FAQ

Looking for a Mobile Clinic in Virginia Beach, VA?

    DNA Testing

  • What is DNA banking?

    DNA banking is a service LABS TO GO offers for clients who want to have a sample of their DNA stored in a secure, environmentally controlled facility. Clients often ask us to store their or their children’s DNA samples for the following reasons:

    • For use in future paternity tests should parties contest or make claims on their estate
    • To help solve cases of missing, abducted, or runaway children
    • To serve as reference DNA in the event that remains need to be identified; e.g., for those in high-risk situations such as the military
    • For future genetic tests that will help the next generations make decisions about health and lifestyle
    • When we bank your DNA, you will receive a certification verifying storage of your DNA for 15 years. The certificate also lists persons you authorize to access your sample in the event that it is needed.
  • What is DNA profiling?

    A DNA profile is a permanent record of your genetic identity. In our DNA profiling service, we take a sample of your DNA and test 16 locations on the DNA. In these locations are DNA markers—short DNA sequences that are useful for human identification. For each location, there are two copies: one inherited from the mother and one inherited from the father. The test reports the sizes of the DNA markers on each location. Every person inherits a unique combination of genetic markers from the biological parents; thus the DNA profile can serve as a permanent biological record of identity. (Note: Identical twins will have the same DNA profile.) Clients choose to have a record of their or their children’s DNA profile for different reasons:

    • The data could be used in future paternity tests should parties contest or make claims on their estate.
    • To help solve cases of missing, abducted or runaway children.
    • To serve as reference in the event that remains need to be identified; e.g., for those in high-risk situations such as the military.

    Clients receive a copy of their DNA profile for their records. Clients who order a DNA profile may also choose to avail of our complimentary DNA banking service, in which we will store their DNA samples for 15 years at a secure, environmentally controlled facility.

  • Can a DNA test show whether twins are fraternal or identical?

    Yes. Only a DNA test can definitively show whether twins are fraternal or identical. This DNA test is called twin zygosity. We take DNA samples from the twins and test 16 locations on the DNA to create a DNA profile for each sibling. Identical twins will have exactly the same DNA profile.

  • Can a DNA test help me identify biological relatives?

    Yes. LABS TO GO offers several DNA tests depending on the relationship being tested and the family members who are available for testing: grandparentage, siblingship, genetic reconstruction, Y-STR testing, and mitochondrial DNA testing. Different techniques and statistical calculations are used to calculate the probability of a biological relationship. For more information, please visit the DNA Testing Services section of our website.

  • Do you have genealogy testing services?

    LABS TO GO performs mtDNA testing and Y-STR testing to confirm whether two or more individuals are related through a maternal (mtDNA) or paternal (Y-STR) line. Mitochondrial DNA, used in mtDNA testing, is passed from mother to child relatively unchanged through many generations. The Y chromosome is similarly passed from father to son. Y-STR testing examines several locations on the Y chromosome, producing a Y chromosome profile. Because only males have the Y chromosome, females cannot participate in a Y-STR test. On the other hand, both males and females may participate in an mtDNA test.

  • How do you work with adoptees to reunite them with biological relatives?

    LABS TO GO provides DNA tests to private clients as well as national organizations to confirm the biological relationship between an adoptee and a possible relative. Private clients who have identified a possible relative may contact us directly for a confirmatory DNA test.

    Drug and Alcohol Testing

  • Do you perform DOT (Department of Transportation) and non-DOT drug testing?

    Yes. We perform DOT and non-DOT Drug Collections.

  • What form of payment do you accept?

    We accept checks by phone, paypal, all major credit cards and company checks.

  • When is payment due?

    Companies will be invoiced with payment due upon receipt, individuals are charged at time of service or prior to service.

  • How is Drug & Alcohol tested?

    Test are performed on Urine, Blood, Saliva or Hair.

  • What happens if a Employee has non-negative results?

    If an employee test positive, we send the specimen to our SAMHSA certified laboratory for confirmation. For DOT/non-DOT, specimen is sent to a SAMHSA certified lab and the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will normally contact the subject to determine if there is a medical explanation for the positive results. For example, eating poppy seeds before a test can result in a false positive for opiates. However, an MRO also knows that poppy seeds cannot cause certain levels of opiates, and certain additional testing can eliminate that.

  • How will I receive results?

    Hard copy given on day of on-site collection or by mail, fax and online access for contracted companies.

