FEBRUARY 7, 2005

DDC celebrates its 10th anniversary

Cincinnati, OH. February 7, 2005—On February 8, DNA Diagnostics (DDC) celebrates its 10th anniversary. The past ten years witnessed DDC’s growth, expansion and legendary success. In the past decade, DDC has truly transformed the DNA paternity industry.

When DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) opened its doors to the public in 1995, the words “paternity test” were little known to the public. DNA tests were complicated, expensive, and inaccessible to many. In ten years, DDC has changed the landscape of the DNA paternity testing industry with testing services that answer many questions about identity and family relationships.

Ten years ago, the cost for a DNA paternity test was over $1,000; today, private individuals can take a DNA test for under $500. “We wanted to be able to make DNA testing accessible and affordable to those who need it,” says DDC’s founder, Dr. Richard Lee. Before DDC, Dr. Lee headed the Medical Genetics Unit at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.

In a paternity test, DNA samples from a child, the mother, and the tested male are analyzed to determine whether the child’s genetic pattern shows the expected inheritance of DNA, the genetic material, from the parents. Other close biological relationships can also be determined using DNA testing.

Paternity test results are often used in child support, child custody, immigration, and other legal situations where a biological relationship needs to be established. Many also take the DNA tests for personal reasons—some as poignant as confirming the reunification of siblings who were separated at birth by adoption.

Paternity testing has gained much public attention recently, having been featured in primetime shows such as Law & Order and CSI as well has several talk shows. For over three years, DDC has provided DNA testing services for national TV shows such as the Maury Povich show, Divorce Court, Judge Hatchett, and Home Delivery.

With its tenth year anniversary, DDC launches its Forensics division, which provides DNA testing services for legal and law enforcement professionals. DDC is also preparing to expand its services to human genetic testing, which includes testing for inherited diseases.

The anniversary is also coincident with the completion of renovations at DDC’s headquarters. When Dr. Lee started DDC 10 years ago, it was in a 2,000 sq. ft. leased space. Today, DDC stands in its original location, albeit somewhat expanded—its laboratories and office buildings now encompass 88,000 square feet. “We are prepared to start a new era in DNA testing,” says Dr. Lee.

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is the world’s largest provider of private paternity tests. Incorporated in 1995, DDC specializes in DNA testing for family relationships, forensics, and human genetics.

As the leading force in the private DNA testing industry, DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes for stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC’s unique Dual Process™ ensures results of unmatched quality and reliability.

DDC’s quality DNA testing services are nationally and internationally recognized through a number of accreditations from professional organizations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC/ISO17025).

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