DNA Testing
DNA genetic testing is at times suggested as a means of confirming the biological relationship between individuals. The Consular Officer may suggest DNA testing at the time of the interview or a subsequent review process. DNA testing, when properly conducted is virtually 100 percent accurate and can assist in facilitating cases to completion. The test must be conducted by an accredited U.S. laboratory included in the list of AABB laboratories. Costs for testing may vary and all related charges are borne by the family.
Following the instructions below will ensure the validity of the DNA test results:
• We only accept DNA kits from laboratories with AABB accreditation in the U.S. The petitioner must contact any AABB accredited laboratory and purchase a genetic test kit. The petitioner must instruct the laboratory to forward the testing kit to the following address. The DNA kit must include the chain of custody documentation.
Consular Section – Immigrant Visa Unit
American Consulate General
9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno
Guayaquil, Ecuador
• If either the parent or child resides in the United States, the petitioner should arrange with the laboratory to have the relevant sample taken in the U.S. and follow the normal procedure for having the other sample taken in Guayaquil, as described above.
• Under no circumstances should petitioners use third-party vendors to select their lab, receive directly the test kits or transport the specimens outside of the lab chain-of-custody controls. The DNA samples for the petitioner must be collected at a designated AABB testing site, lab, or clinic in the United States.
• After three weeks of having purchased the genetic test kit the visa applicant must visit this web site to check their appointment date for the sample collection. The samples for the person(s) residing in Ecuador will be collected at this Consulate by one of our cleared panel physicians.
• Once the samples are collected, the Consular Officer will assemble and secure the samples and return it by express courier to the laboratory. One of the most important aspects of the testing process is the security of the samples taken from the individuals. The chain of custody must be maintained from the moment the samples are taken by the physician until the kit arrives to the laboratory.
• After your appointment with the doctor, you must send the Consulate the passports of all your family members that are applying for an immigrant visa. The passports should be sent by DHL Ecuador express courier.
• You must instruct the laboratory to send the Consulate an original notification of the results, including the chain of custody. Once the Consulate has received its original copy showing the result, we will continue processing your immigrant visa application.
APPOINTMENT LISTS FOR DNA TESTING
Check the following lists to verify your appointment date for the sample collection. If your name is included in any of the lists, click here to verify the physician's office address.
Please follow these recommendations before attending to your appointment date:
• The fee for the DNA sample collection is $40 (Forty US dollars) and must be paid directly to the panel physician.
• The person to be tested must bring his/her valid passport or his/her Ecuadorian national ID recently issued and three color copies of his/her identification document.
• The person to be tested must bring three color pictures, on a white background and showing the applicant’s entire face; 5x5 cm size and must been recently taken.
• The Legal Guardians of children under age must also bring his/her Ecuadorian national ID, three color copies of his/her Ecuadorian national ID and three color pictures, on a white background and showing his/her entire face; 5x5 cm size and must been recently taken.
• The person to be tested can’t have any drinks (except water) and can’t consume any food before attending his/her appointment date.
• Women can’t use lip stick on their appointment date.
Note: We recommend attending your assigned appointment. Otherwise, your case may experience a delay in processing. However, if you can't attend your appointment date notify us by e-mail at ivguayaquil@state.gov
| November 20, 2009 | |