  • Are the collectors experienced?

    Yes. Our collectors have drug testing experience and some collectors are Certified Professional Collectors (CPC) for meeting DOT collection regulations.

  • What is the benefit if my company contract with LABS TO GO?

    You will have professional collectors performing your drug screenings. Not only is our on-site service convenient, but you will receive competitive rates with the same quality of service as a laboratory. No more down-time, No waiting rooms, 24 hour service 7 days a week.

  • How long does drug testing last?

    The collection process should take no more than 10 mins for Instant test and 15 mins for DOT/non-DOT. (Allow more time for delay in urination) DOT/non-DOT specimens are sent to laboratory.

  • Do you provide MRO services?

    Yes. Our MRO service are used for DOT and non-DOT drug testing.

  • Do you perform confirmations on non-negative results?

    If an employee test positive, we send the specimen to our SAMHSA certified laboratory for confirmation. For DOT/non-DOT, the MRO at the SAMHSA laboratory will evaluate medical explanations for the drug test results.

  • What do I need prior to providing a collection?

    Valid government issued ID is required.

  • What is a Medical Review Officer (MRO)?

    A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a person who is a licensed physician and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer’s drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.

  • How do I schedule a drug screening?

    By simply calling or send e-mail to orders@labstogo.com and in subject enter Drug Testing or fill out our online form under the “Schedule Now” tab.

  • Do you provide discounts to companies?

    Yes. Contracting LABS TO GO to perform all your drug tests can benefit companies with multiple locations, Corporate accounts and companies that has a minimum of 5 employees drug screened at once.

  • When are results received?

    Instant test are resulted in 5 minutes and DOT and non-DOT are resulted in 1 to 4 business days.

  • What are the advantages of using eChain?

    eChain® is a web-based electronic chain-of-custody and collection process designed by MEDTOX Laboratories, Inc. to help manage the drug screening process. eChain® is an online database, and no download is needed with the exception of Adobe Acrobat Reader. It allows LABS TO GO to perform collections without the cumbersome paperwork, eliminates collection errors by prompting the collector through a step-by-step drug screen collection. eChain® also allows companies to electronically track the status of the drug screen order through completion. eChain® can not be used for DOT/non-DOT testing.

  • Do you perform Instant Panels?

    Yes. We perform panels 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

  • What is DOT?

    Department of Transportation Federally Mandated/DOT Regulated companies that include Airlines (FAA), Transit (FTA), Pipeline (RSPA), Railroad (FRA), Coast Guard/ Merchant Marines (USCG), Federal Motor Carriers (FMCSA).

  • What is non-DOT?

    Non-Regulated/Non-Mandated agencies that want the Drug and Alcohol testing requirements as DOT.

  • Is LABS TO GO certified to perform DOT testing?

    Yes. Our Certified Professional Collectors (CPC) are certified through DATIA.

  • Is the DOT testing performed through a SAMHSA laboratory?

    Yes. All DOT and non-DOT are sent to a SAMHSA certified laboratory for testing.

  • Are the instant panels approved by DOT regulations?

    Yes. All instant panels are SAMHSA certified and DOT approved.

  • How many employees can get drug tested at once?

    There is no minimum or maximum number of employees that can be tested at once.

  • When can my company schedule drug testing?

    Drug testing can be scheduled anytime.

  • Can LABS TO GO help my company establish a drug free workplace program?

    Yes. There is no cost for a drug free workplace program. Additional on-site services are available. Please contact LABS TO GO for more information. Employers have seen a decrease in workplace accidents, employee mistakes, absenteeism, employee turnover and in their workers’ compensation claims. Other benefits are less tangible, such as improved workplace environment, employee morale and customer satisfaction.

  • Who can you perform drug testing for?

    Small and Large Businesses, Corporations, Law Enforcement, Government, Sports Organizations, Schools and Individuals.

  • What are the benefits of having on-site drug testing?

    On-site drug resting saves a lot of working hours for corporations, sport organizations, and schools as results are almost instantaneous. On-site drug testing results are often available in less than ten minutes. Laboratory tests take hours and even days to provide results.

    On-site drug testing costs only a fraction of the laboratory processing and interpretation fee.

