How to Choose a Trustworthy DNA Testing Company

Suspected infidelity, paternity acknowledgment mediation, inheritance matters — there are many situations where confirming a blood relationship becomes necessary, and "DNA testing" is one option available to you.

However, for most people DNA testing is an unfamiliar world, and you may find yourself at a loss over which company to ask.

Because a DNA test can significantly change the life of the person who takes it, choosing a provider is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
Choosing based on price alone can leave you doubting the credibility of the results, which only deepens your worries.

With that in mind, this article introduces the key points for identifying a trustworthy DNA testing company.

• Does the results report clearly state the "paternity affirmation probability"?

  

  What is most required of a DNA test is, needless to say, "reliability of the results."
  For a paternity test, it is essential that the scientific basis for "parent-child relationship confirmed / not confirmed" be clearly stated.

  As an international standard, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) has established a benchmark of "99.9% paternity affirmation probability."
  When a result meets this figure, the finding of a biological parent-child relationship cannot be overturned; conversely, a "0% paternity affirmation probability" results in a finding of "exclusion," meaning no parent-child relationship.

  Please check whether this paternity affirmation probability is clearly stated in the results report.

  At seeDNA

  When the result is affirmative (parent-child relationship confirmed), we state in the results report a paternity affirmation probability of 99.99% or higher — more than ten times the international standard.

  Beware of testing companies that do not clearly state the paternity affirmation probability

Has the company obtained ISO certification?



An important factor when choosing a testing company is "objective evaluation and reliability."
Be sure to confirm that the testing organization has been evaluated and certified by a third-party body.

Among the most reliable forms of recognition is obtaining "ISO certification," a globally standardized benchmark.

At seeDNA

seeDNA Co., Ltd. is the first DNA testing organization in Japan to obtain "ISO9001" certification. This is solid proof that DNA testing is carried out under a consistent, company-wide quality management system.

• Does the company have a track record of government support?

  

  When researching testing companies, a company's own website will only list its own advantages, making it difficult to judge whether it is truly trustworthy from that alone.

  In that case, one useful third-party indicator is a track record of government support or commendation.
  To be selected for a subsidy, a company must pass a rigorous review of its track record, financial standing, working environment, and more, conducted by government authorities.
  A company that has passed such reviews and has a record of receiving support or commendation can be considered genuinely trustworthy.

  At seeDNA

  In 2020, we received a subsidy and a work-life balance commendation from Adachi City, Tokyo, and in 2021 we were selected for a support program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government — receiving government recognition two years in a row.

  seeDNA was selected for a support program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government

  Our prenatal DNA testing was selected for Adachi City's new business development subsidy

• Are tests conducted at the company's own lab in Japan?

  

  Some testing companies are merely intermediaries that simply forward the samples they collect from customers to an overseas provider.
  With such providers, sending samples abroad carries risks of degradation, loss, or mix-up.
  For this reason, we recommend a testing company that conducts testing at its own lab in Japan.

  At seeDNA

  All of our paternity testing is conducted domestically at our own lab in Tokyo.
  This enables fast turnaround, with results reported in as little as two days.

  Parent-Child DNA Testing

• Does the company provide thorough customer support?

  

  Most customers are taking a DNA test for the first time in their lives and feel anxious, unsure of what to expect.
  Please choose a testing company that offers thorough support to address such anxieties and questions.
  Specifically, check the following points.

  • - Does it offer a refund guarantee for cancellations?
  • - Does it respond promptly to inquiries by email and phone?
  • - Can you place an order or submit a sample by visiting in person?

  At seeDNA

  We respond to email and phone inquiries every day, Monday through Sunday, and we also accept in-person orders and sample submissions at any time.

  Contact Form

First, try reaching out with an inquiry

As mentioned at the outset, DNA testing is an examination that can have a major impact on your life.
We recommend checking the four points covered here to help you choose a company you can trust.

If you don't have time to check all four points, we recommend starting by contacting a company you're considering.
Key indicators include how clearly and attentively they respond to you over the phone, and how quickly and thoughtfully they reply to email inquiries.

At seeDNA, we sincerely welcome inquiries from our customers.
Whatever your questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us first.

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