What You Need to Know About Home Paternity Tests

With technology and science being so advanced, it is now possible to establish or rule out paternity by using an in-home DNA test kit in the convenience and privacy of our homes. These tests are available for purchase across the United States at all major drugstores as an over-the-counter product. The test kit costs a mere $30 or less. To use one, samples are collected and returned to the lab for testing. The labs charge additional fee for the services rendered (conducting the actual DNA testing). The results will normally be delivered in week's time.

Buccal (cheek) swab and blood sample test are the two popular methods of testing for in-home paternity tests. While the former is absolutely painless (samples are collected by rubbing the swabs on the inside of the cheeks), the latter process uses a small lancet to prick the finger and collect the blood using a collection card. The samples are then mailed to a lab for testing.

The normal time taken to deliver the test result is five business days and results will be sent in a discreet mailer. For an additional fee, test results can be expedited and received in as soon as one business day.

Legally Binding Tests

For a DNA test result to be admissible in a court of law it should have adhered to a set of processes known as "Chain of Custody". Similar to the evidence in the scene of a crime, enough care should be taken to stick to the procedure right from collecting samples to testing and final delivery of the results. If the purpose of your paternity test is legal, then make sure to deal with a lab that has both the experienced staff and stringent policies to follow the regulations for DNA testing.

Some Questions Answered on In-Home DNA Testing

Q: Is there a way to establish paternity if the alleged father is deceased or missing?

A: Yes, Viable Paternity testing is a process where preserved samples of blood, hair, tissue, or body fluids are available and using which paternity can be established. If no such preserved samples are available then samples from the alleged father's parents can be used to establish paternity.

Q: Is there any specified age limit for conducting paternity tests?

A: No. Paternity tests can be done at any age or time. They can even be conducted as a prenatal test, although there is an element of risk involved which could affect both the fetus and the mother. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before choosing a prenatal test. On the other hand, the postnatal Buccal swab method is absolutely safe when performed on newborn infants.

Q: What is DNA banking?

A: DNA banking is a service offered by labs that are associated with in-home paternity testing where a person's DNA samples are stored for future reference. This service is optional, and therefore is not available from all companies The fees will also vary between labs.

Q: Can a home paternity DNA test results be altered or "faked"?

A: The DNA within our cells is there from the moment of conception. The genetic markers are created when an egg and sperm combine to form the fetus, and DNA within our cells will be there the moment conception occurs. Therefore, the possibility of altering or changing one's DNA can be ruled out.

Q: Does testing have to be carried out in parallel on each person?

A: No, testing can be carried out at different time period, but care should be taken while handling and storing the collected samples.