DNA Paternity Testing

1-877-8-FATHER
dna testing faq

DNA Testing FAQ

What is DNA, and how is it used in a paternity test?

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. Advanced DNA's laboratory examines a child's DNA to determine if his or her DNA matches the DNA of the alleged father. The mother's participation in the test is encouraged, because it helps to eliminate her contribution to half of the child's DNA.

What if the mother can’t participate in a DNA paternity test?

At Advanced DNA, we encourage the mothers to participate because it allows the lab to quickly distinguish the part of the child's DNA that he or she inherited from the mother. Testing without the mother is also possible, but to achieve conclusive results, such testing may involve additional steps that can extend the testing time.

Do we all have to collect the samples at the same time?

With in-home testing, you can collect DNA samples whenever is convenient for you—even if everyone is not available at the same time. DNA samples in the form of buccal swabs can keep for a while at room temperature, as long as you follow the instructions carefully and place the buccal swabs in the protective paper envelope that is provided in the kit.

I am pregnant. Can I have a paternity test before the baby is born?

A paternity test is possible even before the baby is born through our prenatal testing service. You will need to speak with an OB-GYN about the sample collection process. Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the doctor may recommend either a technique called chorionic villi sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis to obtain samples from the developing baby. Please visit our prenatal paternity test page or call us at 1-877-8-FATHER for more information.

Are the results of in-home tests admissible in court?

In-home testing does not follow a chain of custody, which is required for evidence to be admissible in court. A chain of custody requires that you go to a clinic to have your samples collected by a professional. Since you are the one collecting the samples in this case, the results of your in-home test may not be admissible in court. However, we do have options for those who need court-admissible results. Please call us at 1-877-8-FATHERfor more information.

Are the results reliable even if they are not court-admissible?

Every Advanced DNA test is guaranteed to produce reliable results, because we use exactly the same procedures in the laboratory that are used for legal testing. The only difference is in the sample collection method, where you perform the sample collection at home.

How do you protect my privacy and keep the test confidential?

We at Advanced DNA take your privacy needs very seriously. Having helped people in situations similar to yours for over 10 years, we have developed a very secure process to ensure that no one, aside from you or those you authorize, will have access to your information or test results. When you order online, we use advanced technology so that the information you send through the Internet will not be accessible by any unauthorized parties. We also ask you for a password to help us verify your identity for any communications between you and us online or via telephone.

We only contact you through the method you specify—phone, fax, email, or first class mail. Everything we mail out is sent in plain, unmarked envelopes to the address you designate in order to protect your privacy.


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