What is DNA paternity testing?
DNA paternity testing uses DNA, the biological basis of inheritance, to prove or disprove the relationship between a child and an alleged father. It is based on the fact that we inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother. Cells are collected from the child, the alleged father, and the mother if possible. Using sophisticated laboratory procedures, genetic profiles are created for each individual. By comparing these profiles, it is possible to statistically prove whether the alleged father is or is not the child’s biological father.
Back to top

How accurate is DNA testing for the purposes of determining paternity?
DNA Paternity testing is very accurate. Our patented system, was developed specifically for DNA paternity testing, and is the most advanced and powerful method available today, with results accepted by courts in the U.S. and abroad. All human beings receive half of their DNA profile from their biological mother and half from their biological father. During testing, DNA is extracted from samples submitted. If the DNA of the alleged father and the child matches, the probability that he is the biological father is typically over 99.999%. Conversely, if there are mismatches between the DNA of the alleged Father and the child, he is 100% excluded from being the biological father.
Back to top

Are the test results confidential?
Yes, all test results are kept completely confidential. Our procedures ensures complete patient confidentiality. Samples will only be released to the person(s) listed at the time the order is placed. It is important that all contact information is correctly entered when the samples are collected. All information provided to us is used only for testing purposes. No information can be released to a third party without your written authorization.
Back to top

How fast can I receive the results?
Once you have ordered your DNA Paternity Test Kit, we will ship it to you immediately. The kit includes an overnight courier envelope to return the samples to the laboratory.
Our laboratory begins testing your samples on the same day that we receive them. Most tests are completed in just three calendar days. We will provide you with immediate results by fax or email. We always mail a certified copy of the results to you. If you have a pending court date, you may choose our rush service. Because of our extensive network of nationwide health care professionals, we can schedule an appointment for you quickly, and at your convenience. Please call us at 1-800-655-7026 to begin the process right away.
Back to top

Are there age limits on paternity testing?
No, DNA paternity testing can be performed on children at any age. Because DNA is set at conception, paternity tests can be performed even on a newborn baby. The cheek swabs are painless and do not injure the baby in any way. In fact, many babies seem to enjoy the tickly feeling in their mouth.
Back to top

How do I pay for the DNA Paternity tests?
Tests can be paid for on our secure web site using a Mastercard or Visa credit card. We will also accept money orders and personal checks by mail, although testing will not be completed until the check has cleared.
Back to top

Is the DNA testing laboratory accredited?
Yes, our laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the American Association of Blood Banks, the National Forensic Science Technology Center and the New York State Department of Health.
Back to top

What do I need to do to get a test?
To order your test, click here to order online. You may also call us at 1-800-655-7026 to speak with one of our friendly case managers. We will recommend the best DNA paternity testing option for you after assessing your needs. If necessary, we will also arrange for a convenient collection appointment near to where you live. Appointments may also be available in your home.
Back to top

Do I need a doctor's prescription or an attorney's request to have testing performed?
No. An individual can take a DNA test without a doctor's order or a attorney's request. Some individuals are involved in legal matters that require the help of an attorney and we are always willing to work with the attorney if requested. We are also available to work with medical doctors. There is an exception if you live in the state of New York. The New York State Department of Health requires the request of a licensed physician or other persons authorized by law to use test results in their practice or in the performance of their official duties before a clinical laboratory can perform testing. If you are a resident of New York, please call us at 1-800-655-7026 for assistance.
Back to top

What do I need to bring to the appointment?
Test participants should bring a valid, government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport that includes a photograph. For infants and children, a copy of the birth certificate, or a social security card is requested. One of the child's legal guardians must sign the consent form allowing the child to be tested.
Back to top

How are the samples collected?
The simple, painless collection takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The test collection consists of a soft swab which is rubbed along the inside of the cheek. The skin cells of the cheek are painlessly collected on the swab. Because every cell in the body contains DNA, this is all that is needed to conduct a reliable test. No blood is required and no needles are used.
Back to top

Do I need to have my DNA samples collected at a specific location?
If you order a Super-Easy Home DNA Paternity Test Kit, you will be able to collect the samples yourself. We will ship to you all the materials that you need, including easy to follow instructions.
The Maximum Protection Legal DNA Paternity Test Kit requires that you have the collection performed by a health care professional. We will arrange a convenient appointment for you near your home. In most cases, we also have mobile personnel who can perform the collection in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Back to top

What if the individuals that I want to have tested live in different locations?
DNA paternity test can be easily conducted even if the individuals to be tested are in different cities. Arrangements can be made to collect samples from people at different times or places. We will assign unique case numbers so that when the samples are returned separately, we can match them to the correct individual. When ordering online, please specify that you want a “Split Test” and we will send separate kits to each party to be tested.
Back to top

Can the results from the DNA Paternity Test be used in court?
Our Maximum Protection Legal DNA Paternity Test is the best choice if you will need to use the results in court. Because we follow strict chain of custody procedures and confirm the identities of the persons tested with photographs and fingerprints, courts and other government agencies will accept the results as evidence.
Our Super-Easy Home DNA Paternity Test is a private test that will provide you with the answers you need for the peace of mind of yourself and your family. Because the samples are not collected by a third party, there is no way to legally prove the identity of the individuals. If you think that you might ever want to use the results of the test for legal purposes, please order our Legal DNA Paternity Test
Back to top

Can I use the DNA paternity test results to obtain child support?
Back to top
Our Maximum Protection Legal DNA Paternity Test is the best choice if you will need to use the results in court. Because we follow strict chain of custody procedures and confirm the identities of the persons tested with photographs and fingerprints, courts and other government agencies will accept the results as evidence.
Back to top

