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1.
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How should exhibits be packed?
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Exhibits must be packed in clean containers or packaging. Items to be compared must be packed separately to avoid cross-contamination. Proper packaging and sealing helps preserve the integrity of the evidence: preventing loss of material, entry of extraneous materials (contamination), damage or deleterious alteration of the evidence.
Each exhibit should be labeled with a unique identification marking to avoid mix-ups. Suitable packaging materials include plastic bags, paper bindles or paper bags, plastic or glass containers or bottles, paperboard cartons and unlined metal tins. Suitable sealing modes include heat-sealing of plastic bags, screw-cap, taping, closure of tins using fitting lids, etc.
Lab staff may reject exhibits that are not appropriately packed and labeled. For further advice, please contact Forensic Chemistry & Physics Lab staff.
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2.
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How are exhibits submitted to the Forensic Chemistry & Physics Laboratory?
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Clients who are not familiar with Forensic Chemistry & Physics work scope and procedures should contact one of our scientists to discuss the nature, feasibility, approximate cost and expected completion date of the examination. On occasion, it will be necessary to bring the exhibit(s) to the Lab for a quick assessment of the required work.
Lab staff reserves the right not to refuse services/decline examination work to anyone at any time without giving any reasons whatsoever.
On agreement, the submitter brings the exhibit(s) to the Forensic Chemistry & Physics Laboratory located at Level 3 of HSA Building. Appropriate documentation of transfer and registration of the exhibit(s) will then be carried out.
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3.
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What are the charges?
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Charges depend on the extent, complexity and urgency of the examinations. On discussion of the examination request, the scientist will be able to provide an estimate of the price range for a specific scope of work agreed upon.
Commercial entities and private individuals are required to pay a deposit, which is 50% of the estimated total fee before the exhibits are accepted. On completion of the examination, this deposit will be deducted from the final total fee. If further work incurring additional costs beyond the original quote is required, the scientist will confer with the client and will continue only if authorised.
During registration of the exhibits, the submitter will provide details (company name, address, contact numbers) of the client for invoicing. A unique reference Lab Number and acknowledgement slip will be generated for retention by the submitter.
Any subsequent queries regarding the status of the examination are to be addressed to the scientist in charge.
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4.
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What will be included in the reports?
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The report includes the name of submitter, the date and time of submission, the number of exhibits and their markings, brief descriptions of the exhibits, laboratory findings and results, any further the significance of the results where relevant, and the name and signature of the reporting scientist.
Reports for private companies are not to be used for advertising purposes.
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5.
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How can I pay?
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You can pay by the following methods:
- NETS
- Credit Card
- GIRO
- Cheque (payable to "Health Sciences Authority")
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6.
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How do I collect the exhibits and report?
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On completion of the report, the scientist will notify the client that the report and exhibits are ready for collection. An invoice stating the total fee and balance with GST will be generated and dispatched to the client. The exhibits and report will be released to the client only on payment of the balance. Findings will not be relayed through telephone. During collection of the exhibits and report, the client may seek clarification of the findings with the scientist.
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7.
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Who should I contact if I have a query for new cases and cases that have been submitted for examination?
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8.
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Do I need to submit original documents for examination?
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Yes, we require the original documents as handwriting characteristics such as pen pressure and stroke fluency cannot be determined on photocopies, and these features are essential for a fruitful comparison to be made.
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9.
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Do I need to submit handwriting/signature specimens?
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Yes, handwriting/signature examination is a side-by-side comparison of the questioned handwriting/signature against a set of known (specimen) handwriting/signatures.
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1.
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Why perform testing at HSA?
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The Forensic Biology Lab is internationally accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and is licensed under the Singapore Ministry of Health Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act. The Forensic Biology Lab also adheres to the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We have a team of experienced, qualified forensic DNA analysts. Strict quality control processes are established and practised. Our results can withstand cross-examination in various courts of law and have also been accepted by immigration authorities of various countries.
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2.
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Who can submit items for testing?
