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FAQS About Paternity Testing

How do I know if this is the right test for me?
A private paternity test is for peace of mind only and cannot be used for legal purposes. If you are simply looking for an answer to your paternity question, then this is the test for you.

If you need the results of the paternity test for legal purposes (child support, Social Security benefits, etc.), please contact us at 1-800-DNA-1840 to find out more about the proper procedure for legally defensible DNA paternity testing.

Private paternity testing from Prophase Genetics is just as accurate and reliable as paternity testing for legal purposes. The only difference is the way the samples are collected and handled. Private paternity testing allows individuals to collect their own samples in the privacy of their homes. Paternity testing for legal purposes requires the samples to be collected by a neutral party such as a hospital or laboratory.

Who needs to be tested?
Typically, a paternity test is conducted with the child, alleged father, and mother. This is known as a trio. However, a test can also be done without the mother. This is known as a motherless paternity test. In either case, the cost of the test is the same and the results are equally accurate and reliable.

How do I get a test?
To start the testing process, you need to order a DNA sample collection kit, which will be sent to your home or another address of your choosing. You may order a kit using our online order form, or you can call us at 1-800-DNA-1840 for more information. We will help you find the testing service that best fits your needs.

Where will you send the kit if we are in different cities?
Prophase Genetics strives to make your paternity testing experience as convenient and simple for you as possible. If the tested parties are at different locations, we can send a DNA sample collection kit to each of the different addresses. Please call 1-800-DNA-1840 to discuss your needs with one of our specialists.

When will you send my kit?
If you order a free sample collection kit, we will mail the kit via first-class mail on the same day we receive your order.

If you would like to pay a $20 deposit for your test or pay the entire $165 testing fee when ordering your kit, we will mail the kit via courier (to U.S. patients only). Courier delivery takes 2–3 business days, and you will be able to track the shipment.

To discuss your options with a paternity specialist, please call 1-800-DNA-1840.

How conclusive are the results?
Each of our tests is guaranteed to be conclusive and accurate.

For a standard trio (the mother, child, and alleged father provide samples), we guarantee:

  • A 99.999% or higher probability that the tested man IS the biological father OR
  • A 100% probability that the tested man IS NOT the biological father

For a motherless paternity test (only the child and alleged father contribute samples), we guarantee:

  • A 99.9% or higher probability that the tested man IS the biological father OR
  • A 100% probability that the tested man IS NOT the biological father

Will the results be as accurate as a blood test’s results?
Paternity tests from buccal swab samples provide the same accurate results as paternity tests from blood samples. This is because a person’s DNA is the same throughout his or her entire body. It makes no difference in the reliability of the results whether the DNA specimen is obtained from cheek cells (using buccal swabs) or blood cells.

How fast will I get my results?
Once the laboratory receives all your samples, the paternity testing process will be completed in 5 business days. At that time, we will send your results via first-class mail. You may receive your results more quickly via email, fax, or phone.

Express services that provide the results in 3 business days are available as well. Please call 1-800-DNA-1840 for assistance.

How will you send the results?
We can send your paternity test results via first-class mail, email, or fax. In addition, you can call to hear your results over the phone. When you receive your sample collection kit, you will find a form that lets you specify how you would like to receive your results. You can choose as many options as you like.