Summary of this article
This article details the costs, procedures, and preparation necessary to perform a DNA analysis. It discusses the differences between private and legal DNA testing, the cost of each, how to prepare the necessary documents and specimens, and how to prepare yourself for the results. It also includes notes on the legal and emotional impact of the results, as well as privacy considerations, to help guide you through the DNA testing process and how to proceed.
DNA testing is a technology used for a variety of reasons in today’s society, including confirmation of parent-child relationships, criminal investigations, and genetic analysis in the medical field. DNA testing to confirm parent-child relationships, in particular, can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, so it is important to prepare carefully and have the necessary procedures and preparedness.
This section details the important factors you need to know when conducting a DNA analysis. Make sure you understand the entire appraisal process, including costs, preparedness, and required documentation, so that you can handle the process calmly.
1. necessary expenses (money)
The cost of DNA testing varies depending on the type of testing.Since the costs and procedures differ greatly between those performed for private confirmation purposes and those for legal purposes, it is necessary to choose the type of analysis that best suits your purpose.
Private identification
Private DNA testing is generally used for informal purposes. For example, private DNA analysis is used to confirm parent-child or sibling relationships. The cost of a private expert opinion is approximately 30,000 yen to 60,000 yen. The advantage is that results can be obtained relatively quickly, but they cannot be submitted to the court as evidence.
Identification of the law
DNA testing, which has the legal effect of being submitted to the court, is a more rigorous procedure and more expensive than private testing. Legal appraisals play an important role in legal proceedings, such as custody disputes and child support decisions. In this case, the cost is approximately 100,000 to 150,000 yen. Legal appraisal is very reliable and is accepted as legal evidence, so you should choose this option, especially when legal disputes are involved.
Additional fees
Depending on the nature of the appraisal and the procedure, additional fees may be incurred. For example, additional fees may be charged when multiple specimens are added or when a rush appraisal is needed. This can result in the total cost being higher than expected, so it is important to check in advance when requesting an appraisal.
Subsidies and grant programs
In some countries or regions, subsidies or grants may be available for DNA testing.In particular, assistance may be provided to reduce financial burdens, especially in cases where legal testing is required.Before conducting an appraisal, it is a good idea to contact the local government and relevant organizations to see if there are any programs available.
2. How to prepare for requesting an appraisal
DNA testing is a very powerful means of establishing important facts such as parent-child relationships. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for the results before conducting an evaluation. The results of an appraisal can have significant legal and emotional consequences, so you must be prepared to respond calmly.
Preparedness for results
The results of a DNA test do not always turn out to be what you expected. For example, an evaluation to confirm parent-child relationship may not turn out to be what you had imagined, which could result in emotional shock. It is important to be prepared to calmly accept whatever the results may be.
Impact on legal and family relationships
Depending on the results of a paternity test, legal issues such as custody, child support, and inheritance can have a significant impact. Depending on the results, family relationships and legal obligations may change fundamentally, and adequate understanding and preparation for this is necessary. In the case of legal appraisals, the results directly affect legal action, so it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer or other expert beforehand.
Privacy and Ethics
DNA testing deals with very sensitive information that involves personal privacy. You need to carefully consider how the results of the analysis will affect not only you, but also your family and other concerned parties. In particular, it is important to have a preliminary discussion and give due consideration to ethical aspects in order to avoid problems and conflicts within the family.
3. Required documents and specimens
When conducting a DNA analysis, you are required to prepare the specimens and documents necessary for the analysis in advance. The items required differ depending on the type of analysis, so be sure to check before requesting an analysis.
Specimen (DNA sample)
There are several types of specimens used in DNA testing. The most common specimen is a swab from the inside of the cheek, but blood, hair, nails, and even the umbilical cord may also be used. The requesting institution must dictate which specimen is submitted, but the most widespread is a sample from the inside of the cheek, which is easy and painless to collect.
My Confirmation
In the case of legal DNA testing, the identity of the submitter is strictly verified. Usually, an official identification card with a photograph (driver’s license, passport, my number card, etc.) is required. This allows the appraisal results to be used as legally valid evidence. Identification documents are an essential component of legal appraisals and it is important to ensure that they are prepared.
Types of Identification Documents
DNA testing requires strict identification in order to be legally valid. Below are some commonly used identification documents.
Identification document with photo
Official identification with a photograph is recognized as the most reliable document. These documents are mandatory for legal appraisals.
- Driver’s license: This is the most widely used identification card in Japan and must be unexpired.
- Passport: An internationally accepted document that can be used for any out-of-country appraisals or certifications required.
- My number card: Contains personal number and is used for identification purposes.
Other identification documents
In some cases, there are official documents that do not have a photo or must be used in combination with a photo document.
- Health insurance card: Since it does not have a photo, it is generally used in conjunction with an additional verification document.
- Certificate of residence: Usually used in conjunction with other certificates, it is used to verify address and identity.
Use in DNA analysis
In legal appraisals, official identification with a photograph is mandatory. The identification makes it more reliable as evidence in court. In some cases, a copy of the certificate may be required, so it is helpful to prepare it in advance.
5. The process of DNA analysis and points to note
When requesting a DNA analysis, it is important to understand the procedures and precautions in advance. Since the procedure differs depending on the type and purpose of the analysis, it is necessary to proceed with caution.
Flow of Requesting an Appraisal
- Consultation and Appointment: First, contact the organization performing the appraisal and discuss what type of appraisal is needed. Depending on your objectives, they can suggest the best appraisal method.
- Specimen collection: Collect the specimen using the specified method and send it to the appraisal agency. In the case of legal appraisals, the collection method is strictly regulated and must be followed exactly as instructed.
- Appraisal and Notification of Results: The specimen is analyzed by the appraisal organization and the results are notified. Private appraisals often produce results quickly, while legal appraisals may take longer.
Point of attention
- Reliability of results: Although appraisal results are provided with a very high degree of accuracy, it is recommended that experts be consulted for interpretation of results to avoid misunderstandings.
- Privacy Protection: Since appraisal results are highly personal information, careful consideration should be given to how the results are handled. It is important to carefully decide how the results will be stored and with whom they will be shared.
Summary
While the costs and procedures involved in DNA testing are complex, it is a powerful tool for establishing important facts such as parent-child relationships. When requesting an evaluation, it is essential to be prepared for the cost, preparedness, preparation of necessary documents and specimens, and readiness for the results. Especially in the case of legal appraisals, it is important to work with a specialist as strict procedures and identification are required.
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Supervisor of the article
Dr. Hiroshi Oka
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Medical Doctor