    On-site drug testing is simple to perform. There is no need of any special equipment. The main factor that differentiates on-site drug testing from others is its convenience. You need not send your employees, students or children to special laboratories or clinics. Not to mention the amount you need to spend on traveling to labs. Whether it is workplace, school or even a home, on-site drug testing is applicable at any place. Since on-site drug testing identifies the drug abusers easily, accurately and inexpensively without disturbing the working environment, it is considered as an ideal method for application at workplaces, schools or homes. Therefore, it is very necessary for employers, school management and law enforcement departments to use on-site drug testing methods to identify the drug abusers.

  • What is the purpose of drug testing?

    To lessen the impact from drug abuse in the workplace, including tardiness, absenteeism, turnover, attitude problems, theft, decreased productivity, crime and violence. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that drug use in the workplace costs employers $75 to $100 billion dollars annually in lost time, accidents, health care and Workers Compensation costs. Sixty-five percent of all accidents on the job are related to drug or alcohol, and substance abusers utilize 16 times as many health care benefits and are six times more likely to file workers compensation claims then non-abusers.

    Paternity Testing

  • What is the cost of a paternity test?

    Standard Alleged Father, Child and with or without mother Legal Paternity is $335, mobile fee vary by location and Informational Paternity is $260, mobile vary by location (Additional $100 per additional alleged father or child).

  • What is the cost of snp microarray paternity test (Prenatal Non-Invasive)?

    $1500 results in 6-8 business days with a $800 non-refundable deposit at the time of collection. You must be at least 9 weeks and carrying only one fetus. (Additional $320 per alleged father) Gender Testing available for an additional $200 with the non-invasive test. Contact us today at .

  • How is a snp microarray (Prenatal Non-Invasive) paternity test performed?

    One tube of blood is collected from the mother and the alleged father.

  • Where can the paternity test be performed?

    In your home, workplace, court, at the hospital or at our Virginia Beach Facility located at 5541 Parliament Dr., Suite 203.

  • When will my results be ready?

    You will receive results in 3 to 5 business days from day of collection. If you have a pending court date and time is of the essence, you could opt for our 1 day express service. Exp. specimens collected before 4 p.m. on Monday, lab receive specimens Tuesday and results released Thursday by 7 p.m. Est. Saturday collections will be resulted on Thursday.

    Exp. specimens collected after 4 p.m. on Monday, lab receives specimen Wednesday and results released Friday.

  • How will I receive my results?

    All results are emailed, legal paternity results are also mailed. If patient complete a Fax Authorization Form, they may receive their results via fax. Next day delivery is available for additional fee.

  • How do I interpret the results?

    You will want to focus on the Probability of Paternity. A result of zero percent means the alleged father is not the biological father; a result of 99.99 percent or higher means the alleged father is the biological father. The CPI value represents the odds against another random, untested male in the population having the same results as the tested man.

  • Can a paternity test be performed without the mother?

    Yes. If the mother’s participation is not possible, we can perform a motherless paternity test at no additional charge. A motherless test requires more extensive analysis to produce conclusive results, but the results are just as accurate as those of a standard paternity test.

    LABS TO GO encourages mothers to participate in paternity testing for the following reasons. Mothers who participate are guaranteed to receive a copy of the test results. Due to LABS TO GO’s strict confidentiality policy, we are only able to release results to those tested, their authorized representatives (such as an attorney), or the tested child’s legal custodian. Some courts require the mother to participate in a paternity test, or the mother’s participation aids in the analysis of unexpected results. Her participation is especially helpful in the rare cases when a mutation (a random change in the DNA) has affected the results.

  • Can a paternity test still be performed if the father is missing or deceased?

    The first option that should be considered is viability testing on a sample taken from the deceased, such as stored blood or a tissue sample. (This type of sample usually comes from a coroner’s or medical examiner’s office.) If usable DNA is found in the sample, we can conduct a paternity test using it as the alleged father’s sample.

    If no biological samples from the alleged father are available, grandparentage testing is the next option to consider. Both biological parents of the alleged father (the paternal grandparents) are required to participate in a grandparentage test. Results of this test prove only the relationship of the child to the grandparents, but most government offices treat these results as indirect evidence of paternity

    If one or both paternal grandparents are unavailable for testing, other family relationship tests–such as genetic reconstructions and siblingship tests – may be performed to indirectly determine a child’s paternity. Please call to discuss your situation with one of our caring and knowledgeable client service coordinators.

  • There are two possible fathers, and they are related. Is this a problem?

