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Home > Genealogy Testing > Frequently Asked Questions: General Topics Genealogy Testing
Genealogy Testing

General

  1. Can I determine my Ethnic Background?
  2. Can I determine my Maternal Lineage?
  3. Can I determine my Paternal Lineage?
  4. Do I need an attorney?
  5. Do I need a doctor’s order or court order?
  6. How Is My Personal Information Protected?
  7. Can my DNA be used to test for a pre-existing condition that could prevent me from receiving health care insurance?

1. Can I determine my Ethnic Background?
Orchid Cellmark does not offer such a test. Please visit www.dnaprint.com for information on an ancestry test that may answer your question.

2. Can I determine my Maternal Lineage?
Using mitochondrial DNA technology, it is possible to test you against another alleged maternal relative to assist in tracing your maternal lineage.

3. Can I determine my Paternal Lineage?
Using Y-STR technology, it is possible to test you against another alleged paternal relative to assist in tracing your paternal lineage.

4. Do I need an attorney?
No, Orchid Cellmark does not require clients to have an attorney in order to conduct a DNA test.

5. Do I need a doctor’s order or court order?
Usually a doctor’s order and court order are not required. However, in compliance with New York State Law, Orchid Cellmark requires a prescription or court order for all DNA identity and/or relationship tests performed on a New York resident.

6. How Is My Personal Information Protected?
Your privacy and security are important to us. Your samples are shipped to us in a tamper proof bag. Entry into our DNA testing facility is by restricted access only. All samples are bar-coded and all computer systems are secured. Results are sent to authorized individuals only and cases are only discussed with those who are authorized to do so. For the protection of the tested parties, results are not usually released over the phone except in unusual circumstances. All samples and DNA profiles are retained for a period of time, as required by accreditation guidelines but are destroyed after the requisite storage periods.

7. Can my DNA be used to test for a pre-existing condition that could prevent me from receiving health care insurance?
The DNA markers which are tested for relationship testing do not provide any information on any specific physical or medical condition that might affect your health care insurance.