DNA TESTING USING HAIR
What is a Hair DNA Test?
A hair DNA test determines biological relationships, such as between a parent and child, siblings, or grandparents and grandchildren. This method is useful when one party cannot provide standard cheek swab samples.
How to Collect DNA Testing with Hair Samples
To collect hair follicle samples:
- Use tweezers to pluck hair from the body or obtain hair from a brush.
- Each hair must include the root or hair follicle (the dermal papilla) for effective DNA extraction. This root contains mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inherited from the mother. Without a root sample, conducting a paternity or related family reconstruction DNA test is not possible.
- For optimal results, collect at least 10 hair follicles. Place the samples in a paper envelope and label it with the contributor’s name. Avoid Ziploc bags, as they can trap moisture and compromise the samples.
Common Scenarios for Hair DNA Testing
Hair samples are considered for DNA testing in circumstances such as:
- Inheritance
- Peace of mind
How Much Does a Hair DNA Test Cost?
Home hair DNA test kits start at $299.98. Here are the available options for our home testing service:
Hair Testing Options:
(1 Hair Sample and Cheek Swabs)
(Two Locations)
Alternative Forensic DNA Relationship Testing Options:
(1 Hair Sample and Cheek Swabs)
(1 Hair Sample and Cheek Swabs)
(Two Locations)
(1 Hair Sample and Cheek Swabs)
(1 Hair Sample and Cheek Swabs)
(Two Locations)
How to Purchase an At-Home Hair DNA Test Kit
Follow these steps to buy a home DNA test:
- Order your kit from this page or call our office at 888-970-4211.
- Your DNA kit will ship within 24-48 hours after purchase.
- After receiving your kit, follow the instructions to collect samples, sign the consent form, and place everything in the prepaid envelope.
- Allow 2 to 3 days for your DNA analysis after the lab receives your samples.
- You will receive a copy of your results by mail and another copy via email.
DNA Test Kit Contents
Your Home DNA kit includes:
- Consent Form: Allows the lab permission to test your DNA samples.
- Sample Collection Supplies: Includes cheek swabs.
- Sample Collection Instructions: Guidance on collecting cheek swabs and hair follicles.
- Prepaid FedEx Envelope: For returning your samples.
Can a Hair DNA Test Be Used for Legal Purposes?
Yes, our legal hair paternity testing services start at $475, not including shipping and possible mobile collection costs. For specific pricing, contact our office at 888-970-4211.
All legal DNA testing services are conducted by our partner, an AABB-accredited DNA laboratory. Legal cases require a proper chain of custody, and samples must be collected by an unbiased third party to ensure they are legally admissible.
Where Can I Get a Hair DNA Test?
Below is a list of locations where we provide hair DNA testing services. Call 888-970-4211 to schedule an appointment or ask questions.
Service Areas:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions about DNA Testing with Hair
How Accurate Is a DNA Hair Strand Test?
The accuracy of a DNA paternity test using hair depends on sample quality. High-quality samples have an accuracy rate of 95%.
Are My DNA Hair Follicle Test Results Kept Private?
All specimens and results remain confidential. Specimens are stored for three months before destruction. Results are released only to participants involved in the test unless a court order is presented. The lab will notify clients before releasing results.
Which Part of the Hair Contains DNA?
The root or hair follicle, the white bulb at the bottom of the hair strand, contains DNA.
How Long Does DNA in Hair Last?
The length of time DNA lasts in hair samples depends on how well they were stored. We have assisted clients with hair samples that were several years old; however, longer storage times may lead to degradation. There is no guarantee that a complete profile will be produced during extraction.
Can I Perform a Hair Follicle DNA Test Without Permission?
Informed consent is required for both legal and at-home testing options.
Home DNA Tests:
By signing the enclosed consent form, you acknowledge that you have received informed consent to use the samples submitted to the lab. Using DNA samples without consent may have legal consequences in your state. We recommend referring to your state guidelines regarding DNA usage without permission.
Legal Tests:
To establish a proper legal chain of custody, permission is required. Hair samples used for legal cases are often collected when one of the participants is deceased. In this case, the party in charge of the deceased’s estate must give permission for the hair samples to be submitted to the lab for DNA analysis.
For questions regarding DNA testing using hair for legal purposes, please call 888-970-4211.
Paternal Services:
Home Paternity Test
Legal Paternity Test
Prenatal Paternity Test
Parentage DNA Testing
DNA Testing Services:
Sibling DNA Test
Grandparent DNA Test
Avuncular DNA Test
Maternity DNA Test
Forensic DNA Services:
Infidelity DNA Test
DNA Testing w/Hair
DNA Testing w/Toothbrush