What do you think of our new commercial? We look forward to your feedback.
Shooting the Commercial
XDDS Releases Paternity Testing Commercial
April 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
Now Offering Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests
November 27, 2012 1 Comment
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity tests is the most innovative technology, in our industry, in the past 10 years.
What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests?
If you require a paternity test before birth, X-celerated DNA & Drug Screenings NEW prenatal paternity test now makes it possible to get accurate answers in a safer way than ever before.
The process is state-of-the-art, combining the latest in DNA SNP micro-array technology and proprietary methods of preserving and analyzing the baby’s DNA found naturally in the mother’s bloodstream. The only samples required are a blood sample for both the mother and the alleged father.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Benefits:
- Greater than 99.9% accuracy: more than 317,000 genetic markers
- Fast turnaround time
- Mother minimum 9 weeks gestation
- Blood samples from Mother and alleged Father (the child’s DNA is found naturally in the mother’s blood)
- Chain and Non-Chain options
- Easy to read reports
- Testing follows AABB guidelines
- We offer services worldwide with convenient locations near you.
Who cannot take the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity test?
- New York Residents
- Related Alleged Fathers
- Women with a multiple fetus pregnancy
We offer a variety of testing options, with payment plans. Each situation is unique, and testing can be arranged to fit your specific needs. We encourage you to call one of our paternity experts for a confidential consultation.
Facts You Should Know About Drug Abuse
August 18, 2012 Leave a Comment
Employers
Government studies reveal that 1 out of every 6 workers has a problem and show that drug abusers on average:
- Cost employers $15,000 annually per employee
- Cost companies 300% more in medical costs and benefits
- Are absent up to 20 times more often
- Are 1/3 less productive
- Admitted selling drugs to co-workers
- Admitted stealing from employers
Most states offer a reduction in worker’s compensation rates for employers who adhere to a Drug-Free Workplace Policy (Florida is one of them).
The benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace program include:
- Increased productivity
- Increased employee morale
- Safer work environment
- Reduction in Worker’s Compensation rates
- Reduction in health care rates
- Reduced turnover and absenteeism
For Schools and Parents:
- 10.9% of 8th graders, 23.9% of 10th graders and 32.4% of 12th graders use marijuana.
- 15.4% of 12th graders have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Vicodin continues to be abused at high levels.
- 2.7% of 8th graders, 7.2% of 10th graders and 9.6% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin.
- 1.8% of 8th graders, 3.9% of 10th graders and 5.2% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.
Signs and Symptoms of drug abuse are:
- Behavioral issues
- Absenteeism or loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
- Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or home
- Disappearance of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol or money
- Personal appearance, habits or action changes
Contact us today for more information on drug free workplace programs or to inquire about testing your teenager!
Source:
Chorionic Villus Sampling for Early Pregnancy
August 13, 2012 Leave a Comment
If amniocentesis is performed at later stages of pregnancy, women who want to undergo paternity tests during the early stages are prescribed to have chorionic villus sampling or CVS.
The sample will be used to study the DNA, chromosomes, and enzymes of the fetus. It is often performed during the first trimester or 10 to 13th week of pregnancy. However, this procedure has also been prescribed to as early as eight week of pregnancy to mothers at special circumstances.
This procedure involves the removal of a small piece of placenta tissue, also called chorionic villi, from the uterus for laboratory tests. Chorionic villus sampling uses an ultrasound to pick the safest method and serves as guide during the sampling.
First, the abdominal ultrasound is performed in determining the position of the uterus, the size of the gestational sac, and the position of the placenta within the uterus. After which, the vulva, vagina, cervix, and abdomen are disinfected using antiseptic such as Betadine.
There are two ways to perform this procedure: transcervical or transabdominal method. Both methods are equally safe when done by experienced doctors. However, studies show that chances for miscarriage are potentially high when done through the cervix.
