How are DNA samples collected for home testing?

Most home DNA tests use oral mouth swabs. Each participant swabs the inside of the cheek for a few seconds, then the swabs are returned to the lab with the included forms.

Do I need to collect my own samples, or can a professional collect them?

Most clients collect their own samples using mouth swabs. If preferred, sample collection can be completed by a third party professional through mobile sampling or at a partner clinic.

What does ISO 17025 certification and AABB accreditation mean?

ISO 17025 certification and AABB accreditation indicate a laboratory meets strict quality and technical standards. Accredited labs follow detailed procedures and are regularly audited to maintain high testing standards.

What payment options are available?

Payment is made when ordering. DNA Test Answers accepts most major credit cards and also supports PayPal, Klarna, and Clearpay. Checks and money orders are not accepted.

How long does it take to get DNA test results?

Relationship DNA test results are typically available within 2 to 3 business days after the lab receives samples. Rush or express options may provide results in 1 to 2 business days for certain tests. Infidelity testing timelines can vary from 5 to 10 business days, with rush options available for some cases.

How accurate is a paternity test?

If the tested man is the biological father, results typically show a probability of 99.9% or higher. If he is not the father, he is excluded with 100% probability.

Do I need to include the mother’s sample for a paternity test?

Many paternity tests are completed accurately without the mother’s sample. Including the mother is recommended because it can strengthen the analysis and help in rare cases involving genetic mutations.

How will my DNA test kit arrive?

Kits are shipped in a plain envelope without company branding. A plain return envelope is also included for sending samples back to the laboratory.

Can you send DNA kits to different locations?

Yes. Separate kits can be shipped to different addresses, including internationally. Additional kits may incur an administration charge depending on destination. Testing begins once all required samples for the case are received and logged by the lab.

Is a home DNA test court admissible?

Home DNA tests are intended for personal knowledge and are not court admissible because they do not follow legal collection requirements. Court-admissible testing requires a legal procedure known as chain of custody.

What happens to my samples after testing?

For informational home DNA testing, samples are destroyed within 30 days after results are released unless optional storage is requested. For court-admissible DNA testing, samples are typically archived for up to six months at no additional cost.

Do you only test oral swab samples?

Oral swabs are the most common and recommended sample type, but other sample types may be tested in certain forensic relationship or infidelity cases. Success rates and costs can vary by sample type.

Can I do a paternity test without a sample from the alleged father?

In some cases, paternity testing can be performed using a close relative of the alleged father, though results may be less conclusive without additional participants. Forensic testing using personal items may be possible, but these samples are more likely to yield limited or unusable DNA profiles.

How long can I keep samples before sending them to the lab?

Oral swab samples can often be stored for weeks or months if kept dry, but fresher samples generally improve the chance of obtaining a complete profile. Other sample types can vary significantly in success rates.

Is infidelity testing possible using DNA analysis?

Yes. Infidelity DNA testing can detect and analyze biological material on items such as clothing and bedding. Testing may identify whether male or female DNA is present and, in some cases, compare profiles to determine whether DNA belongs to the same person or different people.

Everything You Need to Know About DNA Testing: A Complete Guide

May 28

Written By Validity Genetic Services

Choosing a DNA test can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. At DNA Test Answers, we believe informed customers make confident decisions. That is why we have put together this comprehensive guide (FAQ) answering the most common questions about paternity testing, relationship DNA testing, and infidelity DNA testing.

Whether you are looking for peace of mind or need legally admissible results, this guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.

How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost?

A standard home paternity test costs $119, and there are no hidden fees. The price includes your DNA collection kit, laboratory analysis, and results.

Other DNA tests vary in cost depending on:

The type of test
The number of people being tested
The type of samples used
Whether the test is for home use or legal purposes

How Are DNA Samples Collected?

Most DNA tests offered by DNA Test Answers use oral mouth swabs. These are safe, painless, and easy to use.

Once your order is processed, you will receive a DNA kit that includes:

Sterile mouth swabs for each participant
Step-by-step instructions
Consent forms
A return envelope

To collect a sample, simply rub the swab along the inside of the cheek for a few seconds. It is quick, painless, and can be done at home.

