FAQs

1) What is the difference between court admissible and private testing?
The results of a court admissible test include legal documentation and, therefore, can be use in a court of law and for other legal reasons. The results of a private test can be used only for personal knowledge and will not hold up in court. We offer both options.

2) Do you need a court order to have a court admissible test performed?
No, a court order is not required. Anyone can schedule a court admissible DNA test. In fact, many individuals have court admissible testing performed for personal knowledge only. Remember, the results of a DNA test never expire. Although you may not need the results to be court admissible now, you may in the future.

3) Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, you must contact us to schedule an appointment. Certain paperwork has to be prepared prior to the test being performed, therefore, we do not accept walk-ins. Same day appointments are available.

4) Do I have to pay the entire fee up front?
No. Once we schedule an appointment that is satisfactory, you will be required to pay the first half of the payment before close of business the day before your test date. If we have not received the first half before the morning of your test date, we will make your appointment available to others. The other half of payment is not due until you are ready to access your results. There is no additional fee for this option.

5) Can individuals getting tested be in different cities and/or states?
Yes. We offer DNA testing in every state except New York. Therefore, the location of individuals participating in a DNA test has no bearing on the testing itself or the accuracy of the results. There is no additional fee to schedule parties in different locations.

6) When testing for paternity, does the mother have to be tested for accurate results?
No, the mother does not have to be tested. We typically produce results with very strong support when an alleged father and child test alone. Testing the mother may reduce the risk of getting inconclusive results. However, an inconclusive result is not common with a paternity test.

7) What makes a test court admissible?
A combination of two things make a test court admissible. First, the collection process. The sample collection for a court admissible test must be performed by a neutral third party. A form of identification is required, such as, photo ID, passport, birth certificate, social security card, etc. Also, a photo is taken of all parties participating in the DNA test.
Second, the laboratory performing the DNA test must be an AABB accredited facility. All of our testing is performed by accredited laboratories.

8) How are samples collected for DNA testing?
The standard, and preferred, collection is a buccal swab. This procedure involves the use of a cotton swab to collect cheek cells from the inside of both the left and right cheeks of all parties being tested. This method is safe, painless and very effective. Other samples that can be used include blood, hair, finger nails, toe nails, etc.

9) Can a paternity test be performed before a child is born?
Yes. There are 2 types of samples that can be used. Both are collected from the mother. The first is a Cervical Villis Sample (CVS) which can be collected at 10 to 12 weeks. The second, and preferred method, is amniotic fluid which can be collected at 12 to 21 weeks. Both must be collect by an OB/GYN. If your OB/GYN will collect the sample, we will send both the mother and alleged father in for the buccal swab collection. This process produces accurate results, but is much more expensive than waiting until after a child is born.

10) How old must a child be to participate in a DNA test?
There is no minimum age for a child to be tested.

11) Is it possible to determine if a deceased person is the father of a child?
Yes. There are a few options. We can perform a test using a parent of the alleged father or sibling of the alleged father, if available. Also, a paternity test can be performed using a sample containing the alleged father's DNA, such as, blood, hair, finger nails, toe nails, etc.

12) Does insurance cover DNA testing?
No. DNA testing for the purpose of establishing paternity, maternity or any other relationship is not a health related test. There are no diagnosis or CPT codes available, which are required by insurance companies. Therefore, they are not covered by any form of health insurance.

13) Do you offer mobile collections?
Yes. However, it depends on your location. Many times, we have a mobile collector available. Typically, there is an additional fee for a mobile collection. The fee varies depending on the distance the collector needs to travel.