing.

The confidentiality of all services provided by LabGenetics is absolute. We comply with Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, on the Protection of Personal Data and the guarantee of digital rights, and our databases are registered with the Spanish Data Protection Agency for greater control and security.

The professionals at LabGenetics are accredited as Judicial Experts by the Official College of Biologists of the Community of Madrid. Therefore, if necessary, they are prepared to attend any court in Spain to validate reports issued with judicial validity. Our experts are qualified to provide scientific and technical advisory services, as well as to assist in legal proceedings as judicial experts for the validation of forensic reports based on DNA evidence.