DNA Testing Labs
Where Can I Find DNA Testing Labs?
If you are interested in getting DNA testing done either for paternity, ancestry or to find out if you or a child is susceptible to genetically inherited diseases then you are probably looking for a reputable, licensed laboratory to do the testing. There are a number of choices available to you for having DNA testing done, including labs both locally and labs that specialize in at-home sample collection and results by mail. Let's take a look at how to find a lab and the qualities you should look for.
The most common place to have DNA testing done is through local labs or hospitals that specialize in doing such tests. These facilities follow strict guidelines, controlled sample collection and privacy policies that protect both the subjects being tested and the distribution of test results afterwards. Some labs will only do work that is prescribed by a doctor or via court-order. Others are open to the general public. To find out what types of facilities are available in your area you can consult with either your physician or call up local hospitals that can usually refer you to the appropriate labs.
The growing trend for DNA testing is at-home services that specialize in sending out kits for collection. The kits are then mailed back to the labs and results are usually generated within 2-3 weeks. These labs are located around the world, and thanks to a competitive marketplace the pricing for some DNA testing services (such as paternity) are usually below $150 per test.
However, you should be careful using DNA labs that advertise low prices without first investigating their privacy and collection policies. What will they do with the data after it is reported back to you? What will happen to the samples and DNA once it is analyzed? Privacy of medical data is a big issue that has gained attention in the media nowadays because of companies that are passing along this data without the consumer's knowledge. You should ask for a printed privacy policy before employing the services of any DNA testing laboratory.
If you live in an isolate part of the country or away from a major city then the availability of local testing labs may be limited or unavailable. In these cases your only option may be to have the samples taken at a local medical clinic and sent off for analysis. This option is very similar to doing an at-home test except that the samples needed for analysis are collected in a controlled environment. Often, if this is the only option available to you – and you are doing testing that is not being used for legal proceedings – then at-home testing may be the easiest, most convenient option for you to use.
As we stated earlier, there are DNA testing labs all over the world. Some labs out of the country may offer prices or services that far surpass the costs of labs within the United States . While many of these labs may do quality service with accurate results, caution should be used for prices that seem too good to be true. It is often hard to guarantee privacy or accuracy for labs that are outside the US as they may not subscribe to the same privacy and DNA testing procedure rules that US labs are bound by.
Whenever undergoing DNA testing remember that most forms of DNA testing, except for paternity, are merely curiosity tests. Get as much information as you can upfront about a lab so you can make a more informed decision.