FAQs
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How do I collect samples for a Home DNA Test kit?
For our Paternity DNA Test kits, as well as our Maternity, Siblings, Aunt/Uncle, and Grandparent DNA Relationship Test kits, we offer 3 different types of specimen collection options; Cheek Swabs, Toothbrushes, and/or Nail Clippings. Each kit will include a collection instructions card for the specific specimen type you selected at checkout; however you can also view them in the following links;
For our Prenatal Paternity Test Kits, we offer the same 3 types of specimen collection options for the alleged father(s); Cheek Swabs, Toothbrushes, and/or Nail Clippings. However, the Mother must have her blood drawn. Each kit will include a collection instructions card to help you better understand the collection requirements for both the mother and alleged father(s). You can also view them in the following links;
–Blood Draw with Cheek Swab Collection
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How long until I receive the results?
For our Home DNA Test Kits, once the samples are received at the lab, results will be sent to the client within 1-2 business days. A PDF report will be emailed to you at the email you provided during the checkout process.
For Legal Paternity Tests, results will be made available within 3-5 business days after visiting the lab. A PDF report will be emailed to you at the email you provided during the checkout process.
For Prenatal Paternity Tests, results will be ready within 7 business days after samples are received at the lab. A PDF report will be emailed to you at the email you provided during the checkout process.
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How will I receive the results?
A PDF report will be emailed to you at the email you provided during the checkout process.
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When will my kit be shipped?
All orders placed Monday through Friday before 2pm central time will be shipped the same day
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What are the prices of your At-Home DNA test kits?
The Home DNA Kits start from $79, depending on which relationship you are needing to test for.
– We offer Postnatal Paternity DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged father(s) and child(ren). Starting Price: $79.
– We offer Prenatal Paternity DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged father(s) and an unborn child. Starting Price: $675.
– We offer Siblingship DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged siblings. Starting Price: $118.
– We offer Grandparent DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged grandparent(s) and grandchild(ren). Starting Price: $148.
– We offer Aunt/Uncle DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged aunt(s)/uncle(s) and niece(s)/nephew(s). Starting Price: $148.
– We offer Maternity DNA Test Kits to check relation between alleged mother(s) and child(ren). Starting Price: $148.
You also have the option to select different collection types as well. If you choose to change it from the standard Buccal (Cheek) Swabs to Nail Clippings and/or Toothbrushes instead, it is just an additional $50 per person.
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What if I want to return my Home DNA Test Kit?
In the event you decide to return your kit for any reason within the first 30 days of purchase, prior to using it; there is a non-refundable 25% restocking fee. In order to be eligible for the refund, you must send your unused kit back to us using the return label provided in the kit. Refunds will be issued 7 – 10 business days after receiving your unused test kit back at the lab. If the kit has been used, refunds are not available due to the sanitary nature of the materials.
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How accurate are the At-Home DNA tests?
DNA testing is the best method for determining biological relationships. If donors are biologically related, results will show a probability of 99.9999%. If the donors are not biologically related, the results will show a probability of 0%.
- Is a lab appointment required?
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How do I know when my samples arrived at the lab?
Every kit has a pre-paid label with a tracking number on it. Clients can write that down before they mail their kit, then visit that carrier’s website to track their package all the way to the lab
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Can I test someone who is deceased?
To determine whether someone is related using a Cheek Swab Home Kit, swab samples must be taken directly from the inside of a living donor’s cheek.
If you purchased a Toothbrush Home Kit or Nail Clippings Home Kit, you can send back a used toothbrush from a living or deceased donor, or 5 nail clippings clipped from a living or deceased donor.
Sending DNA samples from any next-of-kin (ex. The donor’s sister or brother) to determine relationship will not yield accurate results.
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Is this an at-home test?
Yes, our Home DNA Test kits are designed for convenient at-home collection; however if you purchase Legal Paternity Tests, those samples must be collected at a lab location.
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Do I pay for return shipping?
No, you can leave that part up to us! We provide all the return packaging and labels you need to send us your samples.
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Can these DNA tests be used in court?
While the science behind our Home DNA Test Kits are the exact same as the Legal Paternity Tests collected for in a laboratory, they cannot be used in court. This is because the Legal Paternity Tests require you to go into a laboratory and have your samples collected. This is to establish what is legally referred to as a “chain of custody.” This is where a third party laboratory technician will verify the identification of the testers and then take their samples before submitting them for genetic testing.
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What’s the difference between the personal at-home paternity test kit and a legal paternity test?
Both our Home Paternity Test kit and our Legal Paternity test can give you the paternity answers you are looking for. The Home Paternity Test kit can be done in the privacy of your home and is quicker and more affordable than a Legal Paternity Test. However only a Legal Paternity Test can be used in court. This is because Legal Paternity Tests require testers to go into the laboratory to establish what is legally referred to as a “chain of custody.” This is where a third party laboratory technician will verify the identification of the testers and then take their samples before submitting them for genetic testing.
