Paternity Testing FAQs

What should I look for in choosing a DNA testing company?

DNA testing is a complex process—it must be performed by qualified and experienced staff in a laboratory that has the right equipment and strict quality control procedures. With GeneMatch, you are assured of all these and more. Our laboratory has received high accreditation ratings from the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and many others. In addition to our technical expertise, we have a dedicated, well-trained, and accessible customer service staff to give you the individualized service you deserve.

What is DNA?

DNA, which stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material found in all living things. It controls how our bodies function and what characteristics we inherit from our biological parents.

We inherit our DNA in equal portions from our biological mother and father. Therefore, we share 50% of our DNA with our mother and 50% with our father. Full biological siblings (children sharing the same biological mother and father) also share much of their DNA with each other. To a lesser degree, we also share DNA with other relatives such as our aunts, uncles, and cousins.

How accurate is DNA paternity testing?

DNA testing is the most accurate method available to determine paternity and other family relationships. With DNA testing, we can say with 100% certainty that an alleged father is not the father, or at least 99.99% probability that he is the biological father.

Who needs to participate in a paternity test?

In a standard paternity test, the child, alleged father, and mother are tested. However, we can perform the test even without the mother. A motherless test requires additional analytical procedures, but we charge the same fee for a trio and a motherless, and the results are equally conclusive. Mothers are encouraged to participate in a legal test, because many courts require the mothers to be tested before they will accept the results.

Are there age limits for paternity testing?

There are no age limits for paternity testing. The buccal (cheek) swab sampling procedure we use is safe even for newborn babies. DNA paternity testing can be performed even prior to the birth of a child through prenatal testing.

What if the father is missing or deceased?

If the father is missing or deceased, we can indirectly determine paternity by testing samples he may have left behind through viability testing. Please call 1-800-275-4163 to inquire about this option. We may also test his close relatives together with the child. Our kinship test page describes the different family relationship testing options available.

What is the difference between in-home and legal tests?

The only difference between in-home and legal tests is that there is no Chain of Custody followed in the in-home test. A Chain of Custody is a legal documentation process that proves:

• Samples are collected by a neutral third party, such as a clinic or laboratory.
• individuals tested are positively identified by the sample collector.
• The samples are carefully tracked throughout the process.

A Chain of Custody is required for the DNA test results to be legally admissible (accepted by courts and other government agencies). However, many patients would like to take a test for personal knowledge, peace of mind or curiosity, and wouldn’t intend to use the results for legal purposes. The in-home test option allows them to take the test at a lower cost and in the privacy of their own home.

Do you have local collection sites?

If you live in the United States, we will be able to schedule a convenient appointment for you at a local site, close to your work or home. We also have affiliates around the world for international sample collections.

Is a court or doctor’s order required to take a paternity test?

No. Private individuals may order a paternity test without a court or doctor’s order. Simply call us at 1-800-275-4163 to order a test, or use our online order form.

New York Residents: New York State Rules and Regulations allow a clinical laboratory to examine specimens only at the request of a licensed physician or attorney. If you live in New York, please call us at 1-800-275-4163 to inquire about your testing options.

How are DNA samples collected?

DNA samples are collected using a buccal swab. A buccal swab is a cotton-like swab rubbed against the inside of a patient’s cheek to collect loose cheek cells. In the laboratory, DNA is purified from the swab using special chemical agents.

How does the testing process work?

The DNA testing process can be broken down into the following five steps:

1.   Sample Collection.  DNA testing starts with sample collection. In most cases samples are collected by using a buccal (cheek) swab, a cotton-like swab rubbed against the inside of a patient’s cheek to gather loose cells. When samples reach our lab, we divide the samples to perform the test twice independently, ensuring accuracy of results. 

2.   DNA Extraction. We use special chemical agents to extract and purify DNA from the buccal swabs. This procedure also separates DNA from other materials found in the cells. 

3.   PCR. We use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to create a DNA profile from each person’s sample. Each sample is placed in a thermal cycler (PCR machine) along with 16 fluorescent primers. These primers detect specific "loci" or locations on the DNA. During PCR, the thermal cycler takes the DNA sample mix through 30 cycles of heating and cooling. This molecular xeroxing process makes about one billion copies of each DNA loci.

4.   Capillary Electrophoresis. The replicated DNA from PCR undergoes capillary electrophoresis. This process creates a “map” of the DNA loci produced from each sample. This map is called a DNA profile. 

5.   Statistical Analysis. DNA profiles from the tested parties are then compared by a trained, experienced Ph.D. to determine if there is a biological relationship among them. In an inclusion case (the alleged father is the biological father), half the child’s DNA profile will match the mother’s and half will match the father’s. If 3 or more of the child’s loci do not match the alleged father’s, he is excluded (he is not the father).

How soon are the results available?

Results are available 5 working days after we receive all samples in the laboratory. If you need to receive results sooner, you may request our expedited testing service by calling 1-800-275-4163. Results for in-home tests may be delivered via email, phone, or first class mail. Legal test results are delivered via first class mail only. You may also request expedited delivery via fax or courier for an additional charge.

What is DNA banking?

We offer DNA banking services to safely store your DNA samples in our laboratory for 15 years or more. Stored DNA can be used in legal cases, such as inheritance disputes, to prove family relationships. It can also be used in the identification of missing persons.

What is DNA profiling?

In our DNA profiling service, we test a DNA sample to obtain the DNA profile—a permanent genetic ID that can be used to identify a person. You can keep your DNA profile on record in case it is ever needed for future paternity tests in case of inheritance disputes and other claims that involve questions of family relationship.