How does the DNA paternity testing process work together at HealthSmile and Endeavor DNA?
DNA testing is a scientific process that requires specialized laboratories and equipment to produce accurate and reliable results. HealthSmile, in partnership with Endeavor DNA USA, is here to support you every step of the way, from sample collection to results reporting, to ensure your data is tested to the highest standards.
HealthSmile is a distributor of Endeavor DNA in the United States. Our main functions are as follows:
1. HealthSmile (Reseller) duties
Sample collection and translation
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Collect samples or prepare sample collection kits (DNA sample collection and sending test kits) for customers.
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Provide customer service, including following up and requesting information on forms that customers have not completed.
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Samples submitted in the form of buccal swabs include samples collected from the buccal mucosa and other samples such as hair, nails, toothbrushes, etc. (DNA extraction from these other samples will incur an additional fee).
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Ship samples with supporting documents to Endeavor DNA Laboratory.
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Responsible for the condition of the sample until it reaches Endeavor DNA Laboratory.
For this DNA sample collection, HealthSmile provides DNA sample collection services from test takers throughout Thailand. There are 3 types of services to choose from:
- Come collect DNA samples at the center, which has several locations across the country.
- Make an appointment to collect DNA samples at home. In Bangkok, make an appointment 1-2 days in advance. In other provinces, make an appointment 4-5 days in advance.
- Collect your own specimens easily at home.
There are many different types of samples that can be collected, including from the buccal mucosa, saliva, hair, nails, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, dental floss, etc. However, the most popular and non-invasive method (painless) is to collect the buccal mucosa using a flocked swab placed inside the buccal mucosa. HealthSmile collects samples correctly and safely.
Read more:
- What can DNA testing be used to prove relationships (father-mother-child, siblings)?
- DNA specimen collection: Can I use a cotton bud instead of the HealthSmile (Flocked swab) device?
Documents and information
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Submit a consent form or written document specifying the requested test, test subject information, relationship, sample collection date, and any other relevant information.
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For cases requiring legal certification, the consent form must be in English.
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The sample quality is initially checked, and the relevant documents are printed and sent along with the test kit to Endeavor DNA Laboratory.
After receiving all specimens from each participant, the HealthSmile team will review all supporting documentation, including legal requirements and peace of mind. Additionally, the specimens will be inspected to ensure they meet U.S. standards and are prepared for shipment to the United States using internationally recognized shipping methods.
Shipping of test kits to Endeavor DNA USA and responsibility for any problems with samples.
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If the sample is deteriorated or improperly stored, you are responsible for collecting a new sample and the cost of transportation and retesting.
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Comply with export-import sample requirements as per the laws of the United States and relevant countries.
Once all documents, information, and quality of the DNA specimens pass the initial standards, the company will transport them to the Endeavor DNA Laboratory in the United States. If the results from the first round of testing from Endeavor DNA Laboratory cannot be issued for any reason, HealthSmile will provide a new collection service free of charge to the recipient.
If a second test is not successful (the chance of a result not being obtained if DNA was collected correctly is less than 0.01%), HealthSmile will refund 80% of the cost to the test recipient. Or, if a third test is required, HealthSmile will provide another test at an additional collection fee.
In terms of reporting results and taking care of examinees after receiving results
HealthSmile is responsible for verifying the results and reports received from Endeavor DNA Laboratory. HealthSmile will send a digital copy of the report to the contact and print a hard copy from the file and mail it to the test taker. If the test taker wishes to receive the hard copy directly from Endeavor DNA Laboratory, a hard copy report can be requested for an additional fee and shipping. If a hard copy report is ordered, EDL will ship the report via FedEx or DHL with guaranteed delivery and will retain the sample and documents for a specified period before destroying them (30 days for informational cases and 6 months for legal cases).
HealthSmile provides direct customer service, answering questions, following up on missing information, and following established standards to ensure accurate test results. Provides guidance on sample collection procedures, including providing initial consultation if there are any questions regarding test results. Additionally, if in-depth questions arise, HealthSmile will contact EDL to request additional information for test takers.
2. Duties of Endeavor DNA, Inc. (Endeavor DNA Laboratory : EDL)
Receiving and inspecting samples
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Handle and care for DNA samples properly upon receipt.
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Attempt to analyze samples even if they are deteriorated or poorly stored.
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Perform identity verification according to AABB and ISO standards.
