Maternity or paternity identification test

The DNA Department performs molecular genetic tests in order to ascertain biological relationships. The most common test is that of biological paternity.

Below are some frequently asked questions and the answers to them.

Who designates/orders DNA testing to determine parentage?

DNA analysis for the determination of parentage (e.g. paternity) may be:

1. designated by a court (court order); or
2. ordered by parties involved without request from the court.

What are the steps of DNA analysis performed without court order?

1. A time for sample collection is agreed by telephone.
   Samples can be collected in the following cities:
   Tallinn (telephone +372 663 6726)
   Tartu (telephone +372 663 6752)
   Pärnu (telephone +372 663 6615)
   Kohtla-Järve (telephone +372 663 6780)
2. All of the parties involved in the testing must provide samples at the same place at the same time, bringing with them personal identification documents (adults: passport, driver’s licence or ID card; children: birth certificate).
3. Buccal swab samples are collected from all individuals involved in the testing and the necessary documentation is written up. Agreement to perform DNA testing is signed.
4. Testing fees must be paid on the basis of the agreement signed. The testing is carried out and  statement prepared once these fees have been received in the account of the Estonian Forensic Science Institute.
5. The statement is issued  to the client

What is the result of a test for biological paternity?

A paternity DNA test may result one of two results:

1. Exclusion – the man tested cannot be the biological father of the child tested; or

2. Inclusion – the man tested can be the biological father of the child tested. In the event of  inclusion the result is subjected to statistical assessment. The results of these calculations are issued as an index of paternity and probability of paternity.

What other kinds of biological relationships can be studied?

In the case of all other  biological relationships, address your questions to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute, where they will be directed to specialists.

Contact:

DNA information – telephone: +372 663 6726 / e-mail: [email protected]

Can DNA testing be carried out before birth or after death?

This may be possible. Address your questions to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute, where they will be directed to specialists.

Contact:

DNA information – telephone: +372 663 6726 / e-mail: [email protected]

Can testing be performed using samples collected in secret?

We do not accept samples collected  in secret. In the case of testing without court order, all of the individuals whose DNA is to be tested must be informed as such and consent to the testing. We always take the samples by ourselves, having previously confirmed the identities of the parties involved on the basis of personal identification documents.

How it is guaranteed is that the results are accurate?

The results of DNA testing are presented in the statement issued by experts. In the event of any doubt a test may be repeated in another laboratory that offers the same services.

Can a father come for testing with an underage child without informing the mother?

No, both parents of a child as recorded on the birth certificate must be aware of the testing.

What guarantee is there that the results will be accurate?

The results of DNA testing are issued by experts as legal instruments to which they sign their names. In the event of doubt a test may be repeated in another laboratory that offers the same services.

How much does testing cost?

The national price list was established by a decree of the Government of the Republic (Forensic Examination Act). Testing involving three people (typically the mother, child and father to be tested) costs 171 euro. With testing involving four or more people, the price of the test depends on the number of samples analysed, with the cost of each sample being 57 euro.

Whom should I contact?

If you have any questions you should address them to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute.

Contact:

DNA information – telephone: +372 663 6726 / e-mail: [email protected]