DR. ROBERT BENNETT
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DR. BENNETT  -  DNA TESTING

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   The most important choice you have in getting a DNA test is choosing who will be processing the test.  We are the only DNA office in Charleston that has a full-time doctor (Ph.D.) in the office that will personally collect the DNA and process the specimens into the laboratory.  Dr. Bennett is a court accepted expert in DNA paternity and can defend the test results in court.  Other facilities simply have a technician that collects the specimens and sends the specimen to an out-of-state lab.  This is the critical point: once the test is finished, if there are any issues, or problems, or any legal questions and challenges, you'll have to rely on the out-of-state lab for answers.  This can be very difficult, costly, and time consuming.  However, Dr. Bennett is right here in Charleston and, as a DNA paternity expert, is qualified to defend the test in all legal cases that may come about once you have your test results. Most importantly, Dr. Bennett will explain the process from beginning to end, be able answer all your questions and concerns, and guide you through each step carefully and accurately for your individual case.  Dr. Bennett will provide free consultation to you on your case.  Dr. Bennett will work with you privately and confidentially to quickly give you the answers you need to know.

 

   DNA Paternity Testing is more than knowing FOR SURE who the actual father is.  You may also be entitled to child support, social security or other benefits that can help you and your child.  But it is CRITICAL to get the test performed using the most ADVANCED technology available.

 

ACCURACY

   DNA paternity test results from our office offers the highest levels of accuracy and generate probabilities greater than 99.99999% for inclusions (the alleged father is considered the biological father) and 100% for exclusions (the alleged father is not the biological father).  Since Dr. Bennett provides laboratory test results to the Courts, his DNA test results must be 100% accurate.

 

PATERNITY TESTING PROCEDURE

   To start a paternity test, simply call 1-843-571-7488.  You can also speak with Dr. Bennett directly.  We will take the time to answer your questions, take your information, and arrange for a convenient appointment for testing; we can schedule separate appointments for different parties if required.  Testing can be performed after hours if needed and we are available on Saturday and Sunday as well.

 

  

SAMPLE COLLECTION

   We use a painless buccal (cheek) swab method to collect samples - similar to a cotton-tipped swab, but made of the special Dacron material.  The swab is rub-swirled against the inside cheek using a specific technique in order to collect loose cheek cells and adhere them to the swab.  Unlike regular cotton swabs, Dacron provides a consistent, non-interfering surface for DNA collection and extraction.  Other facilities may use cheaper cotton swabs.

  

   In a standard DNA paternity test, the tested parties typically include a child, the alleged father, and the mother.  Although we provide the most accurate DNA test without the mother, the mother's participation in the paternity test helps to exclude half of the child's DNA, leaving the other half for comparison with the alleged father's DNA.  This increases the precision of the test.  Again, however, we can perform a paternity test without mother's participation and still be 100% accurate.  A motherless test involves additional analysis, which we perform without any additional charge.  Results are equally conclusive whether or not the mother participates.  Testing with the mother requires DNA testing an additional person, which we will also provide without any additional cost.

 

DNA TESTING IN THE LABORATORY

DNA is extracted from the buccal swabs and purified.

The extracted DNA is added to a special chemical mix for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure, a process that targets 16 specific locations in the DNA (called loci) and makes billions of copies of each location.

The products of PCR are analyzed to create a DNA profile, a genetic equivalent of a fingerprint for each tested party.

The child's DNA profile is compared with the alleged father's, and statistical analysis is performed to determine the probability of paternity.  A zero percent (0%) probability of paternity represents an exclusion (the alleged father is not the biological father) and a greater than 99.999% probability represents an inclusion (the alleged father is the biological father).

 

PATERNITY TEST REPORT / FAST RESULTS

   The paternity test results are ready within 3-7 working days. We release the test results immediately, as long as the testing fees are paid.  Results are available for pick up or can be delivered via first-class mail; we also will send results through private fax upon request.

 

SPECIAL DNA PATERNITY TESTING OPTIONS

   We often work with customers who would like to know the paternity relationship even before the child is born.  We are able to test prenatal samples in such situations.  Alternatively, we can use umbilical cord blood taken at birth - this option is less expensive than the prenatal test, which requires special procedures performed by an OB-GYN.  We have a special working arrangement with OB-GYN doctors to perform this service.  The procedure also includes an ultrasound and sex determination of the baby.

  

We can also test unusual samples such as when the father is missing or deceased.

   

LEGALLY DEFENSIBLE

    As a service provider of AABB-accredited laboratory testing, we perform paternity tests and other DNA tests using processes to ensure results will be legally defensible in all cases in which the results will be used in Courts and by government agencies.  Dr. Bennett has testified in DNA court cases and is considered a DNA expert.  The process proves and satisfies the following legal requirements:

 

• The individuals tested are positively identified (i.e. present a government-issued ID, and they are photographed and/or fingerprinted for records.)

• Use of legally defensible process of complete Chain-of-Custody and Specimen Control

• The samples are carefully tracked and matched to each test participant throughout the entire DNA testing process.

• Present a form of identification for minors, such as a birth certificate or social security card.

• The child and all parties are Confidentially photographed.

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We utilize a complete Client Identification and Consent Form (the minor's consent form should be signed by the parent/legal guardian)

The legally defensible process and Chain of Custody and Specimen Control process ensures that your results will be acceptable in court and other legal cases where paternity needs to be established.

 

A.A.B.B. ACCREDITATION

   The AABB's Parentage Testing Accreditation program is the gold standard for DNA paternity testing laboratories.  The program establishes and promotes the highest standards of testing quality and care for patients in all aspects of parentage testing.  Competent courts and other government agencies require DNA tests to be performed by AABB-accredited laboratories. All of our tests meet this requirement.

  

We also routinely provide conclusive results for other relationships, such as grandparentage, siblingship (half or full brother or sister), and avuncular (aunt or uncle).

 

We also provide DNA testing for ancestry, research, and forensic DNA testing services, (identity and relatedness).

   

COST

   We provide the highest quality DNA testing available, and at an affordable cost.  The laboratory fee for a typical Paternity test for Court or Social Security or other Legal reason is $395 plus $30 DNA specimen collection fee.  Payment plans are available and we can accept credit cards.