Who should be tested in a Heritage ID DNA test?
The person whose sample needs to be preserved should be tested. 

What types of samples are taken from living parties?
Orchid Cellmark collects cheek swab samples from all living parties. These are painless and non-invasive and can be collected within a matter of minutes.

How are samples collected?
For a court-ready test, you may have your samples taken at one of our 5000 specimen collection sites.

What do I need to bring to my specimen collection appointment?
If your samples are being collected for a court-ready test, you will need to attend one of our 5000 specimen collection sites. You will need to bring government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license. There is no fee for specimen collection.

Can samples be taken from a recently deceased individual?
As long as the next-of-kin provides authorization to obtain and test a sample, it is possible to test a deceased individual. Orchid Cellmark will provide specimen collection kits to obtain cheek swabs, pulled hair and fingernail samples. These samples can be collected by the funeral home or coroner.

Can post-mortem estate testing be done even if the deceased did not store a sample?
Depending on the alleged relationship between the claimant and the deceased, it may be possible to test known siblings, children or parents of the deceased in comparison to the claimant. Alternatively, it may be possible to collect and test a known sample from the deceased including autopsy or pathology samples or personal possessions.

Is it possible to test cremated remains?
No, DNA is destroyed by the high heat of the cremation process.

Is it possible to obtain a sample from exhumed remains?
Depending on the age of the body, it is often possible to extract DNA from exhumed remains however it is preferable to test pathology samples or autopsy samples or personal possessions such as toothbrushes, razors, favourite hats, smoking pipes, etc. which may contain a DNA sample. Click on this link to see a complete list of non-standard samples and the surcharges associated with testing those samples.

Who needs to be tested in a paternity, maternity or kinship case?
The people who need to be tested and the type of testing performed will vary, depending on the relationship to the person whose estate is being settled, and on the other individuals available for testing.