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
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
Mitochondrial DNA is present in the mitochondria of every cell and even in those cells which do not have a nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally but it is passed on to both daughters and sons. Therefore every child (male or female) of a particular woman has an exact copy of his or her mother’s mitochondrial DNA. The diagram below demonstrates the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial DNA. Those represented by a circle are female and those represented by a square are male. Those with the same color interior share the same mitochondrial DNA.
Since mitochondrial DNA mutations occur only once every 50 generations, a maternal line can be traced back many generations using mitochondrial DNA analysis. This technology can be very useful in immigration, genealogy cases or tribal enrollment cases when two or more individuals are trying to prove they are from the same maternal lineage.