Frequently Asked Questions
For the fastest updates or any case-related questions, please email case@GenegleDNA.com and include your case number and name in the subject line. This routes directly to our case-tracking system, ensuring timely, accurate, and properly documented responses.
Yes. Our DBA is AAA Genegle DNA Testing Center
Seven.
1. Newark, CA
2. Orange, CA
3. Phoenix, AZ
4. Dallas, TX
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
6. Kingston, Jamaica
7. Chengdu, China (Chengdu New Genegle Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)
Of course, we have authorized collection facilities around the U.S. where we can get your sample collected.
In 2025, we performed DNA testing for embassies and consulates in more than 60 countries, so it’s likely we have.
It’s simple: your DNA sample will be collected here in the U.S. and your relative’s sample will be collected at a U.S. embassy in their country. Both samples will be tested in the U.S.
Step 1: DNA test recommended by a U.S. government agency during the application process or by an officer at the time of interview.
Step 2: You choose Genegle DNA Testing Center as your AABB Accredited Facility.
Step 3: We’ll send DNA collection kits (“test kits”) to the embassy in the country where the beneficiary is located.
Step 4: The beneficiary will be scheduled for a sample collection appointment and informed of this by the embassy, usually by email or occasionally by phone, including instructions on what they should bring on the day of collection and how to pay the local collection fee.
Step 5: Bring all required documents to the embassy and submit a DNA sample, a painless cheek swab.
Step 6: Samples are sent back to the U.S. for testing and reporting.
Step 7: Genegle finalizes the test and sends results to you and to USCIS/Embassy.
Step 8: USCIS/Embassy contacts applicants by email/phone and informs them of the next step in the process.
We’ll send a payment link. You can pay online with a credit/debit card or several other methods. We do not accept cash or checks.
Yes, we do. Just ask.
We collect buccal swab/cheek samples. They are quick and painless.
DNA collected from the cheek using buccal swabs is highly stable for a long period of time.
Yes. Just let us know when and where in the U.S. you will be and we will schedule accordingly.
After paying your deposit, if your deadline is less than one month away, we will issue you an engagement letter that lets USCIS know you are taking action on their request for additional evidence. Send that letter to USCIS. It is typically sufficient for them to keep your case open while awaiting results from our lab.
Our embassy kits typically include:
• Contact list with you and your beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, and contact details for the local person to be contacted for scheduling
• A copy of the original request for evidence you were issued
• Collection instructions
• Chain of custody forms
• Return shipping labels
• Collection materials (swabs, envelopes, and security tape)
Test kits must be sent directly to the U.S. Embassy.
This is not unusual for international shipments. Just wait, as these packages tend to be released in 1–2 days. For international shipments coming into the U.S., the wait time can be longer due to recent tariff regulations.
No. The embassy generally does not proactively contact us unless there is a question about a kit or case.
The next step is to wait for the U.S. Embassy to contact you or your beneficiary directly to schedule a DNA collection. The embassy does not include us in the scheduling or share their timeline with us. You can feel free to contact the embassy directly regarding their timeline.
The timeline varies, but in general it takes at least 2–4 weeks, and sometimes more for embassies that have high case volumes.
In some cases, this is possible, but generally speaking, it is not. Please talk to your case coordinator about options.
Every embassy is different. Some have set schedules (for example, collections are performed on the last Friday of each month), while others schedule collections based on case volume and personnel availability.
Generally speaking, it is not possible to expedite your collection, but you are free to reach out to the embassy to determine if that is a possibility given your specific circumstances.
No. We have no insight into or influence over when collections are scheduled.
Every embassy’s preferred contact method varies, but email is quite common. They will either email or call you using the contact information you provided when initiating your case with us. Be sure you have given us the best email address to reach you and your beneficiary at.
In general, the embassy will provide sufficient notice for you to make appropriate travel arrangements.
It’s not uncommon for some embassies to take 2–6 weeks before contacting the beneficiary for DNA collection. Please be patient. The embassy will contact you when they are ready to proceed with collection.
The embassy will provide specific instructions, but at a minimum, you will need:
• A valid ID (e.g., passport)
• Two (2) passport-style photos (2x2 inches on white background)
The fee is separate from our fee. It is not charged by our lab or the U.S. Embassy. It is charged by the third-party collector.
The fee varies by location. The embassy will inform you of the amount, the currency to be used, and how to pay.
No, but an embassy official will supervise or witness your collection.
Eating is fine, up to one hour before collection, but ensure your mouth is free of food debris just before the collection. You may rinse your mouth beforehand. You can drink water, but avoid coffee, tea, or soda right before the collection.
The embassy will provide specific instructions on the documentation and authorization needed for the child’s guardian.
Typically within 1–2 days. However, it may take longer if the collection occurs late on a Friday or before a holiday.
Both forms are accepted. Testing with a common parent will provide more compelling evidence of a sibling relationship. However, a common parent is not always available. In those cases, direct sibling-sibling testing can still reach required thresholds for determining relatedness.
Generally 5–10 business days after all samples for your case have arrived in our lab. Sometimes results take a little longer. In those cases, please accept our apologies for the delay.
Yes. Once your results are ready, we will email a copy to the email address on file. Hard copies are available upon request.
This is a common phrase that means that your DNA is consistent with that of the child, and there is no evidence to suggest that you are not the biological parent. Such a result is a positive result.
Yes. All of our results are submitted in sealed envelopes.
For USCIS and Passport Agency requests: Results will typically be mailed directly to USCIS from our lab. You will receive a tracking number.
For U.S. Embassy requests: Many embassies accept results via email. Otherwise, we will mail a hard copy and provide tracking information to you.
The requesting agency will continue processing your case.
Processing times vary by agency and embassy. We are not notified of final decisions, so we cannot provide a timeline.