What Types of Samples are Tested?
Painless, non-invasive cheek swabs are collected from each party in a DNA adoption case.

Who needs to provide a sample?
For a Guatemalan maternity test, the child and alleged mother provide a sample and for the 2nd test requirement, only the child is required to provide a sample. For a domestic adoption case, usually the child and alleged father and usually also the child’s mother provide samples.

How do you collect samples in Guatemala?
Using the services of one of four Physicians approved by the Department of State, cheek swab specimens are collected from the adoptive child and his/her alleged mother in Guatemala City. The samples are then sent to our US laboratory for analysis.

How is the Identity of each Tested Party assured?
Each tested party is required to provide government-issued identification at the time of specimen collection. Adult parties must provide photo identification. A photograph is also taken from each tested party at the time of collection.

How is the security of the samples ensured?
Once the samples are taken in any DNA case, they are sealed inside a tamper proof Secure-A-Gene bag and then placed inside a courier envelope. All samples are shipped to Orchid Cellmark’s DNA laboratories by a recognized international courier. Once received by our laboratory, they are examined for any signs of tampering and the testing only takes place if the samples are found to be secure. We have not had any instances of tampering having taken place. Please click here for more information on our Chain of Custody procedures.