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| How much does a paternity
test cost? |
| We understand that affordable
testing is important to our customers! The DNA
Identity Testing Center offers a Private DNA
Paternity Test for as low as $165.00. Legal
DNA Paternity Tests cost $450.00 plus DNA collection
and/or shipping fees, if applicable. These prices
include analysis of an alleged father's, child's
and, in some cases, mother's (optional) DNA
samples (given that the samples are from buccal
swabs). |
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| What types of samples are
needed for the DNA test? |
| For the majority of tests,
buccal swabs are used to collect cheek cell
samples. These types of samples are preferable
to most others because they are an excellent
source of DNA, collection is non-invasive and
we are able to offer clients the best value.
If the client wishes to submit an alternate
type of sample, it may be acceptable. We regularly
perform testing on various types of tissue samples.
Please see our "Forensic Paternity" page for
details. |
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| Is there a difference between
the types of samples used? |
| DNA is the same in every nuclear
cell of the body; therefore, there is really
no benefit to using samples other than buccal
swab samples, which we prefer. For some samples,
inadequate amounts of DNA may be present, which
may lead to inconclusive results. |
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| For a legal test,
where do I go to have my samples taken? |
| We have a network
of over 400 DNA collection facilities in the
U.S. Our case consultants will help you find
the office nearest you: call 1-800-DNA-EXAM
for assistance. |
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| Where is the DNA
test performed? |
| The testing is performed
in the AABB accredited DNA Identity Testing
Laboratory at Bio-Synthesis, Inc.'s headquarters
in Lewisville, Texas. |
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| Who has to have
a sample taken? |
| We require that the
alleged father and child submit samples for
testing (paternity). The mother is always recommended
to submit her sample, but not required. Including
the mother's sample in a paternity test can
increase the accuracy of the test (if it is
an inclusion). |
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| What if the alleged
father is unavailable? |
| Testing may still
be performed if relatives of the alleged father
are available. Please see our page on "DNA
Kinship Analysis" for details. |
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| What if one of
the parties is deceased? |
| If one or even more
of the parties are deceased, there may still
be samples available to test. Hospitals may
still have whole blood or other blood samples
and/or other types of tissues from decedents.
Family members may even have samples which may
be used for testing. Click
here: Forensic Paternity for a list of suitable
samples. |
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| How long does
it take to have a DNA test performed? |
| Once we receive all
samples to be tested, test results will be available
within 5-7 business days (standard turnaround;
given that the samples are from buccal swabs). |
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| How accurate is
DNA paternity testing? |
If the tested man
is determined to be
the biological father of the child, the accuracy
is 99.9% and above; AKA an INCLUSION.
If the tested man is determined not
to be the biological father of the child,
the accuracy is 100% (reported as 0.00% probability
of paternity); AKA an EXCLUSION. |
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| Are the results
accepted in court? |
| Yes, if a legal test
is performed. |
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| Do I need permission
from a doctor or lawyer to have a paternity
test done? |
| In the U.S., with
the exception of the State of New York, neither
a doctor's prescription nor a court order is
required for a Legal DNA Paternity Test. If
a test has been court ordered, we do request
a copy of the court order for our file. If tests
are not court ordered, each test participant
must give consent to have their DNA sample tested.
If you are a New York resident, please note
that, for legal purposes, the
State of New York does require a doctor's
prescription or a court order for a DNA paternity
test. Private tests may be performed at any
time, with or without the consent of the sample
donors. |
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| Will results of
my test be kept confidential? |
| Yes, all communications
and test results are kept strictly confidential.
Reports are sent only to the individuals who
have requested the test, unless otherwise directed
by a court order. |
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| Why would I need
a DNA paternity test? |
| DNA paternity testing
(and other familial DNA testing) has many applications!
Our clients have cases involving child support,
child custody, immigration, adoption, legal
inheritance and more. |
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| Why is DNA useful? |
| DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) is a chemical found within the body's
cells. DNA carries the unique code of identity
for every individual. Each of us, at conception,
receives half of his genes from his mother (the
ovum) and half from his father (the sperm).
By analyzing, or "typing," small fragments of
a person's DNA, it is evident which genes came
to him from each parent. These genes may be
tracked within a family group, from grandparent
to grandchild, uncle to niece, brother to sister
and so on. Since genes are shared among families,
it is sometimes possible to "reconstruct" the
probable genetic typing for a deceased relative
by testing his immediate family. For all of
these reasons, DNA typing, sometimes called
DNA fingerprinting, has become a well-accepted
tool in determining biological relationships
between individuals. |
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| What is the difference
between your "Private" and "Legal" DNA tests? |
| Our Private DNA Tests
are for personal use only. For private tests,
we send a BIOSWABTM DNA collection kit to you
for home DNA sample collection. Our Legal DNA
Tests are designed for use in legal matters,
if necessary. For legal tests, we must arrange
for the tested parties to have their DNA samples
collected at one of our network DNA collection
facilities, where a chain of custody is established
for the samples and documents involved and identities
of sample donors are verified. |
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| What if the tested
parties are in different cities and states? |
| DNA collection appointments
can be made at multiple locations, with no delay
in process. |
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| What do I have
to bring to my DNA collection appointment? |
| Each individual must
show a valid photo ID, e.g. driver's license,
passport or military ID. Valid IDs for children
are Social Security Cards, birth certificates,
or school-issued photo IDs. |
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