Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to be tested? It is preferable to test a child, alleged father, and the mother of the child. However, testing is possible without the mother’s sample and in certain circumstances, such as when the alleged father is unavailable or deceased, it is also possible to conduct a test using stored DNA samples from the alleged father or DNA from his biological relatives.
Can I eat before the test? Food consumption does not affect your DNA, but could contaminate the buccal swab used for DNA sample collection. Food residue left in the mouth may contaminate the swab and inhibit the extraction of DNA from the swab. If you have eaten recently, the collection technician will ask you to rinse out your mouth.
How is the identity of each tested party confirmed? In a legal test, each adult party is required to provide government-issued photo identification at the time of collection. The specimen collector examines the identification and either records that information on the chain-of-custody form or makes a photocopy to attach to the chain-of-custody form. In addition, a photograph is also taken of each party. Minor children are identified through an official birth certificate. If a government-issued photo ID is available for the child, this will be used, as well.
Are buccal swabs as accurate as blood samples? Buccal swabs and blood samples provide results with the same degree of accuracy. But, since buccal swabs are easy and painless to collect, they are used in the majority of DNA paternity tests.
Do all participants have to submit a sample as a collective? No, parties can provide their samples at different times and in different cities or states. When placing your order, let us know if certain parties should be scheduled together or separately.
Where are samples collected? The samples for a legal DNA paternity test are collected by one of our mobile specimen collectors in the comfort of your home or an agreed location. The samples for a non-legal test is collected by the parties themselves in the location of their choice (a mobile collector will not be dispatched to your home).
What do I need to have available for my appointment? In a legal test, each adult tested party should bring a government-issued photo identification (usually a driver’s license or passport) and, if possible, government-issued identification for the child (such as a birth certificate).
Is there a minimum age for performing a DNA test? No, there is no minimum age. The collection of DNA samples for paternity or identity testing using buccal swabs or blood samples is safe for all ages. Minors must have appropriate consent from a legal guardian or a court order to collect the samples.
Can testing be performed if one of the participants lives out of state? Yes, whether you are doing a legal test or non-legal test, the samples can be taken at different times and places, even if the parties reside in different cities or states.
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