For paternity testing, PTC's advantages are even more important in the investigation and prosecution of a crime. Most laboratories guarantee only a 99.0% probability of paternity even for forensic paternity. Such low numbers are much less suitable in the criminal context, where evidence must show the suspect guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A 99.0% probability of paternity, indicating a genetic pattern found on average in one in every one hundred people, and possibly much more common in the case at hand, is obviously inappropriate in a context where prosecutors prefer to see much higher numbers. A knowledgeable defense attorney is sure to argue that the lower numbers leave more than reasonable doubt, and the jury may agree.

PTC's 99.99% minimum guarantee assures law enforcement agencies that our laboratory will continue testing until we have identified a genetic pattern that fits no more than one in ten thousand individuals on average. In most cases we narrow it down to a pattern that fits fewer than one in one hundred thousand individuals. These numbers make it much easier to obtain a conviction.

PTC also prepares paternity reports that are specific to the forensic context, at no additional charge.

Paternity Testing Corporation primarily uses the PCR/STR type of DNA analysis for paternity testing, but also has RFLP avaliable. In some states, if one side objects to allowing a paternity test in court, the samples can easily be retested in the other DNA system.

There is much questioning within the forensic community as to the best way to report paternity statistics in forensic cases. There is no consistent practice at this time. Some laboratories report the "probability of paternity" which the American Association of Blood Banks requires for private paternity laboratories. Others use a likelihood ratio. Some report a frequency number as in crime stain comparison situations. Still others shun numbers and simply report whether the alleged father was excluded or not excluded.

Paternity Testing Corporation will prepare the report as requested. Our preference in forensic cases is to calculate a "one in" number, indicating that this is a haploid DNA pattern which you would expect to see in one in every __________ individuals. We believe that this provides the most useful and convincing information to the jury. Attorneys who specialize in prosecution of DNA cases have advised that the jury is confused by probabilities and likelihood ratios. The frequency number is a concept that the jury can understand. As a result, it is the most effective statistic in the prosecution of a crime.

We are interested in your thoughts and experience regarding this question. If you have an opinion about the best statistics to use in a forensic paternity case, or have a revealing war story to share, or if you have questions about paternity statistics, please send PTC an email at info@ptclabs.com.

PTC is available to provide fast and reliable DNA testing for your cases. We provide PCR testing using the FBI's thirteen core loci, and we have other PCR systems available. We also are able to provide exceptionally high levels of discrimination using RFLP testing if there is a sufficient quantity of DNA.

Our turn-around time for DNA casework depends upon the quality of the samples. For samples such as blood, our turn-around time is generally within ten days.

PTC is also available to test and report the DNA profiles of convicted criminals for State law enforcement agencies. PTC brings to convicted offender databanking the same expertise, level of reliability in testing, and level of service that we provide in all of our paternity and forensic testing.

PTC has high throughput capability for databanking. We develop a profile of each sample using the FBI's thirteen core loci. All results are returned in a CODIS format. The client laboratory can perform quality control by a direct comparison of profiles processed by the client laboratory, regardless of which platform (CE or FMBio) the client uses for its own testing.

1. The physician should separate the fetal tissue from the mother’s tissue. This step is very important. If the tissues are pulverized and mixed, it is nearly impossible to obtain a fetal DNA profile.
2. Do NOT store tissue in formaldehyde. Tissue can be stored refrigerated, in saline buffer or stored frozen with or without saline buffer.
3. Tissue can be placed in any leak proof container.
4. Tissue should be frozen immediately after collection (if freezing is not possible then refrigerate). Tissue can be frozen either at –20C or –80C.
5. Tissue should be shipped overnight for next day delivery, and packed in freezer packs or in dry ice adequate to keep the tissue cold for at least 72 hours. Overnight shipments are occasionally misrouted and 72 hours will cover most shipment errors.
Please ship specimens to: John Beckwith, Paternity Testing Corporation, 300 Portland St., Columbia, MO 65201, (573)442-9948
6. PTC should be notified that the shipment has been sent and a tracking number should be provided to PTC. PTC will need tracking information in the event that the shipment is not delivered as expected.
7. Either an EDTA blood tube or 4 buccal swabs should be provided from the victims and suspects. Buccal swabs should be rubbed on the inside of the cheek (2 on each side) for a minimum of 15 seconds each. If a mouth infection is present then it will be necessary to obtain a blood specimen.
8. Blood should be stored refrigerated until shipped. Blood should be shipped overnight and in hot weather blood should be shipped using cold packs.
9. Buccal swabs should be allowed to dry in the evidence envelope for a few hours, and then frozen until shipped. Buccal swabs should be shipped overnight, but it is not necessary to keep buccal swabs cold during shipping.
10. If you have questions about specimen collection or shipping instructions, please call our toll free number (888) 837-8323