What do the results look like, and how do I interpret the results?
The results are easy to read and the interpretation is done for you on the report. No guesswork is involved.
There are two sections in the completed report, the “Interpretation Section” and the “Results Section”. In the Interpretation Section, the results are stated in one of two ways.
1. The alleged father is excluded as being the biological father of the child. In other words the alleged father is NOT the biological father.
2. The alleged father cannot be excluded as being the biological father. In this case it is an extremely high probability that the alleged father IS the biological father.
The second section is the “Results Section”. In this section are numbers that correspond to certain genetic markers that either match or do not match and are listed as a combined paternity index. If the index is listed as zero, there is no match for that genetic marker.
Samples of test reports can be viewed by clicking on the links below. These files are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat to view. You can download Adobe Acrobat for free by clicking on the link below.
For a sample of a positive report result, click here
For a sample of a negative report result, click here

Back to top

Can a paternity test be performed without the mother?
We can accurately perform a DNA paternity test without the Mother's sample, but this requires additional analysis and may take a few days longer to complete. The accuracy of the results however will not be affected. Some courts require that the mother’s sample be collected, therefore we recommend that the Mother participate in the test if at all possible.
Back to top

What if the two alleged fathers are related?
Our testing assumes that the alleged fathers are unrelated to each other. It is important to let us know (in the comments section of the test request) if the tested individuals are related (i.e. brothers, father and son, etc.). In such cases, additional testing may be required. It is best to test both alleged fathers, especially if they are related, so that one can be excluded.
Back to top

What are the differences between the Home DNA Paternity test and the Legal DNA Paternity Test?
There is no difference in the laboratory procedures used for both types of DNA paternity tests. The accuracy is also the same, >99.999%. There is one very important difference however. The Maximum Protection Legal DNA Paternity Test is admissible evidence in a court of law because the health care professional uses procedures to verify and confirm the identity of the individuals tested. This is done by checking identification and taking photographs and fingerprints of each person.
Back to top

Is the Super-Easy Home DNA Paternity Test Kit easy to use? Can I mess up my test?
The Super-Easy Home DNA Paternity Test Kit is very easy to use. It comes with complete, easy-to-follow instructions. It is almost impossible for you to mess it up. Each individual gets their own collection kit with separate swabs and paperwork. The paperwork requires that you fill in identification information such as the name, address, date of birth and Social Security Number. To collect the sample, the swabs are simply rubbed inside the cheek for 15 seconds and placed carefully into the corresponding sample envelope. The whole procedure is very easy. If you lose your testing kit or contaminate your swabs by dropping them, we will simply send you another kit at no charge.
Back to top

What is the difference between a DNA paternity test which guarantees 99% probability for paternity inclusions and a paternity test which guarantees 99.9% probability for paternity inclusions?
Inclusion means that the alleged father is found to be the biological father. Paternity tests which guarantee a probability of 99.9% for paternity inclusions are at least 10 times more powerful than paternity tests which guarantee a probability of only 99%. All our paternity tests guarantee a probability of 99.999% which is the best available, and is 1000 times more powerful than those which offer 99%.
Note: All paternity tests will show an inclusion probability below 100%. To prove a 100% probability, a laboratory would have to test every other man in the world. Instead, paternity testing uses a population database to calculate the probability of paternity. An exclusion result (the alleged father is NOT the biological father) is always 0% because if the genetic profiles of the child and alleged father do not match, there is statistically no chance for the two to be biologically related.
Back to top

Does using the mouth swab collection produce results that are as accurate as those produced using blood samples?
Yes. DNA samples can be taken from virtually any body tissue. The DNA that is taken using a simple cheek swab is the same DNA that is in blood. For this reason, mouth swabs are the recommended method for collection for both Legal and Home DNA Paternity testing. This procedure also offers the advantages of being painless and easy.
Back to top

Can the swabs be contaminated by bacteria or food in the person’s mouth?
No, although the swabs may contain bacteria and food particles, the tests are very specific for human DNA. DNA from bacteria, food, or other organisms will not affect the tests.
Back to top

How long is the kit good for?
The DNA testing kit has a long shelf life. It is not a problem if you are unable to collect the samples in a few weeks or even months. If the time period is going to be longer than that, please call one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-655-7026 so that we can make sure that your case will be handled correctly.
Back to top

How long can I store the samples after collection before shipping it back?
It is best if you ship the specimens back as soon as possible after collection. They should never be refrigerated or allowed to get wet. If you are unable to send the specimens back to us within a few days after collection, please call one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-655-7026 so that we can make sure that your case will be handled correctly.
Back to top

Is there a charge for telephone consultation?
No, there is no charge for telephone consultations. Please contact us by phone at 1-800-655-7026 during office hours or E-mail us at service@onsitedna.com.
Back to top

What other types of testing can be performed?
We can also provide testing for special circumstances listed below. For more information, please call one of our helpful customer service representatives at 1-800-655-7026.
Siblingship testing provides a probability that the tested individuals are siblings.
Grandpaternity & Reconstruction Studies provides a probability of paternity of a child when the alleged father is deceased or unavailable.
Twin Zygosity determines whether twins are fraternal or identical.
Back to top

Can eye color indicate paternity?
No. Eye color is not a good way to determine paternity because of a large variety factors, including differing patterns of inheritance and the fact that eye color can change over time. The only conclusive way to prove paternity is with a DNA test.
Back to top

Can blood group types be used to determine paternity?
No, although blood group typing can exclude a potential father, it can not be used to prove paternity. The only conclusive way to prove paternity is with a DNA test.
Back to top

What if I have more questions?
Please contact us by phone at 1-800-655-7026 or E-mail us at service@onsitedna.com. Our friendly and helpful staff will reply in one working day.
Back to top