    If two possible fathers are related as full brothers or father and son, they may share many of the DNA markers used in paternity testing. This means that if proper precautions are not taken, both men could test positive as the child’s biological father. DNA testing is strong enough to determine paternity in a case involving related alleged fathers, but the laboratory must be aware of the situation before the testing process begins.

    LABS TO GO offers two options for cases involving alleged fathers who are related:

    Option 1: Test both alleged fathers, the child and the mother at the same time. By comparing both alleged fathers’ DNA profiles with the child’s DNA profile, our expert laboratory staff can achieve accurate and conclusive test results. There is an added fee for the additional alleged father.

    Option 2: Test one alleged father with extended analysis. This option can be taken when only one of the alleged fathers is available for testing. To produce a conclusive result, we must perform extended testing and statistical analysis. There is an additional fee for the extended testing and analysis.

  • How do I schedule a paternity test?

    By simply calling to speak with our client service coordinators, or fill out our online form under the “Schedule Now” tab on our website, or send email to orders@labstogo.com – in subject, enter Paternity.

  • How long do the collection process take?

    The entire process should take no more than 30 minutes.

  • All parties are not at the same location, do you travel to other locations?

    Yes, we will travel to additional locations for an additional per location fee.

  • There may be an additional alleged father that need to be tested, is there an additional fee for him?

    Yes, there is an additional $100 fee for each additional person.

  • Who does the paternity fee cover?

    It covers alleged father, child and mother. Price is the same if mother is not tested.

  • Do I need a court or doctor’s order to have a paternity test done?

    No. Private individuals can take a DNA test without a physician’s request or court order. However, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) only allows clinical laboratories to examine specimens at the request of licensed physicians or other persons authorized by law to use the test results in their practice or in the performance of their official duties. If you are a resident of New York, please call for assistance.

  • Is my privacy protected?

    We have a strict confidentiality policy.We will not release any information about your case to anyone without your authorization. We will always follow any special instructions you give us for communicating with you or other parties involved in your test. We never release test results over the phone.

  • Why should I choose LABS TO GO?

    LABS TO GO offers a convenient service that eliminates any hassle. We have the most competitive prices around and our specimen collector will make sure that your paternity collection is performed in a professional and confidential manner. LABS TO GO paternity test are tested by DDC who is the world’s most trusted DNA testing laboratory. Our advantages translate into accurate, reliable testing and top-quality customer service for you. Your paternity test is ran twice for 100 percent accuracy. DDC laboratory has earned perfect scores on its last 16 inspections by the AABB, NYSDOH and CAP, among others.

  • Can a paternity test be done before the baby is born?

    Yes! Paternity can be established before the baby is born using a prenatal paternity test. LABS TO GO prenatal paternity test now makes it possible to get accurate answers in a safer way than ever before. LABS TO GO offers a variety of testing options. Each situation is unique, and testing can be arranged to fit your specific needs. We encourage you to call one of our client service coordinators for a brief, confidential consultation at or read more about our prenatal DNA tests.

  • What forms of payments do you accept?

    We accept money order, cashier’s check, cash, all major credit cards / debit cards and Paypal.

  • Is paternity testing covered by health insurance or Medicaid?

    Paternity testing is not covered by health insurance or Medicaid because it is not a medically necessary procedure. However, there are some situations in which part of the sample collection costs may be covered. Please call one of our knowledgeable client service coordinators at for assistance.

  • What happens when the parties live in separate locations?

    We can schedule separate appointments for any or all of the participants in a paternity test. We have thousands of collection sites all over the United States and Canada, and we can usually schedule a convenient appointment close to your work or home.

  • What type of specimen do you need for my paternity test?

    Most of the time, the samples we test are buccal swabs, or cheek swabs. Buccal swabbing is a quick and painless procedure that involves rubbing a cotton-like swab against the inside of the patient’s cheek. We can also perform paternity testing by drawing a 2 to 5mL tube of blood from an adult or child, 1 to 2mL from a newborn.

  • How soon can I have my sample collected?

    We can have you scheduled within 24 to 48 hours and in most cases the same day.

  • What will happen at the sample collection appointment?

    When we arrive for your appointment, you will need to present proper identification, which the sample collector will verify. You will also have your photograph taken. These three elements are required by the chain of custody procedure, which makes your test results legally defensible. After you are properly identified, you will need to sign a form giving your consent for the test. If you are the legal custodian of a tested minor, you will have to sign the form on behalf of the child. The collector will collect your DNA samples using simple buccal swabs — cotton-like swabs that he or she will rub against the inside of your cheek to gather loose cheek cells. The collector will then send all the samples to the laboratory.