What Does Accreditation Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Accreditation ensures that your DNA test is conducted under strict quality and scientific standards.

Our partner laboratories hold:

ISO 17025 certification
AABB accreditation
and many national and international certifications and accreditations.

These certifications confirm that laboratories meet rigorous technical, operational, and quality requirements and are regularly audited to maintain compliance.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Payment is made at the time of ordering. DNA Test Answers accepts:

Major credit and debit cards
PayPal
Klarna
Clearpay

We do not accept checks or money orders.

How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

Turnaround times depend on the type of test:

Relationship and paternity DNA tests: 2 to 3 business days after sample receipt
Express or rush paternity testing: 1 to 2 business days
Infidelity DNA testing: 5 to 10 business days

Express and rush options are available for many tests. Always check the individual test page for specific timelines.

How Does a Paternity Test Work?

Paternity testing analyzes over 21 genetic markers from each DNA sample.

The process includes:

Extracting DNA from each sample
Creating genetic profiles
Comparing the alleged father’s DNA with the child’s DNA

If the markers match, the probability of paternity is 99.9%.
If they do not match, the alleged father is excluded with 100% certainty.

Including the mother’s DNA is recommended, as it increases accuracy, but it is not required.

How Accurate Are Paternity Tests?

DNA Test Answers paternity tests are extremely accurate:

99.9% probability when paternity is confirmed
100% exclusion when paternity is ruled out

Each case is assigned a unique reference number, and testing only begins once all required samples are received.

How Will My DNA Kit Arrive?

Your kit is shipped in a plain, unmarked envelope to protect your privacy. The return envelope is also unbranded.

Can Kits Be Sent to Different Locations?

Yes. DNA Test Answers can ship separate kits to different addresses, even internationally. Each kit receives a unique tracking code.

Additional kits may include an administration fee depending on the destination. Testing begins only after all samples are received.

Are Your Tests Court Admissible?

We offer both:

Home DNA testing for personal knowledge
Legal DNA testing for court use

Court-admissible testing requires a Chain of Custody, which verifies the identity of all participants and ensures proper handling of samples.

What Is Chain of Custody?

Chain of Custody is a legally required process that includes:

Sample collection by a third-party professional
Identity verification
Secure handling and shipment of samples directly to the laboratory

This process ensures results are legally defensible.

Is There a Difference Between Maternity and Paternity Testing?

The testing process is the same. The only difference is:

Paternity tests compare a child to the alleged father
Maternity tests compare a child to the alleged mother

What Happens to My DNA Samples After Testing?

Home DNA tests: Samples are destroyed within 30 days unless storage is requested
Optional storage: Up to 6 months for an additional fee
Legal DNA tests: Samples are stored for 6 months at no additional cost

What Do Paternity Test Results Look Like?

Your results clearly state whether paternity is confirmed or excluded and include a detailed explanation of the findings. Sample reports and interpretation guides are available.

Is My Information Kept Private?

Yes. DNA Test Answers uses:

128-bit to 256-bit SSL encryption
Secure payment processing
Limited display of credit card information

We do not store full credit card numbers.

Do You Test Other Sample Types?

Yes. While oral swabs are preferred, we can test alternative samples such as:

Hair with roots attached
Fingernails
Clothing items
Cigarette ends
Bedding and fabrics

These tests may fall under forensic relationship testing or infidelity DNA testing.

Can Hair Be Used for DNA Testing?

Hair samples must include the root or follicle. A minimum of four hairs with visible roots is required.

What If I Cannot Get a Sample From the Alleged Father?

Alternative options include:

Testing a close biological relative of the alleged father - full blooded sibling or their parents
Forensic testing of personal items

These methods may not always produce conclusive results.

How Long Can I Store Samples Before Sending Them?

Oral swabs can be stored for weeks or months if kept dry, though fresher samples offer better results. Other sample types vary greatly in reliability.

Is Infidelity DNA Testing Possible?

Yes. Infidelity DNA testing can identify male or female DNA on items such as clothing, bedding, and personal belongings. Advanced forensic testing can also determine whether samples belong to the same person or different individuals.

  
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