Choosing a Low Cost Paternity Test: Some Must-Know Facts

What was once a complex and mysterious process that could easily chop off a few thousands of dollars from a person's bank balance is now available as a simple do-it-yourself procedure commonly known as in-home paternity tests. These test kits are now freely available over the counter in drugstores across the United States for as low as $30 a kit. Some test kit manufacturers provide the kit which includes postage-paid mailers that are used to send back the test samples to the laboratory for further processing. Though the kits are given away free, there is a service charge that is levied for processing done by the lab and this cost varies depending on the company, region and type of processing service opted for.

The best place to start looking for a low cost paternity test would be the Internet where a large number of DNA test kit suppliers, in association with reputed laboratories and trusted web sites, provide clear cut information about their service offerings. Given the complex, unique and unusual nature of the circumstances, getting in touch with a DNA testing company to get more information about the fee charged for such circumstances would be beneficial.

Before buying a paternity test kit make sure to find out about the level of customer service that is provided, as some companies tend to have limited support. There are some companies that provide only email assistance and some telephone support, etc.

DNA - What is it anyway?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA which was discovered 50 years ago, a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. Strands of molecules form the DNA and are extracted from cells by using a thermal heating process by mixing chemical agents to detect the genetic markers. A paternity possibility can be ruled out if not enough genetic markers match the sample from the child.

Paternity can be established with 99.9999% accuracy if more than half of the fathers portion of genetic markers match with that of the child's and if the mother has also been tested, which is mostly the case. In cases where evidence is not conclusive further testing can be conducted with additional cost.

How accurate will a low cost paternity test be?

The process of testing the samples and producing a result is the same for test that is offered at $99 and the one that is comparatively expensive. Both of these tests should use the same process of extracting DNA, identify genetic markers, and profile the DNA cell to determine if a match is available for the collected samples or if the man is not the father. Most low cost paternity tests advertise an accuracy rate of 99.9999% in establishing paternity as exclusion is always 100 accurate. Two people cannot be related and share the same DNA if enough genetic markers could be detected that match up.

Legally Binding Paternity Tests

Legally binding paternity tests are far more expensive than those done for peace of mind or for informative purposes. In a court of law, however, a low cost paternity test will not accepted unless the tests are carried out by adhering to a set of defined processes known in legal terms as "chain of custody".

The Chain of Custody process guarantees the identity and integrity of the specimen from collection through reporting of the test results, and must be adhered to in order to meet all legal requirements laid down by the judicial system. Although the mandatory presence of an impartial individual is required during sample collection, it is worth the money, as the results can be provided as evidence in a highly legal binding case such as child custody. It is best to consult an attorney for in-depth information about the legal requirements involved in legally binding DNA testing.