DNA (Relationship) Testing FAQs

Visit www.aabb.org/dna and contact any of the facilities on the list.

Each facility sets their own testing fees, you can contact any of the labs on the list at www.aabb.org/dna.

All of the facilities on the list at www.aabb.org/dna can arrange for sample collections nearly anywhere in the world. Contact any of the labs on the list to arrange for your sample collection.

Accreditation for Relationship Testing is voluntary in the United States. However, many state laws require AABB accreditation for any test reports to be used in legal proceedings and the Federal Government requires AABB accreditation on any DNA tests used for any type of immigration proceedings: visa, passport, or citizenship cases.

AABB accredited facilities have been assessed to a set of comprehensive quality standards and follow validated procedures to maintain a valid chain of custody and traceability from initiation of case to reporting of results. The AABB accredited facilities are the only facilities in the United States that are recognized by the Federal government for immigration and by most State Court Systems.

All AABB facilities accredited for Relationship Testing Activities are listed at www.aabb.org/dna. If a facility is not on the list, it is not currently accredited.

You will need to contact the facility that scheduled your sample collection for a status on your case and test results.

First, contact the facility that scheduled your sample collection and testing to discuss your concerns. All accredited facilities are required to have a complaint resolution process. If you are unable to reach a resolution with the facility, you may contact accreditation@aabb.org with your concerns.

Contact one of the AABB accredited facilities at www.aabb.org/dna to assist you with initiating an accredited test.

Samples intended for visa, passport, and citizenship testing cases for the United States of America will be accepted only if the case is initiated directly between the petitioner and a facility that is accredited by AABB for relationship testing activities. If you need a test for any type of immigration case, you should discuss your case and schedule your sample collection with one of the AABB accredited facilities listed on www.aabb.org/dna only. If you are seeking a DNA test for purposes other than immigration, we recommend that you begin with the AABB Accredited facilities listed on www.aabb.org/dna as part of your selection process.

Go to www.aabb.org/dna to select an AABB accredited facility to initiate your DNA test. Follow all the instructions given by the accredited facility to have your sample collected. Initiating a DNA test with a facility that is not accredited by AABB puts your case at risk of rejection.

Please inquire with the facility that scheduled your sample collection on the status of your case.

Please inquire with the facility that scheduled your sample collection on the status of your case and expected completion date.

Depending on facility processes and the type of test performed, most tests are reported in a week or less from the time that all samples are received. If a test requires additional or extended testing, that time frame may be longer. Please inquire with the facility that scheduled your sample collection on the status of your case and expected completion date.

The results will be sent directly from the accredited testing laboratory to the USCIS office.

You can try again at another time or call another facility from the list.

You may contact accreditation@aabb.org to inquire if a facility has notified AABB of transfer of records to another accredited facility.

AABB standards allow for reuse of the samples for additional testing with client consent and dependent on facility policies, please inquire with the original testing facility if your samples are available for re-use.

You may contact accreditation@aabb.org to inquire if a facility was accredited at the time a test report was issued.

The accredited facilities can schedule collections together or separately according to the needs of the tested parties.

You will need to contact the facility that performed the DNA testing to inquire about their sample retention policies.

If you have already initiated a DNA test, contact the accredited facility that scheduled your collection for updates. If you have not yet initiated a test, you may call any of the facilities on the list at www.aabb.org/dna to inquire if they have any updates on immigration testing in your region.

The current operating status in China requires all collections and testing to be routed through the AABB accredited facilities in China. Collections done at U.S. posts must use kits that are shipped from and will be shipped back to an AABB-accredited lab in China. Accredited labs in the United States are working with the accredited labs in China, you may call any of the accredited facilities on the list at www.aabb.org/dna to inquire about their cooperative process for testing in China.