We never disclose any information related to your DNA test to anyone other than the applicant, so you can request testing without worrying about others finding out.
Creating a Consent Form to Protect Personal Information
For legal DNA testing used in court, we confirm the consent of all parties from the moment of application, and a specialized staff member must be present when the consent form is prepared.
Even for private DNA testing intended for personal confirmation, consent is required from all test subjects participating in the test (Note 1Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry guidelines).
This means that, legally speaking, there is no problem with a father applying for DNA testing together with only his child, in order to confirm the biological relationship with that child.
The cost of DNA testing has fallen by more than 80% compared to 10 years ago, and the number of DNA test applications increases every year, with about 50% of requests coming from fathers.
DNA Testing and Privacy Protection
If a mother secretly applies for private DNA testing using a sample from the man presumed to be the father of her child, this is considered a violation of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry guidelines.
However, in the case of private DNA testing intended for personal confirmation, it is not easy to obtain a spouse's consent to collect a sample of oral epithelial cells.
Since the results may lead to divorce, there are many cases where DNA testing is requested without the spouse's knowledge, and in the case of private DNA testing using items such as toothbrushes or cigarette butts, it is said that requests are often made without the test subject's knowledge.
In the case of private DNA testing, since we are unable to verify the identification or contact information of test subjects other than the applicant, we ask that you provide accurate information and prepare a consent form.
Note 1 Policy for the protection of personal information: "Guidelines for the Economic and Industrial Sector Concerning the Act on the Protection of Personal Information"
Security Measures
Genetic information, the blueprint of a human being, is said to be the ultimate form of personal information.
At seeDNA, unless we have the customer's consent, we will never improperly disclose test results or any information related to the test to family members or third parties other than the applicant.
Please rest assured that we strictly maintain the applicant's privacy and thorough security management.
Since reporting of DNA test results and shipping of DNA test kits can use post office holding services or addressee-only delivery, testing can be carried out without those around you finding out.
Testing Is Possible with Toothbrushes, Cigarette Butts, Nails, and More
As the standard sample, we use oral epithelial cells (collected by rubbing a swab firmly against the inside of the cheek, back and forth 10 times both vertically and horizontally) to perform DNA testing.
We also perform DNA testing using items such as toothbrushes, disposable chopsticks, razors, semen, nails, and cigarette butts. For details, please check ＜Testable Samples＞. If you would like to use a sample not listed in the table, please feel free to consult with us.
DNA Testing by seeDNA's Veteran Staff
DNA Testing with Accuracy Higher Than the US FBI Standard
As of 2017, the international standard for testing accuracy recognizes a biological parent-child relationship when the probability of paternity is 99.9% or higher.
However, at seeDNA, we conduct world-leading precision testing, including specialized parent-child DNA testing that determines a biological parent-child relationship with a probability of paternity of 99.9999999% or higher, the highest level in the world.
Low-Cost, Speedy Test Results
Our company has adopted testing methods used by the FBI (US Federal Bureau of Investigation) and CSI (crime scene investigation units), and performs DNA testing without the costly and time-consuming DNA extraction process.
Thanks to a technology called direct DNA testing, we are able to deliver low-cost, speedy test results while maintaining the same level of accuracy.
Cost and Duration of DNA Testing
Probability of Requiring a Retest
When blood for prenatal DNA testing is drawn at 7 weeks of pregnancy or later, about 95% of applicants are able to receive their results smoothly, without any retesting or other issues.
If analysis of specific regions of the DNA does not produce a probability of paternity of either 99.99% or higher, or 0%, a retest will be necessary.
If sufficient analysis cannot be performed on even one of the DNA samples from the presumed father, the mother, or the fetus, our company will cover the round-trip shipping and testing costs, and perform a free retest.
Please understand that this is done in order to obtain accurate and reliable results.
Our Company Covers the Cost of Retesting
Please rest assured that our company covers the cost of shipping the kit needed for retesting as well as the testing fee itself. *Blood collection costs are borne by the test subject.
Since the testing method differs depending on the stage of pregnancy, accurate information about the pregnancy stage is needed in order to avoid delays in reporting results due to retesting.
＜＜Information on Refunds (Free Retesting)＞＞
Peace-of-Mind Support
Our DNA testing experts will answer any concerns you may have about testing. Consultation is also available in English, Chinese, Korean, and sign language.