Paternity FAQ's

Paternity FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can the paternity test be performed without the mother?
YES. We can accurately test without the mother's sample, it simply requires a different set
of statistical calculations.

2. Is a blood sample required?
NO. Paternity testing can be performed using a buccal (cheek) swab. It is completely
non-invasive, painless and convenient.

3. How are the samples collected?
A sterile swab, very similar to a q-tip, is rubbed on the inside of the cheek from the child
and the alleged father. If practical, the mother should also be sampled, however this is not
mandatory for an accurate analysis.

4. Are you collecting saliva for analysis when a buccal swab is done?
NO. While saliva is collected on the swab, it is actually the epithelial (cheek) cells that are
being collected for analysis.

5. Is the cheek/buccal swab accurate?
YES. Because DNA is the same in every cell in your body, analysis performed on cheek cells
is just as accurate as analysis performed on blood.

6. How old must a child be to perform DNA testing?
There are no age restrictions. DNA testing can be performed on individuals of any age.
Newborns can be tested using either a buccal (cheek) swab or umbilical cord blood, both
are easy and painless procedures.

7. Can a paternity test be performed before the child is born?
Yes. However, it is more expensive and does involve some medical risk, therefore any
mother interested in prenatal testing should consult with her OB/GYN. There are 2
procedures by which to collect prenatal DNA samples; Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS),
performed at ~10-13 weeks of pregnancy or Amniocentesis at ~14-24 weeks of age.
Paternity Genetics Solutions can assist you in locating a qualified OB/GYN in your area.

8. Can paternity testing also show if the mother is not really the mother?
YES. Although it's rare, there have been several cases in which non-maternity has been
found while performing a routine paternity test.

9. Can parentage be determined when the alleged father is deceased?
YES. There are several options. Blood or buccal samples collected at the time of death can
be used, tissue specimens from previous surgeries or an autopsy may be used, his parents
can be tested to determine if they are grandparents, or the body can be exhumed and a
tissue sample taken for testing.

10. What if the mother and alleged father are related?
It does not matter, the results are still valid.

11. What if the two alleged fathers are related (i.e brothers, father-son)?
It is possible for both individuals to have the same or similar genetics markers, therefore the
laboratory should be informed of these circumstances, as extended testing may have to be
performed.

12. Can the alleged father's test results be used in another paternity case?
YES. But ONLY if the alleged father agrees to it or there is a court order.

13. What if the mother, child and alleged father(s) live in different cities/states?
We can accommodate each participant of the same test with separate appointment times
(for legal tests) and or locations across the U.S. If you are utilizing a private paternity test
we can split the kit up and send each portion to a different address. Each kit is identified by
a unique laboratory accession number so that all samples can be tested together once
received back in the laboratory. To order a split kit, be sure to add the "Split Kit" option to
your shopping cart. You can enter the additional shipping addresses in the comments box at
the checkout page.

14. Can different biological specimens such as a buccal swab from a child and a
blood sample from an adult be used for the same test?
YES. Because DNA is the same in every cell in your body, analysis performed on cheek cells
is the same as analysis performed on blood cells.

15. Can I change my DNA by drinking alcohol or taking drugs?
NO. DNA patterns are not altered by such things as drinking, eating, medication, or age.
However, individuals who have had a bone marrow transplant should provide a buccal
(cheek) sample instead of blood, since the transplant introduces donor DNA into the blood.

16. How long does it take to get my test results?
Once Paternity Genetics Solutions receives your samples, results will be available in
approximately 7-9 business days.

17. What is the difference between a private paternity test and a legal paternity
test?
The primary difference between the two types of tests is the sample collection method.
Private paternity test samples can be collected in the privacy of your own home, without
any witnesses, while legal paternity test samples are collected at an approved collection
site, where your identification will be verified, a fingerprint and photograph will be taken and
your sample collection will be witnessed. The purpose of these stringent procedures is to
ensure that the participants are who they say they are.

18. Are Paternity Genetics Solutions results admissible in court?
YES. As long as you chose the Paternity Test LEGAL.

19. Do I need a doctor's or attorney's order to have the paternity test performed?
NO, unless you live in New York. While many cases do involve doctors and attorney's, you
are not required to have an order. You can order paternity testing yourself through our
website. New York State law, requires a licensed physician's prescription or a court order
for all paternity testing. Clinical laboratories cannot perform analysis of samples without the
original prescription or court order.

20. Can you accept samples from New York?
At this time we cannot, however we are working with the New York State Department of
Health to obtain the necessary accreditation so that we can offer analytical services to
New York residents in the near future. If you are a New York resident in need of analytical
services, Chromosomal Laboratories can refer you to another reputable Laboratory.

21. Is paternity testing covered by health insurance?
NO. Paternity testing is not considered a medically necessary procedure and therefore is
not covered.

22. How do you handle the confidentiality of each test?
Information of any kind regarding your test will only be available to the individuals tested or
other designated representative(s) (i.e. Attorneys) when a written authorization is
provided.

23. How will I receive my results?
Reports are sent by mail or email/fax (as requested) to each adult tested and their
designated representative. Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the test, results
will not be given over the telephone.

24. Does the test have to be paid for all at once?
YES. Testing will not begin until the test has been paid in full.

25. What forms of payment does Paternity Genetics Solutions accept?
We accept personal checks*, cashier's checks, money orders, debit cards, Mastercard,
Visa, American Express and Discover. You also have the option to pay with cash if you visit
our office. *Payment with a personal check may result in delayed reporting pending
clearance of the check.

26. What if I have more questions?
You can call us toll free at 1-800-MY-DADDY (1-800-693-2339).