  • When is payment due?

    Payment is due at time of service or prior to appointment by phone or online under the “Schedule Now” tab.

  • Is there a minimum age for collecting a DNA sample?

    No. Because DNA is set at conception and generally does not change, a paternity test can be performed on a person of any age, even on a sample from an unborn child (through prenatal testing). At birth, blood from the umbilical cord can be taken for use as a DNA sample source, or a buccal swab can be collected from the newborn.

  • Do buccal swabs produce the same results as blood samples?

    Yes. Buccal swab samples contain the same DNA as blood samples and will therefore produce the same paternity test results. Buccal swabbing is our primary sample collection method because it is a simple and painless procedure. In addition, buccal swabs are particularly preferable over blood samples for persons who have had recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants—their blood samples may contain DNA from the donors.

  • What will I need at the time of appointment?

    All adult test participants must bring a valid government-issued ID—such as a driver’s license, state ID, military ID or passport—at the sample collection appointment. For minors, a birth certificate, Social Security card or hospital birth record is sufficient. In addition, the child’s legal custodian will have to sign a consent form allowing the minor to be tested. Payment for the Paternity Test.

  • Will my test results be legally binding?

    LABS TO GO strictly adheres to the chain of custody procedure, and this makes our test results legally defensible. Many of our patients use their test results for legal purposes such as child custody, child support, immigration, Social Security benefit claims, inheritance claims and more.

  • Can I use my test results to obtain child support?

    Testing through LABS TO GO follows a strict chain of custody, which makes our results defensible in courts and other government agencies. Many of our patients use their test results to obtain child support and for other important legal purposes, such as validating claims for Social Security benefits or inheritances.

  • What does “Chain of Custody” mean?

    The chain of custody process is what makes LABS TO GO’s paternity test results legally defensible in courts and other government agencies. It involves the tested parties who are properly identified when their samples are collected. (Their government-issued IDs are verified and photocopied, and the individuals are photographed.)

    The samples are collected by a neutral third party—someone who has no personal interest in the outcome of the test (e.g., a hospital, clinic, or laboratory staff person). The samples are tamper-taped, securely packaged at the collection site and carefully inspected upon receipt for any evidence of tampering. When these requirements are satisfied and documented, a paternity test’s results are legally defensible. This means that the patients can use them for legal purposes such as child custody, child support, immigration and more.

  • How Accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?

    DNA paternity testing is 100 percent accurate when done properly. Our Dual Process™ helps ensure a strict chain of custody and error-free results through the proper handling, testing, and analysis of samples.

    Many laboratories mistake the term accuracy for likelihood (or probability). The Probability of Paternity is a statistical measure of the likelihood of the biological relationship. In the case of an inclusion result (the alleged father is found to be the biological father), the Probability of Paternity could be as high as 99.999 percent or higher.

    All paternity tests will generate a result lower than 100 percent. To produce a 100 percent probability, a laboratory would have to test every man in the world. Because this is not feasible, a paternity test uses a population database to calculate the Probability of Paternity.

    While an inclusion result can be 99.999 percent or higher, an exclusion result is always 0 percent. This is because if the genetic profiles of the child and alleged father do not match, there is statistically no chance that the two are biologically related.

  • What is DNA Paternity Testing?

    DNA paternity testing (sometimes called parentage testing) uses DNA, the biological basis of inheritance, to prove or disprove the relationship between a child and an alleged father. It is based on the fact that we inherit half of our DNA from our fathers and half from our mothers. In a DNA paternity test, DNA samples are taken from the child and the alleged father (and the mother, if she’s available) and are sent to our lab. We purify the DNA and prepare it for testing with a battery of at least 16 DNA markers, producing a genetic profile for each tested individual. The child’s profile is compared with the profiles of the mother and alleged father to confirm that he or she has inherited DNA from the alleged father. We then perform statistical analysis to calculate the Probability of Paternity.

  • What Accreditation do the Paternity Testing Laboratory have?

    American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), ACLASS Accreditation Services (ACLASS/ISO IEC 17025), American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board–International (ASCLD/LAB-International), College of American Pathologists (CAP), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).