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Cases for criminal forensic DNA profiling must be submitted by a law enforcement agency. Cases involving civil litigation may be submitted by a private investigator, medical practitioner, or an individual. For advice on the suitability of the items to be tested, please contact the Forensic Biology Lab at (65) 6213 0779.
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3.
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How do I collect, store and pack the items?
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Please contact the Forensic Biology Lab at (65) 6213 0779.
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4.
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Will the item be damaged in the testing process?
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Depending on the item, the item may either be swabbed or cut during testing.
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5.
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What is the cost of DNA testing at HSA?
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DNA Test
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Cost
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1. Examination for biological fluids (blood, semen, saliva) and/or DNA testing from items
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The cost of analysis is variable and will depend on the exact nature of the request, size of the item, complexity of the stains etc. An estimate of the fee will be determined prior to the actual examination.
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2. Standard Paternity Test (child, mother, putative father)
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SGD925 (excluding GST)
For every additional child, there will be a charge of SGD225 (excluding GST)
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3. Special Paternity Test (from amniotic fluid or chorionic villus samples)
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SGD1381 (excluding GST)
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4. Individual DNA Profiling
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SGD300 (excluding GST)
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6.
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How long will the examination process take?
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DNA Test
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Duration
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1. Examination for biological fluids (blood, semen, saliva) and/or DNA testing from items
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The time required will depend on the specific request, size of the item, complexity of the stains etc. An estimate of the turn around time will be provided prior to the actual examination.
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2. Standard Paternity Test
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21 working days
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3. Special Paternity Test
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28 working days
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4. Individual DNA Profiling
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21 working days
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7.
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How is payment made?
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Payment will be collected upfront, in full. Payment may be made with NETS or credit card (VISA or MASTERCARD only). Cash or cheques are not accepted.
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8.
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Is my DNA profile unique?
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Yes, barring identical twins.
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9.
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What is paternity DNA testing?
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The assessment of the biological relationship between a child and a putative father.
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10.
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How is paternity DNA testing performed?
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In standard paternity testing, a small blood sample (via a finger prick) is obtained from the child, mother and putative father. Under special circumstances, testing can be performed without the mother's blood sample although this is not the recommended approach. DNA is extracted from the blood samples. Every individual receives half of their DNA from their biological father and the other half of their DNA from the biological mother. Hence, by comparing the DNA profiles of the biological mother and child, it is possible to determine which half of the child's DNA was inherited from her. The remaining half must therefore have been inherited from the child's biological father.
If the DNA profiles between the tested man and the child do NOT match, he is 100% excluded as being the biological father of the child. If the DNA profiles match, a 99.99% or greater probability of paternity can be concluded (in the absence of mutations).
For special cases involving foetuses, clients are advised to consult their gynaecologist. Amniotic fluid or chorionic villus samples (from the foetus) and clients' blood samples can be collected by the gynaecologist and the samples sent to our laboratory. Please inform the clinic to liaise with our laboratory.
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11.
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Who may authorise the blood sampling from the child (under 21 years of age)?
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The legal parent (as stated in the child's birth certificate) or the legal guardian of the child will have to be present for the appointment to give consent. In cases of abandoned babies, the case officer from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports may issue an authorisation memo.
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12.
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Are my results confidential?
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Strict confidentiality of our clients and the results is observed. Two copies of the test report will be released only to the person paying for the test. Results will not be released over the telephone.
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13.
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Do I need to make an appointment?
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Yes. DNA testing is carried out strictly by appointment only. All parties involved in the testing must be present at the appointment time. Please contact DNA Profiling Lab at (65) 6213 0779.
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14.
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What documents do I need to bring?
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(i) Passports or identity cards of the parent(s) and the child (if he or she is travelling on a separate passport)
(ii) Birth certificate of the child (if under 21 years of age)
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15.
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How do I receive the results of my test?
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The report may be collected in person. Please bring your identity card and the receipt for your case. You may also designate a person to collect the report on your behalf. This designation is made when you first come for the test. Alternatively, the report can be mailed to you.
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