Question 1

Does KINORA GENETICS operate its own laboratory?

Accepted Answer

No. KINORA GENETICS is a DNA testing service and sample collection platform operated by Canadian International Business Development Corp. All laboratory analysis is performed by qualified, accredited laboratory partners. No analysis takes place at our Richmond centre.

Question 2

What happens at the Richmond centre?

Accepted Answer

Richmond is our head office and our DNA Testing & Collection Centre. It is where consultations, identity verification, and sample collection appointments take place. Samples are then securely transferred to an accredited laboratory partner.

Question 3

Are the other cities you list offices?

Accepted Answer

No. Aside from Richmond, every location listed is a service area where we can coordinate collection. Those cities are collection-coordination availability, not offices.

Question 4

How accurate are the results?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy figures are determined and reported by the analysing accredited laboratory partner and depend on the test type, sample quality, and which participants are tested. We do not guarantee any particular result, probability, or conclusion.

Question 5

How long do results take?

Accepted Answer

Indicative turnaround times start when the laboratory partner receives all required samples. They are estimates provided by our partners and are not guaranteed; complex cases and international shipping can extend timelines.

Question 6

Will an immigration authority or court accept my report?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance is decided solely by the receiving authority. We coordinate documented chain-of-custody collection intended to support such requirements, but we cannot guarantee acceptance or the outcome of any application or proceeding.

Question 7

Do you provide medical or legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide medical, diagnostic, legal, or immigration advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional or authorised representative for advice on your situation.

Question 8

How is my information protected?

Accepted Answer

Personal information is handled in line with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, shared only with the parties needed to complete your test, and reports are released through an access-controlled portal.

Question 9

Can a minor be tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with consent from a parent or legal guardian. Legal-use cases may require additional documentation, which your coordinator will outline before booking.

Question 10

Do you offer home collection kits?

Accepted Answer

Home collection kits are available for personal-knowledge tests such as ancestry and wellness. Legal and immigration testing requires supervised, identity-verified collection.

Question 11

What is the best sample for a DNA test?

Accepted Answer

A buccal cheek swab is the preferred sample for most relationship DNA tests. It is painless, easy to collect and is the sample type accredited laboratory partners work with routinely.

Question 12

Can I mail DNA samples?

Accepted Answer

Cheek swabs collected with one of our kits can be returned by mail using the instructions in the kit. Special or non-standard samples should not be mailed until we have reviewed them and confirmed acceptance and packaging instructions.

Question 13

Can hair be used for a paternity test?

Accepted Answer

Hair may sometimes be suitable, depending on the material available and the laboratory partner's methodology. It is assessed case by case and no outcome can be promised in advance.

Question 14

Does hair need the root attached?

Accepted Answer

Attached root or follicular material improves the likelihood of usable DNA recovery because more cellular material is typically present. Availability of methods for other portions of the strand is confirmed during assessment.

Question 15

Can a toothbrush be used for DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

A used toothbrush may contain biological material from its user, but quantity, contamination and condition vary. We review the details before you send anything.

Question 16

Can fingernail clippings contain DNA?

Accepted Answer

Nail clippings may sometimes provide DNA suitable for analysis. Larger, more recent clippings that were stored dry are generally preferable, and suitability is assessed before submission.

Question 17

Can chewing gum contain DNA?

Accepted Answer

Used chewing gum may contain saliva and cellular material. Whether it is suitable depends on how long it was chewed, how it was stored and whether it was contaminated.

Question 18

Can a cigarette butt be tested for DNA?

Accepted Answer

A used filter may contain saliva-derived material. Suitability depends on the condition of the sample and the requirements of the analysing laboratory partner.

Question 19

Can old samples still contain DNA?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Age is only one factor — storage conditions, moisture, heat, light and handling all influence what a laboratory partner may be able to recover. Older samples are less predictable.

Question 20

What happens if the laboratory cannot recover enough DNA?

Accepted Answer

If insufficient usable DNA is recovered, the laboratory partner reports an inconclusive or unsuccessful extraction. A coordinator will explain the options, which may include submitting a cheek swab instead. Some fees may not be refundable once analysis has begun.

Question 21

Can I use a special sample for a legal DNA test?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. Legal and official testing usually requires identity verification, witnessed collection and documented chain of custody, so a professionally collected cheek swab is normally required.

Question 22

Can I send samples from another country?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but import, export and courier requirements vary by country and sample type. Tell us where the sample is located and we will confirm what is possible before anything is shipped.

Question 23

Can two participants submit different sample types?

Accepted Answer

In some cases participants may provide different sample types, subject to laboratory partner acceptance. This is confirmed during assessment before collection or shipping.

Question 24

Do I need consent to submit a DNA sample?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every participant, or their parent or legal guardian, must consent to testing. We may ask who a sample belongs to and how it was obtained, and we may decline a sample where consent or ownership cannot be appropriately established.

Question 25

How should special samples be packaged?

Accepted Answer

Packaging depends on the material, so we provide instructions after review rather than in advance. As a general rule, keep the item dry, handle it as little as possible and contact KINORA GENETICS before shipping.

Frequently asked questions