DNA Solutions

DNA Solutions, DNA testing laboratory in Australia

DNA Solutions Pty. Ltd. is an Australian parentage testing company operating with ISO 17025 accreditation granted by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). The company presents itself as the creator of the world's first home DNA kit, marketed in 1997, when laboratories worked with blood samples and required clients to visit in person. Its activity covers paternity tests, relationship tests, verification of relationships for immigration, clinical and prenatal testing, as well as a specific bird DNA testing service.

Paternity tests and other analyses

The company's catalogue includes several types of paternity test: the home kit for personal peace of mind, the legal test, the before-birth test and the secret test. These are joined by relationship tests, DNA tests for immigration procedures, clinical and prenatal tests, the Precision Health Forecast service and bird DNA testing, which has its own client login.

According to the information published, the laboratory analyses 23 DNA regions per person, a figure the company places above that of other laboratories. In paternity tests, it states that it usually achieves results with a certainty above 99.99%, while in other relationship tests, such as sibling-to-sibling tests, the range can be between 99% and 99.9%. The company also notes that all paternity exclusions are tested twice and that it can exclude paternity with 100% accuracy.

Testing process and turnaround times

The procedure described by the company begins with selecting and ordering the test online, after which the kit is sent to the client's home. The sample is collected at home using a quick swab of the inside of the cheek, a non-invasive method that includes detailed instructions. Return to the laboratory is made using the prepaid packaging included with the kit, and results are delivered in a detailed and confidential report, in digital format or by post depending on the type of test.

For tests with legal implications, the process is different: blood samples may be required and collection is carried out by certified professionals, in order to comply with legal requirements and obtain results that can be used in court. The usual turnaround times are five business days, with express result options in three or two business days; the company warns that some non-standard tests may take longer and that times vary according to laboratory workload.

Confidentiality and use of results

The company states that all client information and results are strictly confidential, that they are only given to the person who signed the sample submission form and that a password is requested as additional protection. Genetic data is not shared with third parties without the client's written authorisation.

Among the uses the company attributes to DNA tests are confirmation of paternity and maternity, resolution of inheritance matters, support in adoption cases and searches for biological relatives, proof of biological relationships in immigration procedures, genealogical research, information on genetic predispositions and support for criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Track record and institutional commissions

With more than 25 years of activity, DNA Solutions presents itself as an Australian-owned and operated company, with more than 200,000 DNA tests carried out in the country. The company states that it has served the Australian government, the military and hundreds of thousands of private individuals within and outside Australia, and notes that it has been awarded a contract with the Australian Defence Forces. It also states that it carries out DNA testing for Channel 9's 'Missing Pieces' programme.

Prices and customer service

The information published at the time of analysis lists a price of 229 dollars for the home peace-of-mind kit and 495 dollars for the legal test. The company refers to its paternity and other relationship test pages to check the fee according to the type of analysis. For questions about which test is appropriate, it has a customer service team that guides clients through its toll-free number.

Location and contact

4 Eastgate Court, Wantirna South, VIC 3152 Australia