DNA Testing Resources
Overview
Non-standard samples
Chain of Custody
Results Interpretation
DNA 101
Overview
How is Nuclear DNA Organized?
Why is Autosomal DNA Ideal for Identity and Parentage Testing?
What is the basis for autosomal STR testing?
Steps in DNA Sample Processing
Raw STR Data
Interpreting STR Results in a Paternity Test
Y-STR Analysis
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
DNA Glossary
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Find a Collection Center
Orchid utilizes a network of over 5000 collection sites worldwide.
Orchid utilizes a network of over 5000 collection sites worldwide.
Accreditations
Orchid Cellmark holds multiple accreditations from various organizations and adheres to the standards of each accrediting organization. Compliance by our laboratories to these accreditation requirements provides assurance to our clients that test results provided by Orchid Cellmark are of the highest quality. Clink on the links above to learn more about our accreditations.
Orchid Cellmark holds multiple accreditations from various organizations and adheres to the standards of each accrediting organization. Compliance by our laboratories to these accreditation requirements provides assurance to our clients that test results provided by Orchid Cellmark are of the highest quality. Clink on the links above to learn more about our accreditations.
DNA Testing Resources
DNA 101
Steps in DNA Sample Processing
The process of DNA testing is a combination of chemical and biological procedures. The end result is a DNA profile from at least 10 different STR locations (loci) on the DNA molecule. The steps are as follows:
- Sample Obtained from individual (e.g. mother, child and alleged father in a paternity case)
- DNA extracted from nucleus of cells
- DNA is amplified at certain STR regions of interest (amplification = copying)
- The individual STR alleles are separated by size
- The individual genotypes are determined
- The genotypes from one individual are compared to another individual (e.g. in a paternity case, the DNA profiles from the child are compared first to the mother and then to the alleged father)
- If a match occurs, the DNA profile is compared to a population database to determine how common the matching allele is found in the general population
- A written report is generated and will include a probability of relatedness