Specimen Collection

Will my medical aid pay for my blood tests?

This will depend on the type of medical aid or package that you are on. Some medical aids may require that patients make a co-payment (a portioned payment). It is best you find out from your medical aid fund if it covers all blood test costs.

What do the results show?

Blood tests are used for many reasons. They can show whether you have a particular illness, or a mineral deficiency (shortage) such as iron. They can also show whether the levels of various substances I your blood, such as glucose-regulating medication, fall within the correct range and are working properly, and can show if your organs such as your heart, liver and kidneys are working properly.

Why do I need blood tests?

Our blood firm communicates the level of our health. Blood tests are used to diagnose illnesses, monitor treatment progress and also indicate the need to detect health ailments at their early stages. For instance, diabetic patients need to do blood tests to determine whether their diabetes is well controlled by medication and dose they are taking.

DNA Paternity Tests

What is paternity testing?

DNA Paternity testing is a test in which DNA profiling and Genetic studies are conducted to establish the biological paternal relationship of a child. It should be noted that participation in the paternity test by the child’s mother is recommended to amplify the accuracy of the results.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

Each of you should bring your original identity document and the child’s full birth certificate. In case the child does not have a birth certificate, a health passport may be provided. Additionally, a handling fee of N$95 is payable upon sample collection.

Does NIP do paternity testing?

NIP facilitates the sample collection and sends the samples to Neuberg Global Laboratories in South Africa, where the testing is conducted. Neuberg Global Laboratories is accredited to conduct all DNA Relationship testing.

Are DNA paternity tests covered by Medical Aid Schemes?

Medical Aid Schemes do not cover costs of such tests. You will be responsible for paying for it. If you are referred for legal reasons, find out if the referring institution will cover the costs.

Can DNA paternity be performed on other specimens other than blood?

Yes, there are many samples that can be used to conclude a DNA paternity test and they can offer equally reliable results. However, the type of specimen is determined by the methods and technology available at the laboratory that conducts the testing.

What are the most common uses to perform legal paternity testing?

Legal paternity testing is commonly required for child maintenance, adding a name to a birth certificate, immigration purposes, benefit claims, or submitting evidence of a biological relationship between a father and child to Social Security. DNA paternity testing is also performed to provide assurance.

How long does it take to get DNA results?

The promised Turnaround time (TAT) for DNA paternity results varies between 6 to 8 weeks. Once the results are available, they are emailed directly to your referring institution. It is therefore important that you provide the email address and contact number of your referring institution/person upon completion of the documentation.

How early can a paternity test be done?

There is actually no age limit for a child to be tested. However, there are other options other than a blood sample such as buccal swabbing, that are less invasive and bear no pain. Find out from the laboratory personnel whether those options can be considered.

What are the requirements for DNA paternity testing?

We require that a referral note from a medical doctor or from the Magistrate Court is obtained. The payment for DNA paternity (N$750 per person, ideally three people are tested – Biological mother, alleged father and a child- which amounts to N$2250) is deposited into the Neuberg Global Laboratories (details furnished at the end of this document) before the appointment. Booking should then be made at +264 61 295 4011 (Windhoek) or at the nearest NIP laboratory.

What if the alleged father is not available for testing?

In cases where the alleged father is unable to participate in the DNA testing process, other testing services, such as Grandparent Testing, Sibling DNA Testing, and Forensic DNA Testing, may be considered to help determine the child’s paternity, as long as there is a referral document and binding consent from the parties being tested.

Is the mother’s blood sample required in the DNA paternity testing?

A DNA paternity test analyses 20 genetic markers between the child and the alleged father. All 20 genetic markers in the two profiles will match if the alleged father is the child’s real biological father. However, the alleged father will not be concluded as the child’s biological father if certain markers do not match. There are circumstances, nevertheless, in which a potential mutation on one of the points may have happened and makes the results uncertain. In these instances, the mother’s sample will be helpful in reaching a conclusion because it can determine whether the mutation is actually a mutation or not.

Bank details in which the payment should be made

Account name: Neuberg Global Laboratories
Bank Name: Nedbank Limited
Account No.: 1141921286
Branch Code: 198765, Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ
Contact Number: +27 31 904 0500

The depositor should use his surname as a reference. It is also advisable that the proof of payment be kept and may be presented at the time of sample collection.