How accurate are paternity tests?
These tests are extremely accurate. Using the advanced technology for paternity testing, if the DNA of an alleged
father and child matches, the probability usually exceeds 99.96% that he is the biological father of the child. Should
there be mismatches, the alleged father is 100% excluded from being the biological father. There are no cases of a 20%
chance of being the father. He is either conclusively shown to be the father, or he is excluded and shown to be 0%.
Can parentage be determined by blood types?
While blood typing was once used as a tool in determining parentage, this method is completely inconclusive. Even the most
uncommon blood type is shared with at least 10% of the population, meaning millions of other men are just as likely to be
the father. It is inconclusive to use the process of elimination by blood type because it does not take natural mutation
into account.
Are my results legally admissible?
Our laboratory results are recognized by courts in the U.S. and most countries, and are routinely 10 to 1,000 times more
accurate than what the court requires for proof of parentage. To ensure a strict chain-of-custody, all parties are positively
identified, photographed and fingerprinted when samples are collected. All DNA samples are stored in a secure facility
to ensure accurate, legally defensible results. A notarized test report will be sent to all tested parties and attorneys
if requestesd. In addition, expert testimony services are available.
How difficult is it to obtain a paternity test?
It is not difficult at all. At one time, this was a very uncertain, inconvenient and expensive process. With
the advanced technology today, it is a relatively simple process to get a paternity test. Samples can be collected in
a matter of a few minutes. Once the samples are collected, laboratory results can be available in three (3) business
days for a standard test; with NEXT DAY results also available in cases where this is needed.
Do you need a doctor's order or a court order to have a DNA test?
No, a doctor's order or a court order is not required to have a DNA test. (NY State is the only state which does
require a doctor's order). We routinely coordinate cases with attorney's and/or physicians to assist their clients and/or
patients. If you want us to communicate with any involved relatives, doctors, or attorneys you must authorize us to
do so.
When can testing be performed?
Testing can be done as soon as a baby is born. There are no age restrictions because DNA makeup is set at conception.
Samples can be taken from persons of any age, even post-mortem. The combined technologies are so powerful that the genetic
patterns of a deceased father can be reconstructed from grandparents, siblings or other children.
What is a buccal swab?
A buccal swab resembles a Q-tip, only with a longer end. The collector will typically rub the inside of both cheeks
with a different swab, swabbing 10-12 times on the inside of each cheek.
Are buccal swab samples as accurate as drawing blood?
Yes. Buccal swabs collect cells from the inner cheek which is a much less invasive method than drawing blood.
The test procedure and accuracy is the same for both of these methods. Buccal swab is the most common collection method
and is used in about 85% of the cases which go to trial in the United States.
How do I choose where to have a paternity test done?
You should ask if the laboratory doing the DNA testing is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
Often, you may find testing being done by a laboratory which is accredited in older types of testing, but NOT in DNA testing.
Another important factor is whether or not the laboratory has provided testing and testimony in criminal cases, because this
requires the most advanced expertise in DNA testing. One final factor to consider is to ask how many systems they have
the capability to test. If you cannot get the answers to these questions and find someone who can clearly explain the
process to you, it can be frustrating.
How will I receive my results?
We offer several options for you to receive your results. An original notarized report is provided to tested adults.
The method of results being delivered will be determined at the time of collection. Results cannot be provided to ANYONE
other than the tested adults, unless a prior written authorization has been provided. The DNA Parentage Report is a
confidential, notarized legal document that has a scientific description of the genetic patterns. Information is also included
that explains the results in everyday language.
Should I eat or drink before the test?
Although food consumption will not affect the test, there could possibly be a residue of food left in the mouth which could
contaminate a swab. We suggest that prior to testing, you rinse out your mouth to make sure it is clean.
If the parties reside in different cities or states, can testing be performed?
Yes. Give us a call if you need testing in different cities or states and we will work with you to coordinate collections.
Appointments will be set up for collections in the different locations. Cases will be assigned a Case Number
and samples are coordinated upon their receipt in the laboratory. Please call if there is a problem and you need to
reschedule your appointment.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We will make arrangements for the collection of your DNA as soon as possible. The process is very fast and completely
safe and painless. We can usually arrange same day appointments in most areas. Call us at 1-888-362-2487 (1-888-DNA-AGTS) or
e-mail us and we will set up an appointment at your earliest convenience as soon as possible.
How long does it take to get results?
