September, 2003

Understanding DNA tests: Did you know that not all paternity tests are the same?

Do not be fooled by "free" kits and resellers. DNA testing is a very serious matter which may affect the rest of your life. Patients often do not carefully check the quality of the test that will be performed on the samples.

When a DNA test is performed, the DNA laboratory examines many different genes and compares the genes of the child with the genes of the alleged father. The more genes that are examined, the more accurate the test becomes. Using the latest technology, the current standard is to examine at least 16 different genes for your test. At Genex, we guarantee that all 16 genes are tested, and in the final report, we will list each gene and give you the exact DNA information for each individual tested. However, not all laboratories examine all 16 genes. Many laboratories will cut corners and examine less than 16 genes in order to save money and increase profit. Because most patients do not know this, most patients do not ask how many genes are tested. As a result, many "free kit" suppliers cut corners and examine only 12 genes or even as few as 6 genes. Remember, the more genes that are examined, the more accurate and high quality the test becomes. The danger of cutting corners and examining less genes is that you may not get the correct result. Always ensure that the laboratory provides a written guarantee that it will examine all 16 genes to ensure that you will receive conclusive results. Always make sure that the laboratory guarantees that it will write down on your final report document the name and data for every gene tested to ensure that you receive the results for every single gene examined.

Laboratories frequently mislead patients by stating that they "perform" or "regularly generate" 99.999% for inclusions and 100% for exclusions, but if you look at the fine print, you will notice that they will only guarantee 99% for inclusions. 99% is 1000x less accurate with a CPI of only 100 and will NOT provide conclusive results. Always ensure that the laboratory provides a written 100% money back guarantee of >99.999% for inclusions and 100% for exclusions. Economy 99% tests are often not powerful enough to provide the correct answer. Do not be fooled. The extra 0.999% makes a huge difference in the accuracy of your paternity test.

Always look for the written guarantee. Ensure that the laboratory provides a written money back guarantee of >99.999% for inclusions and 100% for exclusions to ensure that you will receive conclusive results.

July, 2003

Beware of Brokers

Did you know that over 90% of the DNA companies that you find online are brokers? Brokers are NOT laboratories. Brokers are usually owned and operated by private merchants who set up online stores and websites to sell DNA tests and then pass your samples to another laboratory for testing. Brokers can sometimes make over 80% profit from the sale of a single test. Consumers are now becoming more aware that a majority of online DNA testing companies are resellers and are able to distinguish between brokers and laboratories. Unfortunately, brokers use many tactics to try to confuse and mislead patients to cover up the fact that they are not the actual testing laboratory. Do not trust your life and future to merchants who pass your samples elsewhere for testing in order to make a profit. Brokers are very easy to detect once you know what to watch out for:

1. Brokers usually paste large "warning" signs and AABB logos and links on their websites to distract and mislead patients into thinking that they are real testing laboratories. Do not be fooled. AABB does NOT endorse resellers or the practice of reselling. AABB cannot be applied to the field of private testing due to the lack of a chain of custody during sample collection and AABB will not guarantee the accuracy of your private test. Brokers send your samples to other laboratories for testing, and all of the qualifications that they list are simply compiled from the laboratories that they do business with. Most brokers "represent" and do business with many different laboratories. Do not be misled.

2. Brokers emphasize the BBB. Unlike a DNA testing laboratory, brokers send their samples to other companies for testing and do not perform their own tests and do not have their own physical laboratory. Just because a broker joins the BBB does not mean that they perform their own tests.

3. Brokers usually offer "price-matching". Brokers frequently mark up the price of your DNA test and then offer to match the price of any DNA lab. Even if a broker is able to match the price of a real DNA lab, it is unlikely that they can match the quality of testing, turnaround time, and accuracy. If a company offers price matching, it is likely that they are only resellers.

4. Many brokers operate from shopping centers! Most brokers try to mislead patients by not openly stating online that they are resellers. If a company does not openly state that it performs its own tests, it is likely that you are dealing with a broker . DNA laboratories will always state that tests are performed in their own laboratory.