Using an ultrasound in guiding the process, the transcervical procedure entails inserting of a thin plastic tube through the vagina and cervix until it reaches the placenta. Then, the doctor will remove a sufficient amount of chorionic villus tissue for sampling.
On the other hand, the transabdominal procedure is done by inserting a needle which passes through the abdomen, uterus, and into the placenta. Ultrasound is also used in this process for guidance. The same amount of chorionic villus tissue is removed for sampling.
After removing the sample, this is placed on a dish and is delivered to the laboratory for testing. The test results may take about one to two weeks. Abnormal results may mean more than 200 disorders including Down syndrome, hemoglobinopathies, and Tay-Sachs disease to name a few.
Aside from prenatal diagnosis, Chorionic villus sampling is a procedure to identify chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus. In some cases such as the pregnant woman is 35 years of age and above, there is an abnormal first trimester screen results, or there is an increased nuchal translucency, this procedure is also recommended. However, chorionic villus sampling cannot detect neural tube defects and Rh incompatibility.
The risks of chorionic villus sampling are higher than amniocentesis. There are higher chances for miscarriage, infection, and amniotic fluid leakage. The amniotic fluid leakage can also lead to low amniotic fluid level – a condition known as oligohydramnios. If this condition is not treated, the child can develop a hypoplastic lungs or underdeveloped lungs.
Other risks include possible complications such as bleeding, infection, Rh incompatibility in the mother, and rupture of membranes. Symptoms of complications include fever and excessive bleeding and vaginal discharge.
In addition, it may also cause limb problems in the fetus although this is rather low when the procedure is performed after 10 weeks gestational age.
Should A Parent Drug Test Their Teenager?
August 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
Drugs are a serious issue today, yet one that many parents don’t realize. The average age for a kid to start using drugs is 14 years old, compared to 17 years old between the 60′s and 80′s. The brain significantly develops in just 3 years. Pot is 10-25 times stronger today and addictions to pharmaceuticals are an epidemic.
Knowing this, there is still quite a debate on whether a teenager should be drug tested by their parents or not. In most cases, parents agree that if you know your child, there is no need for a drug test, especially since it may only create more distance between the parent and teen. Drugs have effects and if you really know your child, you should know there is drug abuse before even having to test your child.
A few other reasons not to test your teenager are that drug test kits are costly, false positives are possible and can be misleading, it is easy to cheat with home drug tests, and they give you limited information. So if a parent does decide to test their teenager, it is better to consult or hire a professional.
On the other side of the debate, testing your teen is recommended as it can prevent your teen from using drugs at all. There is a consequence, they know they are being tested; therefore will more likely turn it down. Teens, in some cases, can hide such an abuse for a while which can be risky since drugs can be deadly.
So what do you think? Would you test your teenager? What would you do and why?
References:
Synthetic Marijuana Testing – What You Need To Know
July 24, 2012 Leave a Comment
Synthetic Marijuana also known as K2/Spice has become one of the most popular and most talked-about drugs. The U.S has seen a increased use of K2/Spice and other synthetic marijuana products mainly because:
- Their legal accessibility
- Ability to achieve a high similar to THC
- The inability to test for the active chemicals use to manufacture the drug
This has changed, however. XDDS is proud to be among the laboratories in the country that offers K2/Spice testing in both urine and blood. The testing identifies active ingredients JWH-018 and JWH-073. XDDS offers this testing along with the many other drug and alcohol testing services.
Why Should You Test for K2/Spice?
JWH-018 and JWH-073, the active ingredients in K2/Spice originally designed in the 1990s to make herbal incense blends, are synthetic cannabinoid drugs that affect the central nervous system, immune system, kidneys, liver, and lungs. Because the production of these “fake pot” products are unregulated and not held to high quality-control standards, the potency of JWH-018, JWH-073, and other related drugs cannot be controlled or verified. Therefore, when compared to THC, the adverse effects of these compounds are more intense than what has typically been reported with marijuana use. In fact, panic attacks, increased paranoia, increased agitation, respiratory issues, severely impaired motor skills, and inhibited cognitive function, as well as tachycardia and severe hypertension, have been reported after a single use of K2/Spice.