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What documentation should I take with me to the lab if I order a Legal Paternity Test?
All adults visiting the lab for collection must provide two forms of ID such as a Driver’s License and a Social Security Card, or a State ID and a Passport. (One of them must be a photo ID). All children visiting the lab must provide their birth certificate.
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What if the donors live in different cities or states?
We are able to accommodate situations where the donors live in different cities or states. If this is the case, please click “Ship separate collection kits” during checkout and fill in the addresses for each tester.
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Why would I purchase a Home DNA Test kit?
A Home DNA Test kit is the quickest, easiest and most affordable way to give you the relationship testing answers you’ve been looking for.
We have many different Home DNA Test kits to choose from, such as;
-Postnatal Paternity DNA Test Kits
-Prenatal Paternity DNA Test Kits
-Sibling DNA Test Kits
-Grandparent DNA Test Kits
-Aunt/Uncle DNA Test Kits
-Maternity DNA Test Kits -
Why would I purchase a Legal Paternity Test?
A Legal Paternity Test is admissible in court and can be used to help resolve common legal disputes such as: establishing custody, child support payments, visitation rights, inheritance rights, and tax credits.
Results are conveniently emailed to you, at the email you provided during the checkout process.
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Why would I purchase a Prenatal Paternity Test kit?
Almost half of all births in the United States are to single mothers, which is why Prenatal Paternity Testing has become such a common and valuable tool in society today. Prenatal Testing is used to determine paternity before birth, and give all parties the time they need to make decisions and arrange for support and medical care. The Prenatal Paternity Test can be taken just 7 weeks into pregnancy via a simple blood draw from the mother.
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What if my kit gets lost?
In the unlikely event you do not receive your DNA test kit within 5 business days of ordering it, please contact us immediately at [email protected].
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What if there is something wrong with my sample?
In the unlikely event there is an issue with your sample, we will contact you immediately at the email or phone number associated with your order.
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What if the alleged fathers are closely related (e.g. brothers, cousins, or father/son)?
In situations where the alleged fathers are closely related we recommend testing both alleged fathers and the biological mother. However even if only one of the alleged fathers is available we will still be able to determine or exclude the paternity.
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What kind of samples will the lab accept?
We have 3 different specimen types you can choose from to collect samples for a Home Kit. Cheek Swabs, Toothbrush, or Nail Clippings. To ensure you get the proper kit, you must select your desired specimen type at checkout. We can only accept the samples you designate when you place the order. If you choose a Cheek Swab kit, you will be supplied with 4 swabs per person. If you choose the Toothbrush kit, you must send us the donor’s used toothbrush. If you select a Nail Clippings kit then you must provide atleast 5 nail clippings from the donor.
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What happens to the samples after the test?
Samples are discarded following established guidelines.
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Do I have to give blood?
No. Depending on which Home Kit you purchase, you would either provide a painless cheek swab of the inside of the mouth, a used toothbrush, or nail clippings. However, if you are considering a Prenatal Paternity Test, then yes; the mother-to-be must have her blood drawn. Please note, blood samples remain stable only within the first 48 hours after collection. To ensure they arrive at the lab within this acceptance window, we do provide an overnight shipping label in the kit and ask that blood draws not be performed on Fridays or weekends, as the lab is closed on weekends and is unable to receive overnight deliveries. Samples must be shipped the same day they are collected using the provided overnight shipping label, ensuring next-day delivery on an operational lab day. Samples received beyond the 48-hour window will be considered unstable and rejected, requiring recollection.
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Is there an age limit?
No, when used as directed, anyone can get tested.
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Can I get a paternity test while I’m pregnant?
Yes, mothers-to-be can test their unborn children for paternity through a simple blood test. For more information please see our Prenatal Paternity Test.
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Can my kit expire?
No, kit components are extremely stable and therefore you can choose to test at a time that is convenient for you.
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What if I leave my kit in my car?
Kit components are stable even at extreme temperatures and will not affect sample integrity as long as they are kept dry
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Do you offer volume discounts?
Yes, here at PaternityLab we do offer volume discounts. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us at [email protected].
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Do you mail results?
Yes, we can accommodate requests to have DNA test results mailed. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us at [email protected].
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Is the kit sent discreetly?
All kits are mailed in discreet unmarked packaging.
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Does the mother need to be tested if I purchase a home Paternity Test kit?
It is always recommended to test the mother so we can provide you with a more complete DNA report. Including the mother’s sample in a paternity test will not provide a maternity test result. However, providing the mother’s DNA sample when testing for paternity is still beneficial as it helps exclude the portion of the child’s DNA inherited from her. Removing that half of the genetic profile allows for a clearer comparison of the child’s remaining DNA with the alleged father’s DNA sample. This is also helpful in rare situations where there may be mutations in the child’s DNA inherited from the mother, or when testing multiple alleged fathers that could be related to eachother.
If you are needing a maternity test in addition to a paternity test, you may visit our Home Maternity Test Kit page to place a separate order
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Do you accept insurance?
