DNA testing has become a powerful tool for many people impacted by adoption — whether it’s used to search for family, confirm relationships, or update legal records. But with so many types of DNA testing now available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your needs.

In this episode, we're joined by Kate Pippia, Director of identilab — an Australian-owned and operated DNA testing laboratory based in Brisbane. Identilab specialises in accredited legal DNA testing, including paternity, maternity, kinship, and peace of mind testing — all of which can play a vital role in post-adoption discovery and reunion.

We discuss the differences between legal and genealogical DNA testing (such as through AncestryDNA), what to expect from the testing process, and how DNA can help clarify family connections and support legal recognition.

On a personal note, our host, Jo Sparrow used identilab in 2024 to confirm legal paternity and was able to add her father’s name to her pre-adoption birth certificate — a meaningful and validating step in her adoption journey that she hopes will lead to a future application for an integrated birth certificate (IBC) showing the truth of her parentage if legislative reviews are successful in Queensland.

This episode discusses adult themes and listener discretion is advised. For more information go to http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/episode-notes 

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (www.jigsawqueensland.com) 

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.