Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit Store Sales Rocket through New Retail Paradigm for Genetic Testing

Business Wire, May 11, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY -- Identigene

• Strong Over-the-Counter Sales at Nationwide Pharmacy Chains Prove Retail Store Purchase is Consumers’ Preferred Method for Buying Genetic Testing Service
• For Those Seeking a Definitive Answer, the Self-Administered, Non-Invasive DNA Paternity Test is Convenient, Reliable, Affordable—Doesn’t Require Attorneys, Courts or Physicians

Barbara McCaskill verified the success of a 20-year search for her biological parents recently with a simple cheek-swab genetic test. “The accuracy of DNA testing put any doubts to rest,” said McCaskill, of San Diego, who had purchased an Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit over-the-counter at her local pharmacy.

Tens of thousands of people like McCaskill have taken advantage of the self-administered, non-invasive DNA paternity test since March 2008, when it first became available nationwide in the family planning or home diagnostic aisles of pharmacy chains. The Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit was the first ever—and is still the only—genetic test sold through major retail outlets.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in sales due to a new public awareness that reliable, affordable DNA paternity testing is now available at their local drug store,” said Doug Fogg, COO of Identigene, which is world’s largest provider of direct-to-consumer paternity testing, and has been offering DNA testing services since 1993. “We continue to have significant direct online retail sales, but the purchasing paradigm has changed. Now, we often find customers use our Web site as a resource for information about DNA testing, then go to their local drug store for the purchase.”

Previously, those with paternity questions often thought testing must involve the court system, physicians, hundreds of dollars, then weeks of waiting for results. Today, the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit is available in over 15,500 store locations in 48 states, including major pharmacy chains, discount stores and supercenters. Confidential test results are available within three to five business days of receipt of DNA samples at the laboratory.

McCaskill was the child of a closed California adoption that denied her access to birth records. A two-decade search led to her biological father, but not everyone in the family was ready to believe it. “My mother heard about the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit on the radio,” said McCaskill. “I took it and a few days later confirmed I am his long-lost daughter.”

For James Thompson, of Arlington, Wash., “Peace of mind was well worth the cost of the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit. I was 16 when my daughter was born and I supported her for 14 years.” But then, hints from her mother made him doubt he was the father. “I was devastated. I love my daughter and couldn’t bear the thought she wasn’t my biological child. A friend told me DNA paternity test kits are now available at drug stores, so I purchased one. Now I am certain I am her father.”

Mati Nestor, of Orlando, Fla. was an only child who always begged her parents for a brother or sister. Now married with a family of her own, Nestor’s father recently revealed she might have a half-sister in Costa Rica. Nestor was ecstatic. “I called her and we talked on the phone for hours. I mailed her an Identigene DNA Paternity Test, and the results made us the two happiest people in the world. It is amazing how science and a reliable company changed my life.”

Something that has not changed with the new retail DNA test purchasing paradigm is that one-third of men who submit DNA for testing are confirmed not to be the father of the child in question, said Fogg. “Our experience shows that for those with a paternity question, the neighborhood pharmacy is a comfortable place to purchase a personal product they can trust.”

Online Press Room

The Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit online pressroom is www.dnatesting.com/presskit, and provides past press releases, high-resolution images, B-roll footage and a store locator.

About Identigene

Identigene, a Sorenson Genomics company, is the world’s largest provider of direct-to-consumer DNA paternity testing. Founded in 1993, Identigene was the first DNA testing laboratory in the world to commercially use modern STR technology for paternity testing, and is the only company to sell a genetic test through major retail outlets. Identigene offers a full range of DNA testing services, including tests used to determine paternity, siblingship and other familial relationships, as well as DNA tests for purposes of immigration, child custody, settling estates and other family-related situations. Additional information about Identigene, its national and international laboratory accreditations, and its DNA testing services is available at www.dnatesting.com.