DNA Procedures
The Consular Section coordinates DNA sampling in cases when testing has been requested by the Consular Section in relation to a case under review by the American Citizen Services (ACS) or the Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit. ACS or IV gives the concerned parties instructions for selecting an AABB laboratory in the US, a panel physician in Lima, and coordinating an appointment for sampling to take place at US Embassy Lima, Peru.
Please note the DNA procedures below only pertain to DNA sampling in relations to cases under review by the Consular Section's American Citizen Services (ACS) or Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit of the US Embassy in Lima, Peru. For DNA sampling procedures for use by other government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS), please coordinate DNA testing through the requesting agency.
The Process
After an applicant decided to submit DNA evidence, the Consular Section will issue a letter to the applicant to be sent to their AABB laboratory of choise with detailed instructions for completing DNA sampling. The letter will specify which individuals will undergo DNA sampling and where.
For all DNA sampling taking place in Peru for use in ACS or IV cases, the sampling must take place at the Embassy. On the date of the DNA sampling all tested parties should bring the following:
- A valid passport or DNI.
- One (01) photograph 2 x 2 inches.
- Payment receipt from the panel physician.
After the applicants have contacted an AABB laboratory, the laboratory sends the DNA test kit to the Consular Section. The Consular Section then contacts the applicants to schedule the DNA sample appointment.
Laboratory Information
Laboratories must send the test kits via commercial courier directly to the Embassy:
- For American Citizen Services (ACS) Cases
Consular Section
American Citizen Services (ACS) - DNA Unit
Av. La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru - For Immigrant Visa (IV) Cases
Consular Section
Immigrant Visas (IV) - DNA Unit
Av. La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Peru
DHL has a kiosk within the Embassy and has been the most reliable method for receiving and sending test kits. However, we will accept packages from a client's preferred choise of commercial couriers, as long as proper procedures are followed.
Laboratories should individually package and seal the test swabs in the event that the main packaging is opened for security purposes. Please also send the test results via commerical courier directly to the Embassy at the above address as well. Results will not be accepted unless mailed directly to the Embassy.
A pre-paid envelope to return the samples to the laboratory in the United States must accompany all test kits. Label the description on the customs form of the return envelope as "DNA Saliva Swabs and Documents: non-infectious non-biohazard". We have found that clearly labeling the package allows the items to clear customs more smoothly when returning packages.
The following doctors are approved to perform DNA sampling and will be chosen by the applicant:
- Dr. Sandro Corigliano
Address: Clínica Anglo Americana | Av. Alfredo Salazar 350, San Isidro
Telephone: 222-2192, 616-8900 x1450, 1451 & 1458
Schedule: Tuesday & Thursday, from 8:30am to 11:30am; Monday and Friday, from 3:00pm to 5:30pm -
Dra. Viviana Mélinchon
Address: Paseo de la República 6065, San Antonio, Miraflores
Phone: 447-3654 / 981-036-823
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 1:00 pm & 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Please note that the American Citizen or visa applicant is responsible for all costs incurred during the testing process.
The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit can be reached via e-mail.
The Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit can be reached via e-mail.
Updated: October 20, 2011