FAQs — In-Home Paternity Testing

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1. What is an in-home paternity test?
2. Are the test results the same as what I would get in a legal test?
3. How do I collect DNA samples?
4. Must all samples be collected at the same time?
5. How do I order an in-home paternity test?

1. What is an in-home paternity test?

An in-home paternity test is a paternity test in which patients collect their own samples in the privacy of their own home. The samples are tested using the same rigorous methods we use in a legal test. The only difference is that we do not use a Chain of Custody, a documentation process required to make test results legally defensible (accepted by courts and other government agencies).

Patients choose in-home paternity tests when they only want personal knowledge and peace of mind, and do not intend to use the results for legal purposes.

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2. Are the test results the same as what I would get in a legal test?

Because your samples go through the same stringent procedures that we use for legal tests, you will receive the same accurate results that you would if you chose the legal test option. Except for the sample collection procedure and observance of Chain of Custody, what happens in our lab is the same for legal and in-home tests.

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3. How do I collect DNA samples?

We will send you a free DNA sample collection kit upon request. This kit contains specific instructions for collecting samples; cotton-like swabs for the child, the mother, and the alleged father; and envelopes for storing each person’s samples.

The collection procedure is simple. Just rub the swab against the patient’s inside cheek, and place each person’s sample in an envelope. Send samples back to us using the Business Reply envelope provided.

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4. Must all samples be collected at the same time?

DNA is relatively stable if proper collection procedures are followed. Samples can be collected at different times and locations, if necessary.

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5. How do I order an in-home paternity test?

To order a test, go to our order page or call us at 1-888-362-2592.  We will send you a kit within 24 hours of receiving your order.

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