Frequently Asked Questions

DNA paternity tests are the gold standard for determining biological relationships. They are 99.9% accurate (or higher) when the tested man is the biological father, and 100% accurate in excluding him if he is not. Our lab uses advanced testing methods (examining up to 24 genetic markers) and follows strict quality control standards to ensure absolutely reliable results.

Every person inherits half of their DNA from their mother and half from their father. By comparing the child's DNA profile with the alleged father's (and ideally the mother's), we can see if the child's DNA matches the potential father's. If there are matches at every genetic marker tested, the probability of paternity is calculated. If there are mismatches, he is excluded as the father.

We know you're anxious for answers. Our standard turnaround time is 2-3 business days from the moment samples arrive at our lab. We also offer rush options for results in as little as 1 business day for an additional fee. You will be notified via email as soon as your secure report is ready.

Yes, appointments are strongly recommended. This ensures a certified collector is available to dedicate their time to your case and minimizes your wait. We offer flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments in many cases.

Not at all. We use a buccal (cheek) swab to collect DNA. It’s a soft cotton-like swab that is rubbed on the inside of the cheek for about 30 seconds. It is completely painless, non-invasive, and safe for everyone, including newborns.

A court-admissible test requires a strict Chain of Custody. This means a neutral third party (our certified collector) must verify the identity of all parties, witness the sample collection, and ship the samples directly to the lab. This process ensures the samples cannot be tampered with, making the results legally defensible for child support, custody, immigration, and inheritance cases.

That is not a problem. We have a nationwide network of collection sites. We can schedule an appointment for the child (and mother) in one location and a separate appointment for the alleged father in another city or state. The samples are then matched up at the lab using a unique case number.

Adults must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (Driver's License, Passport, State ID, or Military ID). For minors, a birth certificate is usually required. We will also take a photograph of all parties at the time of collection for the file.

For legal paternity tests, the mother is not strictly required, but her participation is highly recommended. Including her DNA helps the lab separate her genetic contribution from the child's, leaving the remaining half to be compared with the father. This often results in a stronger probability of paternity. However, we can still perform a conclusive test with just the father and child.

No. Personal tests (often called "Peace of Mind" tests) do not follow the strict chain of custody required by courts. Even though the lab accuracy is exactly the same, a judge will not accept a test where the participants collected their own samples or where identities were not verified by a third party. If you think you might need the results for legal reasons, it is safer to choose a Legal Test.

Absolutely. We understand that relationships can be complicated. You can schedule separate appointments to maintain privacy and avoid conflict. We simply link the samples in our system using a case reference number.

For a legal test, legal guardians must consent for minors. For a personal test, you generally need to be the legal guardian of the child to consent to testing them. We prioritize discretion and will only communicate with the authorized contact person on the account.

Never. Your privacy is paramount. We do not share your genetic data with insurance companies, employers, or government agencies (unless court-ordered). Your results are strictly confidential and released only to the individuals authorized on the account.

Samples are typically held for a short period (usually 3-6 months) in case additional testing is requested, and then they are destroyed. We do not build a database of DNA profiles for other purposes.