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Submit test results within the time period specified in the Laboratory Fee Schedule.
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The final report is emailed to your Reseller contact (a printed version is available upon request for an additional fee).
Once Endeavor DNA Laboratory receives a specimen from HealthSmile, it follows the AABB and ISO standards of the United States, with the following testing and interpretation steps:
– Lysis of cell membranes (Lyse Cells)
In the lab, scientists use enzymes or chemicals to break down cell membranes, releasing the DNA inside.
– DNA separation
Electrophoresis is a technique that uses an electric field to separate DNA molecules from other components of the sample to obtain pure DNA for testing.
– DNA copying
Using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique to create multiple copies of DNA, it is possible to clearly test for the location of genes (Genetic Markers).
– Gene location testing (Testing)
Genetic loci testing typically tests 16–21 loci to confirm relationships such as father-son, mother-son, siblings, or other consanguineous relationships as requested.
– Comparison of results (Matching)
The detected gene loci are compared to other DNA samples, for example, in a paternity test, the biological father must match half of the gene loci to the child’s and the other half to the mother.
Quality and standards
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Maintain certification standards (AABB, ANAB, ISO 17025:2017, Ministry of Justice)
Read more: What are the standards for Endeaver DNA father-child DNA testing in Thailand by HealthSmile? -
Participate in proficiency tests at least three times per year administered by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Special Case Management
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If incomplete documents or insufficient test results are found, an email will be sent to HealthSmile for further action.
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Special measures for Non-Standard Samples and additional fees are provided.
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For US immigration DNA testing cases, EDL is the sole provider, and HealthSmile is solely responsible for collecting samples under contract.
3. Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement
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Both parties shall maintain the confidentiality of the information and the confidentiality of the examinee as specified.
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Do not disclose information to unrelated persons, except for employees who need to use the information.
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Return confidential documents or information upon written request.
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Exceptions to confidentiality, such as information that is already public or obtained legally from a third party.
Good reasons to get your DNA tested with HealthSmile
Price 12,000 baht per father-son pair
Highly accurate with technology and international standard labs
Private and secure, all information is kept strictly confidential.
Nationwide service , including examinations at network clinics and home examinations
Consultation is available at every step. Expert staff are available to provide advice.
If you would like to undergo a DNA test to confirm your relationship or would like more information about our services, please contact HealthSmile for a consultation and appointment today.
LINE ID: @HealthSmile or click this link https://lin.ee/4CIgU8r
Call 089-874-9565
Summary table of duties of each party under the contract Wattana Medical and Wellbeing Co. Ltd. (HealthSmile) – Reseller Agreement 10.18.2024
Job Category / Responsibilities | WATTANA MEDICAL AND WELLBEING CO., LTD. (HealthSmile) | Endeavor DNA, Inc. (EDL) |
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Sample collection and delivery | – Collect samples and prepare test kits for the person being tested.
– Provide services to those undergoing examination and follow up on missing information. – Send samples in the form of Buccal swabs or other specimens. – Send samples with documents to EDL. – Responsible for the condition of samples until EDL |
– Receive samples and handle them properly.
– Try to analyze even if the sample is deteriorated. – Comply with AABB and ISO standards in inspection. |
Documents and information | – Submit a consent form or document containing complete information (test type, personal information, relationship, sample collection date, etc.)
– Manage transportation documents according to international standards. |
– Provide supporting documents such as Consent Form and Sample Collection Instructions (PDF). |
When there is a problem with the sample | – Collect new samples and send them to the repeat examinee at no additional cost if the samples are deteriorated/not stored properly.
– Comply with the laws on exporting and importing DNA samples. |
– Notify HealthSmile if documents are incomplete or test results are insufficient.
– Provide advice on deteriorated samples to avoid duplicate costs. |
Submission of test results | – Receive test results from EDL and report the results to the person being tested within 2 business days. | – Send test results and reports according to the time period specified in the service schedule.
– Submit a digital version of the report (printed versions are available for a fee). – Send via email to the designated contact person. |
US immigration cases | – Can only play the role of a contracted sample collector. | – Be the one who performs all operations (managing sample collection, scheduling, inspection and collecting all service fees) |
Non-Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) | – Do not disclose information to outsiders, except to those who need to use the information or who have received a request for information through a legal request.
– Return information when requested in writing. |
– Use the same confidentiality measures.
– Establish standards for marking and confidentiality exceptions. |