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DNA Diagnostics Ltd specialises in DNA Testing (profiling), predominantly for paternity cases. Formed in 1989, we were the first laboratory in New Zealand to offer a parentage DNA testing service using DNA markers and we are still the only parentage DNA testing laboratory operating within New Zealand.
DNA Diagnostics Ltd is a joint venture between Auckland UniServices (the commercial arm of the University of Auckland) and Diagnostic Medlab. The company utilises the skills of molecular geneticists and statisticians from the University of Auckland and the diagnostic service expertise of Diagnostic Medlab.
Accreditation and Proficiency Testing
DNA Diagnostics maintains the highest of standards through continued laboratory accreditation, participation in international proficiency testing and internal auditing.
DNA Diagnostics first gained accreditation through International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) in 1996. We have maintained that accreditation with audits by IANZ every year and an audit of all technical aspects by an overseas expert once every 4 years.
We participate annually in international proficiency testing, processing 8 cases per year, through the College of American Pathologists; Tepnel Lifecodes, USA; and the English Speaking Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics.
All parentage DNA testing is carried out according to the provisions of the New Zealand Family Proceedings Act (1980).
Testing Location
Our Auckland DNA laboratory is currently located within the Diagnostic Medlab Laboratory complex in Ellerslie. We are the only parentage DNA testing laboratory operating within New Zealand. Samples can be collected from throughout New Zealand at our designated collection centres and sent to us for testing.
Services
Parentage DNA testing is the main focus of our work. Additional DNA testing/profiling services include twin zygosity testing, to determine whether or not twins are identical, DNA extraction, profiling and storage. A consultancy service, to review prosecution DNA case files for defense counsel, is available. More information is available on our Services and Fees section.
Technology
DNA Diagnostics Ltd performs testing with a minimum of 15 short tandem repeat (STR) DNA markers from the non sex chromosomes (autosomes), which are more than adequate to resolve parentage with a very high level of certainty for the majority of cases. Additional STR markers are used if required. Y chromosome testing is available for parentage cases involving a male child.
Specialists
The staff at DNA Diagnostics are specialists in the field of DNA testing/profiling and parentage (paternity/maternity) testing. Additional expert advice is available to us from statistical and molecular genetic consultants.
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