K2/Spice, as well as any other type of incense, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is currently using its emergency scheduling authority to temporarily control these chemicals while it conducts further study to determine whether these chemicals and products should be permanently controlled. In addition, more than a dozen states have taken action to outlaw one or more of the chemicals used to produce synthetic marijuana to date, and that list grows with each passing month.
Whether you need to test a family member or during your hiring process, we can help.
Synthetic marijuana testing from XDDS is available in urine and blood and can be ordered along with other drug testing services. For more information about XDDS’ synthetic marijuana testing services, Contact Us.
5 Reasons Why You Should Pre-Screen New Employees
July 16, 2012 Leave a Comment
- Workplace Violence - According to the Justice Department, while working on duty, U.S. residents experienced 1.7 million violent victimizations annually from 1993 to 1999 including 1.3 million simple assaults, 325,000 aggravated assaults, 36,500 rapes and sexual assaults, 70,000 robberies, and 900 homicides. Workplace violence accounted for 18% of all violent crime between 1993 to 1999. Would you agree that percentage probably increased since that time?
- Employee Theft - 33% of employees admit to stealing a product or money from jobs in the last three years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates dishonesty by employees costs 1%-2% of gross sales. It is estimated that 30% of business failures are directly related to employee theft.
- Negligent Hiring Liability - Negligent Hiring damages may be awarded against an employer if an employee commits a criminal act and it is found that the Employer failed to perform a reasonable search into the employee’s background prior to hiring. One of the most famous cases involved a company named Trusted Health who did not conduct a background check on a Nurse’s aide who has six previous larceny convictions. The Aide fatally beat and stabbed one of the residents. Trusted Health was found liable for 26.5 million dollars for not performing a background check.
- Lost productivity and training costs - The cost of hiring, training, and then terminating one employee can be very expensive. According to William M. Mercer, Inc., turnover costs a minimum of $10,000; 20% of respondents indicated turnover costs exceed $20,000.
- Falsified employment applications and resumes - Applicants tend to stretch the truth. Statistics reveal that over 35% of the applications and resumes processed reveal a distortion!
Don’t neglect the importance of performing background checks on new employees. Contact us for a customized solution that will protect you, your company and your employees.
Baby On The Way – Think Paternity Leave
July 9, 2012 Leave a Comment
Paternity leave is when a father-to-be takes a break from work upon the birth of the child. Although, it is allowed for fathers to take advantage of this, the said leave is rarely paid. The state of California was the first state to offer a paid paternity leave in 2004.
The British government has approved a paid leave, giving fathers about $200 a week while on a paternity leave. Other countries like Sweden, Japan, Finland, Greece, Australia, France Spain, Blegium, Germany, Ireland and Norway are offering parental leave benefits. Although, in the United States, paternity leave is not paid, a lot of fathers are still taking day off and vacation when their baby is born.
Actually, not all fathers are aware that their organization or company is offering paternity leave. According to Monster Intelligence Father’s Day Survey, about 31% of fathers know about such work benefit. From that small percentage, only more than half of them or 58% actually used it.
In a survey by the Families and Work Institute in 2005, only 13% of employers provide paid paternity leave in the United States. This could be considered backward compared to other developed countries who are offering paid paternity leave. Take Italy as an example, fathers could have a leave for three months which still allows them to take about 80% of their salary.
Paternity leave is actually mandated by the law. According to the Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), a father of a new child, whether adopted or foster, could take an unpaid leave of not more than twelve weeks. After the twelve weeks, there should be no problems returning with your job. The employer must allow you to retain your position, salary, benefits, and work seniority.
However, not everybody could take advantage of this job-protected paternity leave. You could only take advantage of this is you have worked with your employer for at least 12 months or 1,250 hours. The paternity leave also applies if you work for a local or state federal government or any company that has more than 50 employees.
