AT HOME DNA TEST FOR PATERNITY
At-Home Paternity Test (Father & Child)
Are you curious about the biological relationship between a father and child? Performing an at-home DNA test serves as a cost-effective method to confirm paternity and eliminate uncertainty. Our parentage tests are conducted by an AABB-accredited laboratory, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The analysis uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to compare genetic markers, which allows for a thorough examination of paternity.
How Much Does a Home DNA Test Cost?
Pricing for our home paternity test kits starts at $199.99. Below are the testing options we offer:
$199.99
$299.99
$225.00
- Secure DNA Tests (S-DNA) does not provide services to New York State residents due to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) guidelines.
- Residents of NYS must undergo legal testing to confirm paternity.
For questions regarding DNA testing service requirements in New York State, please call 888-970-4211.
What Is Home Paternity Testing?
A home paternity test analyzes DNA samples to determine if a potential father is the biological parent of a child. Including the mother in the testing process, when possible, enhances efficiency by providing additional genetic markers for comparison. All DNA specimens are tested and analyzed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards.
Difference Between Legal vs At Home Paternity Tests
| Feature | At-Home DNA Testing | Legal DNA Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Peace of mind | Legal validation |
| Chain of Custody | Not required | Required |
| Sample Collection | Self-collected at home | Collected by a third-party collector |
| Use of Results | Informational only | Legally admissible |
Where to Buy a DNA Test Kit
Looking to purchase a home DNA test? You can buy a home kit from this page or call 888-970-4211 to purchase by phone.
Locations:
- 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
Restricted State: New York (legal testing only).
How the Process Works
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the at-home paternity testing process works:
- Purchase: Obtain an at-home paternity test kit online or by phone.
- Shipping: Kits ship within 24-48 hours. An email confirmation will be sent upon shipment.
- Sample Collection: Upon receiving your kit:
- Complete the enclosed consent form.
- Collect your DNA samples using the provided sterilized cheek swabs.
- Place samples in the prepaid FedEx return envelope.
- Drop off the envelope at FedEx.
- Testing: Once the lab receives your samples, testing will commence. Results will be available within 2 to 3 business days from receipt.
- Results Delivery: A physical copy of your results will be mailed to your home. An electronic copy will be sent via email.
DNA Kit Contents
Your home paternity test kit will include:
- A consent form granting permission for analysis.
- Instructions for collecting DNA samples.
- DNA sample collection supplies: Two sterilized cheek swabs per person.
- A prepaid FedEx return shipping envelope.
How Long Do DNA Home Paternity Tests Take?
Result turnaround times average 2 to 3 business days from the date the lab receives all samples.
Same-Day Results:
For an additional cost on non-legal peace of mind tests, same-day results are available. Call 888-970-4211 to schedule this option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home DNA Tests
What is the method of DNA sample collection for home paternity tests?
The common method used for home DNA tests is a cheek swab. Below are some additional sample collection methods used when one participant is unavailable:
- Blood stain samples (napkins or tissues)
- Hair follicles
- Toothbrush
- Earwax
These alternative samples have limitations. Factors such as how the samples are stored and how long they have been kept can affect their quality. These issues could degrade the sample, making it difficult for the laboratory to produce a complete profile.
Are home paternity tests admissible in court?
No, home test results are not legally admissible in court. This is due to how DNA samples are collected, the lack of a chain of custody, and the fact that participants collect their own samples.
Legal paternity testing requires the following:
- DNA samples to be collected by a non-biased sample collector,
- Establishment of chain of custody
- Specimens will be tested and analyzed by a partner AABB accredited lab which is necessary for admissibility in court in child support and birth certificate cases.
Can I buy an at-home prenatal paternity test kit?
No. The prenatal paternity testing service we provide requires the involvement of the mother’s OB-GYN, meaning DNA samples must be collected at a collection facility.
What do you need for a home DNA test?
Home DNA tests do not have specific requirements because they are for peace of mind purposes. However, it is important to consider the ethical and moral component of collecting a DNA specimen without permission. Familiarize yourself with your state’s DNA collection guidelines to avoid any possible legal consequences.
How accurate are home DNA paternity tests?
The process of testing DNA samples performed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory meets the highest industry standards. When properly conducted, paternity testing typically yields a probability of biological relationship of 99.99% or higher in confirmed cases. Test accuracy depends on sample quality and how well the DNA sample collector followed the enclosed sample collection instructions.
Are my home DNA test results private?
All DNA specimens and results remain private. Specimens are retained for three months before destruction. DNA results are released only to the participants involved in your DNA test. An unrelated third party receives results only if a court order is presented to the lab. The lab will notify the client before releasing results.
What are the common misconceptions about Paternity Tests?
One common misconception is that ancestry DNA tests are the same as paternity tests. Ancestry tests explore family lineage while DNA relationship tests determine the probability of a biological relationship between a parent and child, siblings, or grandparents and grandchildren.