DNA is Deoxyribonucleic Acid and is the genetic material that is found in the nucleus in most cells in the human body (nuclear DNA). DNA is also found in the energy-producing mitochondria of a cell (mitochondrial DNA).

Nuclear DNA is inherited in equal portions from a person’s mother and father. Therefore, each person shares 50% of their DNA with their mother and 50% with their father. Full biological siblings also share DNA with each other. To a lesser degree, individuals also share DNA with other relatives such as aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally. Therefore, every child (male or female) of a particular woman has an exact copy of his/her mother’s mitochondrial DNA.

DNA on the Y-chromosome (present in males only) is inherited paternally. Therefore, all males who share the same paternal lineage would be expected to have the same Y-DNA profile.

A parentage test is a scientific test. It is performed to determine if a man is the biological father of a certain child or if a woman is the biological mother of a child. If the test shows that the alleged parent is not the biological parent of the child, that parent is said to be excluded and the probability of parentage is 0.00%. If the test shows that the alleged parent cannot be excluded, a likelihood of parentage is then calculated. If this likelihood is 99% or higher, the individual is generally found to be the biological parent.

A relatedness test, also known as kinship test, is used to test a biological relationship other than paternity or maternity. It may be used to test if an aunt or uncle is related to a niece or nephew. It may also be used to determine if two individuals are more likely to be full siblings or half siblings. Our highly trained staff will discuss each case with you to ensure that the most appropriate “known” relatives are tested and that the best DNA technology is used, in order to provide the most conclusive result.

Cheek swab samples are collected from the majority of our clients, unless the Embassy specifies that a blood sample must be collected. It is important to note that the DNA in cheek cells is the same as the DNA in blood cells and therefore, the results of either test are equivalent in terms of accuracy. Cheek swabs have the added benefit of ensuring that the process is quick and painless for the client.

Peace of Mind has a network of thousands of specimen collection sites in North America plus hundreds throughout the world. The samples for any particular case do not have to be collected in the same place at the same time.Peace of Mind will schedule an appointment for the sample collection at one of our approved collection sites. These appointments are scheduled by Peace of Mind within 1 or 2 days of receiving the application for testing. The overseas appointment will be scheduled by the US Embassy or Peace of Mind as quickly as possible. You can also schedule to have a Private DNA Agent come to a location of your choice to administer the DNA test.

The Chain of Custody procedures used by Peace of Mind require that each party be identified through government-issued identification. Each client must also provide a signature sample, a fingerprint and a recent photo. These strict procedures will help to ensure the correct identity of all tested parties.

Based on the AABB accreditation that Peace of Mind’s lab has, we are approved by the INS/DHS as a supplier for immigration testing. Peace of Mind supports the results we issue and will assist the Embassy and/or our clients with the interpretation of results, after they have been issued, if required.

Once all the samples are received by Peace of Mind the results will take 3-7 business days. A copy of the results will be sent to the Petitioner (or his/her attorney) and a copy will be sent to the US government.

The results for every DNA immigration case will be sent to Embassies by courier and to the local Service Centers by regular US mail.

Call one of our experienced Paternity Call Center staff at 1-866-51-PEACE (866-517-3223) to set up a case over the phone or to receive an application by mail.

Our prices are very competitive and include all costs except the overseas collection costs in most cases. The actual cost of a test will vary, depending on the number of parties tested and the DNA technology used. Please call 1-866-51-PEACE (866-517-3223) for a detailed quote.

Peace of Mind is part of a leading provider of identity DNA testing services with laboratories in the U.S. and U.K. Peace of Mind provides paternity and relationship testing and DNA testing for forensic and other applications.

In addition to STR-based routine DNA testing, Peace of Mind can also provide Y-STR and mitochondrial DNA analysis to examine paternal lineage and maternal lineage in cases where the close relatives of the applicant are deceased. This is extremely useful in some immigration cases.

Peace of Mind’s laboratory is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) which is required by the US Government (INS/DHS). This provides our clients with the assurance that the testing we perform is subjected to strict quality control measures. This in turn guarantees results of the highest quality.

At Peace of Mind, the privacy of our clients is important to us. All details regarding a DNA case are kept in the strictest confidence (except where required by law or legal process) . Information of any kind, including reports, is never issued without proper authorization.