Legal vs. Home DNA Testing – Which Should You Choose?
The type of DNA test you choose depends on how you will use the results. While results from home DNA tests have the same accuracy as a legal paternity test, if you are pursuing legal documentation, you will require legally recognized DNA identity verification and certification.
When you will need a legally admissible DNA test:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Social Security issues
- Adoption
- Inheritance
- Insurance
- Military
- Immigration
- Tribal rights and benefits
- All court proceedings
- Protecting yourself when you are uncertain of another parent’s motives now or in the future.
When you can probably use a home DNA test:
- DNA testing for ancestry
- Infidelity testing (unless you are pursuing legal proceedings)
- Twin DNA tests
- DNA testing for genetic health risks
- DNA profiling for non-legal identification
- Paternity DNA tests for non-legal purposes
- Grandparent DNA tests for non-legal purposes
Legal Requirements for Sample Collection
If you need DNA verification for legal purposes, one of our authorized professionals will collect the DNA specimen for you. In order for DNA samples to be legally admissible, samples must be collected by an authorized, neutral party and must include verifiable proof of identity.
DNA People Diagnostics will set up an appointment for you at one of 6,000 clinics nationwide. Appointments are available 6 days a week in all areas and 7 in some areas. Our national average for a convenient clinic is within 8 miles of your location.
Authorized and Certified Labs for Legal DNA Testing
By using accredited DNA laboratory services with a record of 100% accuracy, you strengthen your legal claims. Our selected labs (DDC) have an impeccable reputation as a premier DNA testing center with AABB certification for legal parentage testing and ASCLD forensic testing accreditation. They are also accredited by CLIA, the College of American Pathologists, ACLASS Accreditation Services, and the New York State Department of Health.
We guarantee the accuracy of every legal paternity test in writing. Our legal DNA paternity testing is 100 times more discriminating than the industry standard. We collect twice as many samples, and the labs run each twice on two separate analyzers virtually elminating any chance of error.
We also test up to 29 markers (with a minimum of 15) and use the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art genetic analyzers for accurate analysis. The state-of-the-art ABI PRISM© 3100 genetic analyzers and the advanced Biomek© FX and Biomek© 2000 ensure your test will be error free.
DNA sample collection is non-invasive and painless using a simple, cheek swab sample. You will need to bring photo ID such as a driver’s license or a social security card and payment for the test unless other arrangements have been made with your case manager. In some cases, you may be asked to bring a photo of the child if participating in a paternity test.
Many of our clinics require the parent to bring in the child’s birth certificate, social security card or record of birth. If documentation is not available, it is very important to inform your DNA case manager so we can obtain an approval from the clinic prior to the appointment. If minor children will be tested, a legal guardian must authorize the test. There is no age limit for DNA testing.
When Home DNA Tests Are an Option
Choose a convenient, affordable home DNA test kit when you want answers but do not need results for legal proceedings. A home DNA test is performed with the same reliability and accuracy as our legal DNA test and does not require prior consent for testing.
Whether you choose a legal DNA test or order a home DNA test kit, you’ll receive your results quickly – usually within 48 hours after we receive your samples. Order your DNA test online, or call our office to talk with one of our DNA case managers to help determine which test is right for you.
