Limited Services: Deceased NCPs and Family Studies

When a DNA sample from a deceased alleged father is unavailable, a biological relative may voluntarily provide their DNA to help determine a parental link to the child. LabCorp refers to this process as a family study.

Process and Recommendations

1. Participation is strictly voluntary. If no relative will cooperate or the custodial parent cannot provide contact information, the case will be closed.
2. LabCorp recommends that CSS contact them to determine which relative(s) are most appropriate for testing. Please read the section Best Candidates for Testing You can contact LabCorp by calling 800-742-3944 or emailing the LabCorp account representative.
3. The Custodial parent should assist CSS by providing he names(s) and contact information for the family member(s) willing to test.
4. Build EPOC to generate an authorization number for the family member, in addition to the custodial parent and child(ren).
5. The biological mother must be sampled unless they are deceased or unable to locate.
6. Once permission is obtained, you can schedule the study in IdentiLink or contact LabCorp to schedule at dna@labcorp.com

Best Candidates for Testing (in order of accuracy):

1. Both parents of the deceased – Most accurate results.
2. Full siblings (same mother and father) of the deceased.
3. Children of the deceased (i.e., siblings or half-siblings of the child on the case).
4. Other relatives – Grandparents, aunts/uncles, or first cousins may be considered if closer relatives are unavailable.

Special Considerations

• For male children, testing a male relative of the deceased is preferable.
• For female children, a female relative of the deceased should be tested when possible.

Results and Interpretation

Family study results provide a probability percentage and guidance on interpretation, indicating the likelihood of a biological relationship between the deceased and the child.

Important Notes

• Participation is strictly voluntary. If no relative is available or willing to participate, of if the custodial parent cannot provide contact information, the case will be closed. Under no circumstances should CSS staff coerce or pressure a family member to participate in a family study.

Family studies can reveal unexpected outcomes, including findings of no biological relationship to the deceased.