Actually, the (blood) sample is taken at the embassy (#4 near the bottom of the linked web page), but the DNA testing itself is still done at embassy-approved labs in the USA. So I expect the turn-around times remain about the same.

Too little too late. Not saying it isn't good to implement this at all, but is there a reason this wasn't done years ago? Seems very reactionary in nature...as if the Embassy is trying to cover their bases at this point. The reality of it is, that this could and should have been done years ago when all the concerns were being brought up about corruption in the process, including the DNA portion of the process. It will be helpful if the new CNA run adoption process gets off the ground, but it should never have taken until now to implement such a change in DNA procedure. It makes perfect sense for something so important to be closely monitored. Someone in the State Dept/DOS was asleep at the wheel for a long time. Just my opinion.

I always thought it was a cheek swab, now it is a blood test?
Lizzie

3 1/2 yrs later I am a very weary PAP who has finally made it to the 2nd DNA test. Per the new procedures you contact an approved lab and order the kit that is sent to the embassy. The lab I contacted states I must have an authorization # from the US embassy to order the kit. So I emailed the embassy back and their response is to just follow the instructions which don't say anything about an authorization#. Has anyone done a 2nd DNA test with the new procedures? Did you need a #? To be so close and still face hurdles....

Laura:
I can't answer your question. I would contact every approved lab to see what they need. Perhaps some don't need what the one lab you contacted asked for. Or, could you contact that lab again and get what they need (the authorization #) in an email, so you can forward that on to the Embassy to show them that their "instructions" are not useful? Otherwise, I would immediately start contacting your US Senator and Congressperson. This is all US-side bureaucratic red-tape that they could help you out with. After 3 1/2 years, you should get some of their help, because this is ridiculous!!! Good luck, and may you finally get this last hurdle cleared.

Good evening,
Perhaps I missed it, but I never heard official word as to whether or not we can expect to see the wonderful guatadopt forum again?

Laura,
That is great news!! You are at the finish line!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Mom! We are rejoicing with you! May your weariness turn to happiness SOON! Keep us posted!

You should probably double check with them. I don't know anything about the authorization number, but I know that when the US lab sent the kit to the Embassy on my behalf, they didn't pack it in "double envelopes" and so I had to pay the shipping for another kit! Yuck! Now, granted, this was on a 1st DNA with "new procedures," but it sounds like it is rather similar.
Can you send the US lab a copy of your orange form as an authorization? Part of the issue as told to me by USE is that they do not want kits just sitting around. They only want kits sent and received when they are to be used AND they must be received for a particular person. I'm guessing that the US lab is just being super cautious about sending down a kit???

If I remember correctly on the Forum when it was working - Pat Sprague (sp) worked at one of the labs and was very helpful. She was on the forum alot and seem genuinely interested and supportive of Guat adoptions. If someone has her contact info - can you share - I think she could help and if she can't I think she would ask around and try and find an answer. So frustrating to be so close - I hope Pat can help you - she really is great!

Chrissy

Yes, Pat has been wonderful and so caring. Lab Corp is who I am trying to buy the kit from. I have emailed her the new DNA procedures and she is trying to get more information for me about how to get an authorization number.

Another funny thing about the DNA procedures is that they tell you to contact any of the labs on the list but when I contacted the other labs they didn't know anything about needing a number but also told me that you have to use the same lab that was used for your initial DNA test. That's not
in the procedures either.

I really thought once we got to the US Embassy piece things would go smoother but there continues to be a breakdown in communication. I have contacted Kay Anske who is the Consular General by email AnskeKL@state.gov and await her answer. I will continue to post what I find out in the hopes that the rest of the Guatemala 900 reach this stage soon. I can honestly say I know how you feel.

My case really never started to move along until I met a travel agent from Antigua that truly cares about the children who are waiting. If anyone needs her info I could ask her for permission to share. Keep the faith. Day by day.

Kay Anske the US Consular General was able to clarify with the lab exactly what is needed. My thanks to Gary from Guatemala 900 for providing Kay's contact information. The US Embassy no longer requires an authorization number for the 2nd DNA test and Pat at Lab Corp was able to ship mine today and will arrive in Guatemala by Monday at the latest. Hope this information helps someone else who is also on this journey.

Congratulations, Laura! Hopefully, you will be on your way to Guatemala soon! Please update us. It is so wonderful to hear that you are on your way to bring your child home!!!YEAH!!!

Laura (and any other waiting Families),

We are so happy to hear about how close you are now to bringing your child home. We are praying for all of the waiting families and waiting children and so happy to hear about each and every new one that comes home! Thanks for posting!

Waiting families,
You are not forgotten! You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers!

Peace,
Lizzie

Laura - does this mean that after the 2nd DNA is completed you are done????? Sorry I'm not familiar with the process now - and who could be as the rules seem to change as you go and vary by family.

Our DNA Kit arrived at the US Embassy Monday morning 04/19. On Friday 04/23 received email from US Embassy to contact panel physician to pay sample collection fee of $60. This was done same day.

US Embassy states they will be in touch to set up appt for child to have sample taken. Samples are only taken on Wed and Thurs. We wait some more...and don't have a time line yet.

US Embassy scheduled appt on May 6th for collection of 2nd DNA sample. Sent sample to Lab Corps following day. Pat Sprague was absolutely wonderful about keeping us informed on how the testing process was going. It is such a relief when you know what is going on instead of being left in the dark.
Test results received by email May 17th. Lab sent results by fed ex to Guatemala. I asked the US Immigration dept last week how long it would be to finish our case once they receive the DNA results. They said one week. We will cross our fingers.

Oh Laura, I am so happy to hear this news! Please keep us posted....

We are PINK!!! Interview appointment scheduled for June 7th.
3 1/2 years later, so many ups and downs, mostly downs. Four trips from Hawaii to Guatemala to stay in touch with our daughter. So many heartbreaking goodbyes when we had to give her back. Finally
there is an end in site. For those still waiting, don't give up, don't take no for an answer and if I can share any information that
might assist you pls contact me.

Congratulations Laura! So exciting! Enjoy your final trip to Guatemala! Bring her home! Get packing!

WOOOO HOOOO!!!!
I am so happy to hear this!!!
Enjoy every minute with your daughter...you more than deserve it.
Wishing you every blessing in your new life together.