FAQ

DNA testing is the only conclusive way to confirm or refute a biological paternal relationship. Our tests are guaranteed to >99.99% for “inclusions” and 100% for “exclusions”.

No, there is no age limit for testing. Any of the DNA tests can be performed on individuals of any age, even newborns. If the individual to be tested is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the DNA testing consent form.

No, the DNA test kits do not have an expiration date.

DNA is collected by rubbing a brush gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The collection is safe and painless and can be performed on individuals at any age, including infants.

Your results will be available in your secure online account as soon as testing is complete. Your results can also be emailed or mailed to you, if requested.

All test kits are stored at room temperature before and after sample collection. Test kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection. Test kits should be returned for testing within 3 months after sample collection.

No. The testing will only proceed for DNA samples collected using the sterile mouth swabs provided with each kit.

Yes, but you must select the legal test option. Home testing and legal testing have exactly the same high level of accuracy. However, additional steps are required for the legal test, including a verified third party for sample collection, chain-of-custody procedures and secure storage and transport prior to DNA analysis. A home test is for personal use and has no legal standing.

Test kits for the Health, Diet & Fitness, Behavior, and Ancestry tests contain DNA collection instructions, a DNA Test Requisition Form and buccal (mouth) swabs for one individual.

DNA Relationship Test Kits contain DNA collection instructions, a DNA Test Requisition Form and buccal (mouth) swabs for the each individual to be tested.

Prenatal DNA testing can be performed using a CVS sample or an amniotic fluid sample. If you are interested in proceeding with prenatal testing, the first step is to arrange an appointment for amniocentesis or CVS with your physician/obstetrician. Once the appointment is confirmed, please let us know and we will help you to initiate a file and send the collection kit directly to your physician. If you are unable to have a prenatal sample collected, please note that DNA testing can be performed on the day of birth using a mouth swab kit.

The DNA collection kits can be shipped to any country in the world.

Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.

No, your diet does not affect your DNA. Aside from no food or drink for an hour prior to collecting your DNA sample, there are no restrictions on your dietary intake.

This also applies for the celiac disease and lactose intolerance DNA tests, as the ingestion of gluten or dairy products are not required for accurate DNA analyses.

Your results for any of the DNA relationship tests will be available 3-5 business days after the lab receives the DNA samples. Please note that delays may occur during peak season, and due to the reasons listed below.

• Poor quality of the DNA sample, which can occur if the proper collection instructions are not followed.
• Late lab fee payment. Laboratory testing will not begin until lab fees are paid in full.
• Rare genetic variations may require further testing and cause delays.
• Closely related alleged fathers (e.g. brothers). Further testing may be required to accurately determine which individual is the true biological father of a child.

If the parties to be tested live at different addresses, the kit can be split and the sample collection components sent to each address separately. Since the collection components are individually barcoded, they will be tested together once the samples arrive back at the laboratory.

A home paternity test is suitable for individuals who wish to find out the truth about a paternal relationship in private, before deciding on the next step. If a home test is required, the DNA sample can be collected by anyone, without any witnessing, fingerprinting or other legal obligations. The sample collection process is quick and easy, and takes just minutes to complete.

A legal paternity test is intended for court use and is accepted as legal proof of a paternal relationship in court. If a legal test is chosen, the sample is collected by an unbiased third party witness, at one of our approved legal sample collection facilities. Fingerprinting and other legal obligations are also required for a legal test.

If the mother already knows that she is the biological mother of a child, then there is no need to test her if only the alleged father is in question. A conclusive answer regarding paternity can be obtained without testing the mother.

If the alleged father is deceased, forensic DNA testing can be considered using items which may contain the alleged father’s DNA. Forensic DNA testing can be performed on anything that has biological material from the father, such as an old toothbrush, electric razor, blood stains, saliva stains, and bone or teeth from an exhumation. If it is not possible to obtain a forensic sample for the alleged father, testing his direct relatives can be considered. If his parents are alive, the grandparent test can be performed. If he has any siblings, then an aunt or uncle test can be performed. If the alleged father has other children, then a full or half sibling test can be performed.