If you are planning to take a DNA paternity test, you should know your options regarding where to take the test, the level of accuracy to expect, and what to guard against when selecting a testing laboratory.
DNA paternity testing is a powerful tool in paternity disputes. Modern day DNA tests can identify or exclude individuals with close to 100% accuracy. If you would like to take a DNA paternity test to answer questions regarding paternity, you have two main options: a home paternity test kit or legal DNA paternity testing. Both kinds of tests are highly accurate.
The advantages of using a home kit is that they are generally cheaper, results are quick and they are easily available over the counter. Home kits are a useful DNA paternity test for those seeking certainty regarding paternity, but are not (currently) involved in legal proceedings regarding this issue.
If there are legal implications involved with the outcome of the paternity test, however, you will need to undergo legal DNA paternity testing. This testing must be done by an accredited laboratory, and is generally done in person, although some companies may offer at home testing either by having one of their lab technicians make a ‘house call’ or by having some other impartial witness collect the samples and certify the test (you will need to make sure, however, that your state will accept results taken outside a laboratory).
There are many online companies that offer affordable at home DNA paternity test kits and who offer accredited legal DNA paternity testing. When selecting a company for legal DNA paternity testing, you should ensure that the company has AABB accreditation and is certified to do such testing for the state you live in.
A DNA paternity test can cost anywhere in the range of $100-$500 depending on the provider and whether it is an at home test or a legally certifiable test. When pricing a DNA paternity test, you should make sure that the cost involves both the collection materials and receiving the results (some companies offer a cheap price upfront for an at home DNA paternity test kit, but obtaining the actual results will cost considerably more).
By knowing your options regarding DNA paternity testing and making a careful selection of a DNA testing lab, you will be on the road to have your questions answered regarding paternity. For more articles and answers to common questions regarding DNA paternity testing, visit the Legal DNA Paternity Testing homepage.
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