What is Needed For A DNA Test?
What is required to perform a DNA test?
When looking to perform a DNA test the requirements to get started depends on the use of the DNA results. There are two scenario that can be used, legal and non-legal. Below are the requirements
Legal DNA Testing Requirements:
Legal DNA tests require a chain of custody establishment, DNA samples must be collected by a third party DNA sample collector, all DNA specimens are tested and analyzed by our partner The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) accredited DNA laboratory. The accreditation ensures your results will be accepted by family courts, state agencies and immigration agencies nationwide.
Can a paternity test be performed without consent for children under the age of 18?
No. Consent is required for all participants especially for children under the age 18 will require consent from the mother or legal guardian of the child.
Alleged father who married or unmarried can perform a DNA test without the mother’s being present if the alleged father’s name is on the birth certificate.
New York State Requirements
New York State residents are required to provide one of the following documents to perform a DNA test, regardless of their reason:
- Prescription referral from a NYS licensed doctor
- Court order from a judge
- A letter from a NYS Family Law Attorney
Obtaining one of the above-mentioned documents will ensure your DNA results remain compliant with the New York State Department of Health Guidelines (NYSDOH). To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Legal DNA Paternity Testing process, call 888-970-4211 today.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- State ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- Original copy of one of the following documents: doctor’s prescription, court order, or letter from a family law attorney
- For immigration cases, please bring the request for evidence from USCIS or the U.S. Embassy
Non-Legal DNA Testing In-Office Requirements
A non-legal DNA test is for peace of mind purposes only. Results from this type of test cannot be used for any legal proceedings. Requirements vary depending on the type of peace of mind DNA test:
- In-Office Non-Legal DNA Test: You are required to bring a state-issued ID to your appointment.
- At-Home DNA Test Kit: This self-collection option is performed at home. Requirements include completing the consent form and collecting your own DNA samples. No additional documents are needed.
New York State Non-Legal Requirements:
At-home DNA tests are restricted for New York residents. Only legally admissible DNA testing may be performed in New York.
Call 888-970-4211 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the process today.
What Are the Requirements Before DNA Samples Are Collected?
Preparation for your DNA sample collection appointment is as follows:
- Adults and children: We recommend that participants do not eat for at least one hour before your DNA testing appointment. Food is consumed right before your appointment, you will be instructed to rinse your mouth out to increase the chances of obtaining a clean DNA sample.
- Babies: Do not breastfeed for at least one hour before your sample collection appointment. Breastfeeding may introduce the mother’s DNA into the baby’s sample, which could require the laboratory to request a second sample collection.
It is important to follow these sample collection preparation instructions for both legal and non-legal paternity testing cases.
What method of DNA sample collection will be performed at my appointment?
The standard method of DNA sample collection is performed by cheek swabs. Blood samples is another viable collection method with he same accuracy as cheek swab collections. The difference between cheek swab vs blood is, blood samples is more expensive, painful and invasive.