- All kits are dispatched within 24 hours.
- Price includes all laboratory fees and results documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the samples collected?
The DNA sample is collected using buccal swabs. During collection, the buccal swabs are rubbed gently inside the mouth against the cheek to collect buccal cells. Buccal cells contain an abundance of DNA which can be used for genetic testing.
What is the difference between the legal test and the private test?
The main difference between the legal test and the private test is whether the collection of the sample is witnessed. If the test is for personal knowlegde only, you can collect the sample yourself using a kit discreetly in the privacy of your own home. If the test is for legal purposes, you cannot collect the sample yourself. The sample must be collected by an unbiased third party such as a physician, nurse or lawyer. For legal testing, you must bring a recent signed passport photograph to your sample collection appointment along with two pieces of legal photo identification for each party involved in the test. During the legal test sample collection appointment, your ID will be checked and all parties will be fingerprinted. Both the legal test and the private test are equally accurate. If you are planning to find out the truth discreetly, then the private option would be the preferred option for your case.
What if the parties involved live in different cities?
If the parties involved live in different cities, the kit can be split and sent to each individual separately. Since the kits are individually barcode labelled, they will be tested together once they arrive back at the laboratory. To order a split kit, please write the following in the comments box of the online order form when placing your order: “Please split kit. Please send the alleged father’s portion of the kit to……, and please send the child’s portion of the kit to……”
Can the kit be shipped overseas?
Yes, the kit can be shipped to any country in the world. When shipping to an international address, select the regular shipping option instead of express as the express rate applies to domestic addresses only. Please note that the shipping time for international addresses may be much longer than domestic shipments.
Are the lab fees included in the cost of the test?
Yes, the cost of the test includes all lab fees and reports. There are no extra costs.
Is there an age limit?
No, the test can be taken at any age, including newborns.
How long will testing take?
Testing is generally completed within 3 to 5 business days.
For paternity testing, does the mother need to be tested?
Testing the mother is optional. For most cases, the mother is not required. If the mother is needed in special situations, our laboratory will notify you.
Do I need to use the kit right away?
No, the kit does not have an expiration date so it can be used at any time. However, once the sample has been collected, it should be returned to the laboratory for testing within one month of collection.
What if my child is not born yet?
The kit can be ordered ahead of time and used immediately at the time of birth. Alternatively, prenatal testing can be performed using an amniotic fluid or CVS sample. If you have already booked a amniocentesis or CVS sample collection appointment with your physician, let us know the name of the physician and the date and location of the procedure and we can send a prenatal kit to your physician for use at the time of the procedure.
What if the alleged father is incarcerated?
Different institutions have different policies regarding receiving and sending mail and performing tests. Call the institution and discuss the situtation with them before ordering the kit to see if they will allow the kit to be sent to them or if a nurse at the institution can collect the sample.
Can the samples be sent back separately?
Yes, if not all indivduals can be collected at the same time, the kits can be returned separately. Please note that the final report cannot be issued until all of the samples have been received.
What if I cannot collect a buccal swab? What other samples can be tested?
The buccal swab sample is the best method for sample collection. If you cannot collect a buccal swab because the individual is deceased or missing, you can consider forensic testing. Forensic samples include used toothbrushes, hair with roots, blood or saliva stains, semen, etc. The cost for forensic testing is $250 per forensic sample in addition to the cost of the DNA test. The cost applies even if the sample does not work. If the sample has useful intact DNA, then a profile can be obtained. If the sample has no DNA or insufficient or degraded DNA, a partial profile or even no profile can be obtained.