DNA TESTS OFF THE SHELF
DNA Paternity Test Collection Kits are available over the counter.
DNA discovery has gone mainstream.
Identigene, which specializes in DNA identification testing, now sells DNA Paternity Test Collection Kits over the counter, in 10,000 retail outlets in 45 states.
Since November 2007, when sales began in a West Coast test market, 50,000 kits have been purchased. The kit is the first DNA test sold in retail stores with probabilities of paternity greater than 99.99 percent.
Users of the kits get swabs of saliva or cheek cells of the baby, the alleged father, and optionally, the mother.
The samples, consent forms and a lab fee are sent in a postage-paid envelope to Identigene for processing. Results are available within three to five days.
Customers may choose to receive results by fax, mail or online. All information is kept private and confidential.
Prior to the advent of the kit, the generally accepted method of obtaining a DNA paternity test required involvement from doctors and/or lawyers, weeks of waiting for results and a cost of hundreds of dollars.
Suggested retail price for an Identigene DNA Paternity Test Collection Kit is $29.99. The lab processing fee is $119.
An option is available for retail customers who want to use test results in legal proceedings. Tests may require specific collection and secure chain-of-custody procedures. The processing fee for test results in legal proceedings is $319.
For details, visit
www.dnatesting.com.
THE BEAT
Winning Wii
According to a study by the American Council on Exercise, playing Wii Sports increases heart rate, maximum oxygen intake and perceived exertion, which ultimately translates to calories burned.
Coming in at No. 1 in the study, Wii boxing produced the most significant results — approximately 216 calories per 30 minutes — followed by tennis, baseball, bowling and golf, which came in at 159, 135, 117 and 93 calories, respectively.
None of the Wii games burned more calories than participation in the actual activity.
Rise and shineThe Rise and Shine Breakfast Club will meet at 8 a.m. Monday, in Ambulance Conference Room B, at Ephrata Community Hospital, 169 Martin Ave.
Cindy Hess will present "Clowning Around With Your Brain," at 8:30 a.m.
A $2.50 fee covers the cost of breakfast. Call 336-6578.
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