Companies can also have their own regulations about paternity leave. For example, there are some companies that refuse such benefit for employees who have crucial role in the company and those who are part of the 10% highest earning employees in the company. Aside from that, having your partner or wife working in the same company may also affect your parental privileges. The best thing to do is to coordinate with the human resources department about the benefit.
What do you get with spending time with your new baby?
Fathers who have taken advantaged of the paternity leave would say that the experience was wonderful. Taking time off to bond with the baby and the family, helps a father reconnect with a man’s commitment to his family.
A lot of factors contribute to a father’s refusal or inability to be with the child early in their lives, like sacrificing their income. There are parents who cannot extend their leaves due to the family’s economic situation. That is aside from that fact that some fathers on a paternity leave would often find themselves scrutinized by some of their co-workers.
But it is beyond that, paternity leaves will both benefit the father and the child. It is just a matter of making the government and also the public to understand that.
XDDS Shares DNA Testing News on 95.3
July 8, 2012 Leave a Comment
We had a great time recording two commercials for our DNA Testing services in Orlando.Thank you to Power 95.3 Orlando.
Paternity Blood Testing Still Relevant?
July 3, 2012 Leave a Comment
Today, the most accurate tests (99.99%) to determine the paternity of a child are made through DNA. Collecting DNA sample is done two ways: Buccal swab (swabbing the inside of the cheek) and blood samples.
Known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the procedure is used in comparing samples of the child’s DNA with that of the alleged father. Since the child’s DNA is a fairly equal combination of DNA of his parents, excluding the DNA of the mother gives us a genetic profile of the biological father.
However, before science knew how to isolate DNA, blood samples were the standard in a variety of testing methods in the past to help exclude potential fathers.
All had varying rates of success. Back in the early 1900s, blood testing was the first method used in determining paternity.
Blood typing
During the 1920s, scientists were able to identify one blood type from another. Just like DNA, a child’s blood type is a combination of that of the parents.
The blood type is determined by the proteins in the red blood cells known as ABO antigens. These antigens are the reason that you must have a specific blood type during transfusions.
It also limits the blood type of your offspring. Using these blood markers and characteristics, scientists later learn the logic and the possibility of excluding potential fathers if the blood types do not match.
An example: If a mother’s blood type is B and the child’s blood type is AB, then the father must have blood type A or type AB. A man with a type O blood cannot be the father and should be excluded.
However, blood typing alone cannot establish paternity since unlike DNA., blood types are not individually unique. Nevertheless, it had allowed specialists before to narrow down the list of putative fathers by excluding around 30% of potential candidates.
Serological testing
Still later, science discovered other proteins in the blood that are more group-specific than the ABO antigens themselves.
Following ABO comparison, science discovered other proteins in the blood that are more group-specific than the ABO antigens themselves. The proteins (Rh, Kell and Duffy blood groups) give scientists the ability to exclude potential fathers at a slightly higher accuracy rate of about 40%.
Just like ABO, serological tests still cannot identify the father with enough certitude, although it can exclude those that do not possess the correct blood groups.
HLA testing
In the 70s, another breakthrough was made. Scientists isolated another set of proteins called HLA (human leukocyte antigens). Unlike basic blood type proteins, the HLA proteins are found in all the body’s cells except the red blood cells. They are used by the body’s immune system to detect foreign bodies and fight infections.
While still not as reliable as DNA testing, HLA can exclude potential fathers with up to 80% accuracy ratings. Unfortunately, HLA testing requires a larger blood sample.
These days, paternity tests are conducted through DNA tests because it is more accurate, it is readily available, and the costs are decreasing.
However, blood sample comparisons are still relevant. One instance is if a child’s blood type does not match that of a putative father. From there, things are already clear and there is no need for an expensive and emotional paternity suit and DNA tests.
Stay Connected With Us