With the advanced technologies, we can deliver the fastest results in the industry. There are a variety of services
with results available within a week from the time samples are received in the laboratory. Urgent testing is available
upon request, and results can be available as soon as 24 hours from receipt.
No, but if she is, the paternity test may take less time and provide for a higher level of certainty. When the
mother participates we are able to subtract her contribution to the child's DNA pattern before comparison to the tested man's.
No, we regularly perform paternity testing on newborn infants using cheek (buccal) swabs.
No, we work with a worldwide network of collection centers. If the tested parties would prefer separate
appointments, we will do our best to accommodate them. You tell us your schedule and we will coorindate the timing and
appointment dates with the collection facility closest to you.
We routinely perform a broad spectrum of DNA and Paternity Test (other than a standard Trio Paternity or Motherless
Paternity. Here are some examples:
Prenatal Paternity Testing is performed on samples obtained by trained medical personnel using the amniocentesis
or CVS (chorionic villis sampling) procedures. CVS is usually performed during the 10th to 13th week of gestation.
It is done either transcervically (through the vagina) or transabdominally (using a long needle through the abdomen).
Amniocentesis is usually performed during the 14th to 24th week of gestation. It involves drawing amniotic fluid
from the sac surrounding and protecting the fetus. This fluid contains some viable (live) cells that have
been shed by the fetus. Both procedures are invasive and thus can only be performed with the approval of the mother's
OB-GYN concerning the performance and risks of this type of procedure to the baby. Our fees will not include the
OB-GYN fee for collecting the prenatal sample. The OB-GYN's fees typically ranges between $500-$1,500.
Grandparentage Testing is an option which is used when an alleged father is unavailable or unwilling
and no post-mortem sample is available. This test can be utilized when both biological parents of the alleged
father are available for testing and there is absolutely no doubt as to his parentage. Samples would be obtained from
both paternal grandparents, the child and the mother of the child.
Genetic Reconstruction is used to test the relationship between a child and biological reltatives of the alleged
father, if he is deceased or unavailable for testing. Analysis is a more complicated paternity test because the family
relationships must be determined using fewer and more distantly related individuals, such as the Alleged Father's Siblings
(Brothers and Sisters) (otherwise known as the child's Uncles and Aunts). Two options are available: Option 1
- One Child, One Mother, one Paternal Parent of the Alleged Father and one Full Sibling of the Alleged Father. Option
2 - One Child, One Mother and two Full Siblings of the Alleged Father.
Post-Mortem Testing makes it possible to perform DNA testing on a Deceased individual using stored samples such
as fresh, refrigerated or frozen blood. Hair from the deceased may be collected by the medical examiner to be used for
testing. In order to do this, the hair must be PLUCKED and must be 7-10 plucked hairs (shed hair will not work).
If the date of death is recent, please call us immediately to discuss the procedures needed in order to prevent the loss of
viable, easily obtainable samples.
The actual process of collecting the DNA samples takes approximately 20-30 minutes for a Mother, Alleged Father
& Child. Paternity testing results are typically available three (3) business days following receipt of all samples
in the laboratory. Each adult tested party will be notified of the results and will obtain an original notarized result.
RUSH or NEXT DAY testing is available at additional cost. Call us at 1-888-362-2487 now for details.
Privacy laws prevent us from giving any kind of information regarding a case to anyone other than the tested
parties and/or their named representatives without a written authorization.
Paternity testing is not considered to be a medically necessary procedure; therefore, it is not covered by health
insurance or Medicaid.
Although blood typing was once used as a tool in determining parentage, this system is completely inconclusive.
Even the most uncommon blood type is shared with at least 10% of the population, meaning millions of other men are just as
likely to be the father. Elimination by blood type is also inconclusive because it does not take natural mutation into account.
Payment for the test can be made by cash, money order, or cashier's check. In addition credit card
payments including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express are available. Credit card payments must
be authorized in advance of appointments. Please notify us if you plan to pay by credit card.
Can I contact you to consult, discuss a test, or get advice concerning
a test performed by another collection site, facility or laboratory?
No - our policy does not allow us to advise or consult with you concerning
a test we did not perform. Consultations and advice is reserved for clients and/or individuals that our facility has
performed testing for. We apologize for this inconvenience; however, these types of calls consume our time, thus
not allowing us to serve those who are paying for our services. If we may provide you with DNA testing services, please
feel free to contact us. Should you have had testing performed by another lab or had a non legal test performed, and
you would like us to assist you with another test or with a legal test, feel free to call us.
