DNA Testing
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Testing Information
In order to formally establish a biological relationship in conjunction with your visa or Certificate of Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) application, a DNA test may be recommended. Commonly tested relationships that utilize DNA testing include paternity, maternity, full-siblingship, or half-siblingship. DNA technology is the only non-documentary method accepted for proof of a biological relationship. However, due to the expense, complexity, and logistical delays inherent in parentage testing, genetic testing should be used only if no other credible proof (documentation, photos, etc.) of the relationship exists.
When genetic testing appears warranted, a Consular Officer may suggest individuals to undergo DNA testing to establish the validity of the relationship(s). Please note that such testing is entirely voluntary; and that all costs of testing and related expenses must be borne by the petitioner and/or beneficiary and paid to the laboratory in advance. In addition, submitting to testing does not guarantee the subsequent issuance of a visa or evidence of US Citizenship.
This test must be conducted in a Laboratory accredited by the American Association of blood banks (AABB).
The person(s) to be tested must independently choose his or her own AABB Laboratory, make the appointment and go to the collection site directly. Under no circumstances can individuals use 3rd party vendors to select their laboratory, arrange their appointments or transport the specimens. The requested specimen collection technique is buccal (cheek or mouth cavity) swab.
Step 1:
The relative(s) in the United States to be tested must select the AABB Laboratory nearest to his or her residence and contact them directly to make arrangements for testing and to send a test kit to the US Embassy in Laos. The test kit must include a pre-paid, pre-addressed return envelope (FedEx or DHL) and explicit sampling instructions. Your testing kit must be sent to the following address:
Embassy of the United States of America
Consular Section
Rue Bartholonie, That Dam
PO Box 114
Vientiane, Laos PDR
Step 2:
Once the Embassy receives your testing kit, the consular office will contact you to arrange a time to come to the Embassy to provide a DNA sample. All persons providing samples must bring their passports, 2 passport photographs (please write your names and signatures on the back of your photographs) and $25. The identity of the individual(s) being tested will be verified and confirmed by the Embassy. A lab technician from the Embassy panel physician’s office will collect the DNA sample in the consular section. While the Embassy does not charge a fee, the panel physician’s office charges $25, per applicant, to collect the sample.
Once the test is complete, the Embassy will seal the DNA samples and ship them, using the pre-paid envelope, to the designated AABB laboratory.
Step 3:
AABB Laboratories will send test results directly to the Embassy. Even though your relative or petitioner may receive his own copy of the results earlier, the Embassy can act only after receiving results directly from the AABB Laboratory. When the Embassy receives the results, we will contact you or the beneficiary.
For any questions, please email us at CONSLAO@state.gov.