Find out whether you are the biological father of a child
This DNA Paternity Test (Private Home Kit) is ideal for families who wish to determine the truth about paternity in private, before deciding on the next step. The mouth swab can be collected quickly and discreetly in the privacy of your own home and sent to our laboratory for analysis. You will receive your results in your online account or by mail or email.
This analysis conclusively determines whether an alleged father is the biological father of the child.
Usage
The DNA Paternity Test will conclusively determine whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child. A DNA Paternity Test can be performed with or without the mother.
Methods
During a DNA Paternity Test, a painless buccal (mouth) swab sample is collected from the child and the alleged father. The sample contains cells, and most of the cells in our body contain a full set of genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A person’s DNA represents a “genetic blueprint” and, like a fingerprint, it is unique to each individual.
At the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cell and specific regions of the DNA are amplified by a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Our test analyzes 16 to 27 of these specific regions, called short tandem repeats (STRs). STRs are regions of DNA in which a short DNA sequence is repeated multiple times. They are found throughout the genome and are highly variable, providing an accurate way to confirm or refute biological relationships.
Results
Your results will show two numbers (alleles) that indicate the number of repeats that you received from each parent at each STR. You may have two identical alleles at a marker, or you may have two different alleles. One of each allele will match to each of your parents; hence in a father-child relationship, 50% of the STR variation will be identical. This analysis conclusively determines whether an alleged father is the biological father of the child.
Three Easy Steps
Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online
Click here for more details and to watch our explanatory video.
Benefits |
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✓ Conclusive results: >99.9% for inclusions, 100% for exclusions |
✓ Painless buccal (mouth) swab sample collection |
✓ All tests are run 2x for absolute accuracy |
✓ Final report available 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the samples |
✓ Quickly collect samples in the privacy of your own home |
✓ 24/7 online test status check |
✓ Discreet online results option available |
✓ No age limit |
✓ Private and confidential |
✓ State-of-the-art accredited testing laboratory |
FAQ
What if the parties to be tested live in different cities, can you split the kit?
Yes, the kit can be split and the sample collection components sent to each address separately. The collection components are individually barcoded, and will be tested together once the samples arrive at the laboratory. To order a split kit, please write the following into the Order notes box of the online order form “Please split kit”. Please also indicate the name and address to send each component. For example, please state “send the Alleged Father’s portion to… (specify name and address)” and “send the Child’s portion to… (specify name and address)”.
What if I need a legal test?
Legal testing requires you to attend an appointment for sample collection. If you need a legal test, purchase this kit and follow the enclosed instructions to pay the difference and switch to legal testing. Legal testing is available in the US, Canada and UK.
Is there an age limit?
No. Any of the DNA tests can be performed on individuals of any age, even newborns. If the patient is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the DNA testing consent form.
Does the mother need to be tested?
If the mother already knows that she is the biological mother of a child, then there is no need to test her if only the alleged father is in question. A conclusive answer regarding paternity can be obtained without testing the mother.
How are the test kits stored?
All test kits are stored at room temperature before and after sample collection.
Do the test kits expire?
No. Test kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection. Test kits should be returned for testing within 3 months after sample collection.
How is the DNA sample collected?
DNA is collected by rubbing a brush gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The collection is safe and painless.
What if the alleged fathers are closely related (e.g. brothers)?
Further testing may be required to accurately determine which individual is the true biological father of a child. It is possible to accurately determine the true biological father even for brothers and fraternal twins. However, there is no genetic test available to distinguish between two identical twins.
Can paternity be determined if the alleged father is unavailable for testing?
If the alleged father is deceased, forensic DNA testing can be considered using items which contain the alleged father’s DNA (e.g. an old toothbrush, electric razor, blood stains, saliva stains, or bone or teeth from an exhumation). If it is not possible to obtain a forensic sample for the alleged father, testing his direct relatives can be considered utilizing one of our alternative relationship tests (e.g. the DNA Grandparent Test, DNA Aunt/Uncle Test or DNA Sibling Test.)