Paternity Testing
DNA Paternity Testing is used to determine if a specific man is the biological father to a specific child. A paternity test will analyze the possible father and child’s DNA profiles. Then the 2 DNA profiles are compared to establish if there is a biological relationship.
With Test Me DNA our paternity tests generally include a 21 genetic marker test. Each genetic marker will have 2 numbers which are referred to as alleles. A child will receive 1 allele from their mother and 1 allele from their biological father. A biological father should match the child with at least 1 allele in each genetic marker.
How DNA Paternity Testing Works
Order Paternity Test
After deciding on a test, we will either send out a Home Paternity DNA Test Kit or schedule an appointment for Paternity DNA Testing at any of our 1000+ Testing Centers for DNA collection.
Collect Samples
DNA collection is painless and easy to perform. DNA collections are performed with non-invasive buccal swabs. The swabs are brushed lightly on the inside of each individual’s cheeks for around 10 seconds.
Get Paternity Results
Results typically complete within 3-5 business days after the laboratory receives all testing kits. Paternity test results are then provided over the phone and email. Mailed copies can be sent upon request.
Legal Paternity Test vs Home Paternity Test
Legal Paternity DNA Testing
Same Day Appointments in most areas
Painless DNA collection
Fast results: 3-5 business days
Results are private and confidential
One low price includes testing & legal DNA results
Paternity DNA Testing Kit
Discreet shipping, free shipping both ways
Easy to use kit with detailed instructions
Fast results: 3-5 business days after returning the kit
Results are private and confidential
One low price includes kit + results
Common Reasons for a Legal Paternity Test:
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Tax Forms
- Name Change
- Court Order
- Social Security
- Will/Estate
- Birth Certificate
- Adoption
- Tribal Enrollment
How are Samples Collected for a Paternity Test?
For most paternity tests, the samples are collected using sterile buccal swabs. These sterile cotton tip swabs are rubbed on the inside of the cheek collecting the epithelial cells. Buccal swab collections are completely painless and can be used on children, babies, and adults. Due to the fact that the DNA found in our cheek cells is the same DNA found in all of our cells in our body, the results from this test would be exactly the same as if performing the test using a blood sample or other “special” samples.
Legal paternity tests must be collected at 1 of our many collection labs. This allows the collection to be taken by a professional neutral 3rd party. They will also take a thumbprint and a photo at the time of collection, providing proof of who was collected.
DNA Testing Without the Father
The most common type of relationship test performed, is paternity. That involves testing the child directly against the alleged father. Sometimes a standard paternity test is not an option. In such cases a special relationship DNA test can be requested.
Special relationship testing allows for the testing of other paternal relatives such as other known children, grandparents, or aunts and uncles to the child in question. This type of testing is performed when the alleged father is unwilling or not available to participate in a standard paternity test.
We also offer specialty DNA testing. Which can include post-mortem, mobile collections, or comparison testing. Many seeking DNA testing are not aware that these options are available.
Test Me DNA can provide other DNA testing options if a standard paternity does not fit your situation.
DNA Paternity Testing FAQ
Yes! Paternity tests are our most common type of home DNA testing. Home DNA testing kits are available for all of our relationship DNA tests.
There are multiple reasons to get a legal paternity test. The most common reasons for needing legal documentation are child support, child custody, name change, birth certificate change, proving paternity to the IRS or military benefits.
For all of our home DNA testing kits, a simple buccal swab is the only acceptable sample.
If you choose to do a DNA collection at one of our facilities, the most common sample is a buccal swab. But blood samples can be collected if requested in advance.
There are also options for Post-Mortem DNA samples to be used. These samples must be in the care of a professional office such as a coroner’s office, or a funeral home.
A possible father and a child are required for a paternity test. We also offer other relationship tests such as siblings, aunt/uncle and grandparent relationship tests.
For home testing kits do not require any type of ID to be tested.
For in lab options or legal paternity testing, anyone over 18 will need to have 2 forms of ID. The first form needs to be a government issued photo ID. The 2nd form does not have to be another photo ID, but it can be. For any person testing under the age of 18, they will need 1 form of ID. It does NOT have to be a photo ID. It can be a birth certificate, social security card, shot record or insurance card. We can accommodate other options for ID, please just let us know what you have available.
Test Me DNA has DNA collection sites nationwide. So we can accommodate people in different states for paternity tests. We can schedule a paternity appointment for each person testing in their own state.
If your preference is the home paternity test and each person lives in a different state, we ship to both people. We will split the paternity test up and each person will get their part of the kit. Both people will also get prepaid shipping back to the lab for testing.
The price of a paternity test is dependent on a few factors. How many people are testing? Do you need the test for legal purposes or just personal knowledge?
The cost of a legal paternity including 1 possible father and 1 child is $349. Any additional person is $125.
The cost of a home paternity test including 1 possible father and 1 child is $179. Any additional person is $69.
DNA Paternity test results provided by our AABB and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory are deemed, usable for life. These accreditations confirm that the highest possible standards and competence is being upheld by the laboratory. US government agencies, or state institutions require that your paternity test results be preformed by a laboratory with an AABB accreditation. Courts throughout the United States regard our legal DNA paternity results as absolute proof of the relationship in question.
The AABB standards maintains that a legal paternity test must have a strict chain of custody to be valid in any legal matter and admissible in court. An unbiased medical professional must perform the sample collection, and willing participants must provide legal identification as well as sign acknowledgement of their consent. As part of the procedure, those signatures of consent, fingerprint and photo of the participants, and any other identifying information will be provided on the chain of custody.
Our paternity testing laboratory trains all technicians to follow these procedures to ensure that results may be used for any legal matter. Our testing laboratory is composed by experienced PhD geneticists who administer the testing process in accordance to the AABB and ISO accreditation standards. This ensures that the most up to date testing methods and technology are being used to complete your paternity test.