In order to ensure your privacy, we do not currently accept insurance. However, we can provide you with an itemized receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
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What if I want to test multiple people?
It is quite common to test multiple parties at once to save time and money. Our highly sensitive genetic marker testing allows for a large combination of testers which will allow us to create a custom solution thats fits your needs.
All you would need to do when placing the order is change the quantity of testers on the order page. For example, if you need to test more than one alleged father in a Paternity DNA Test Kit order, simply change the quantity of “Alleged Father(s)” from “1” to the number of alleged fathers you would like to have tested
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all debit and credit cards, as well as Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Amazon Pay.
We also accept prepaid debit and gift cards as long as they carry a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express logo and have been activated and registered online with a billing ZIP code. These cards can be purchased at most retailers, such as Walgreens and Walmart, as well as through major credit card companies and banks.
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What is a prenatal paternity test?
A prenatal paternity test helps mothers-to-be establish paternity while still pregnant, as early as 7 weeks after conception. Our Prenatal Paternity Test Kit analyzes 27 autosomal and 25-Y STRs, making it the most accurate test available. It is also completely safe for pregnant mothers.
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How do I collect samples for a Prenatal Paternity Test kit?
We offer 3 different types of specimen collection options for alleged fathers using our Prenatal Paternity Test Kits; Cheek Swabs, Toothbrushes, and/or Nail Clippings. The mother-to-be must have her blood drawn. Please note, blood samples remain stable only within the first 48 hours after collection. To ensure they arrive at the lab within this acceptance window, we do provide an overnight shipping label in the kit and ask that blood draws not be performed on Fridays or weekends, as the lab is closed on weekends and is unable to receive overnight deliveries. Samples must be shipped the same day they are collected using the provided overnight shipping label, ensuring next-day delivery on an operational lab day. Samples received beyond the 48-hour window will be considered unstable and rejected, requiring recollection.
Also, each kit will include a collection instructions card to help you better understand the collection requirements for both the mother and alleged father(s). You can also view them in the following links;
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How long does it take to get results for a prenatal paternity test?
Results generally take about 7 business days to process after samples are received at the lab.
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How does a Prenatal Paternity Test work?
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test is the most accurate non-invasive way to determine a baby’s biological father before birth, as early as 7 weeks after conception. Our process is state-of-the-art and leverages Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to simultaneously analyze 27 autosomal and 25-Y STRs. Naturally, the baby’s DNA can be found in the mother’s bloodstream, which is why the test requires a blood sample from the mother. Once the sample arrives at the lab, the process of isolating the baby’s DNA from the mothers is done, then it is compared to the DNA of the alleged father. Once these steps are completed, a probability of paternity is determined and the report is emailed to you.
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How will I receive my results for a Prenatal Paternity test?
A PDF report will be emailed to you at the email you provided during the checkout process.
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How accurate is a non-invasive prenatal paternity test?
The accuracy of our prenatal paternity tests are 99.99% and can establish paternity as early as 7 weeks after conception. A prenatal test is just as accurate as a postnatal test.
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How much does a prenatal paternity test cost?
The price for a Prenatal Paternity Test Kit starts at $675.00
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Why should I establish paternity while pregnant?
The most important reason to establish paternity while still pregnant is simply to determine who the father of the child is, as early as possible. This can help the mother gain access to legal and social benefits, establish a more accurate medical history, provide the biological father with information allowing him to be involved in the pregnancy, and perhaps to simply enhance the family bond.
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Is a prenatal paternity test covered by health insurance or Medicaid?
Since prenatal paternity testing is not considered clinical or diagnostic, neither insurance nor Medicaid will cover the cost.
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Can I use the prenatal paternity test results in court?
Results from the Prenatal Paternity Test Kit cannot be used in a court of law, since samples are not collected using a chain of custody process. If you need legal paternity testing, please see our Legal Postnatal Paternity Testing Service page.
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What is the earliest I can get a paternity test while pregnant?
The Prenatal Paternity Test can be performed as early as 7 weeks after conception.
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Do you have any other Home DNA Testing Kit options available besides Paternity Testing?
Yes! We offer 4 additional Relationship Testing Kits such as; Sibling DNA Test Kits, Grandparent DNA Test Kits, Aunt/Uncle DNA Test Kits, and Maternity DNA Test Kits
To purchase any of these Home DNA Kit options, please see the “Other Relationship DNA Tests” section on our Home Page and click “Order Now”
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What siblingship option should I select on the checkout page when purchasing the Sibling DNA Test Kit?
Selecting the “Full” siblingship option will let you know if the donors being tested share the same mother AND father; whereas selecting the “Half” siblingship option will let you know if the donors being tested share only ONE parent. Selecting the option to test “Both” siblingship possibilities is helpful for customers who are unsure if the donors being tested share one parent, or two – ultimately letting you know whether or not the donors are full siblings OR half siblings. The “Both” siblingship option essentially covers results for each siblingship possibility without the need to purchase a “Full” siblingship kit as well as a “Half” siblingship kit.