Frequently Asked Questions

Start with what the result needs to do. If it is for court, immigration, custody, inheritance or official records, you likely need legal testing. If it is only for your own knowledge, a peace of mind test may be enough. We can help you decide.

Alleged fathers, mothers, legal guardians and attorneys commonly request testing. Each adult participant must consent, and a parent or guardian consents for a minor child.

No. Participants can often give samples at different times and places, even for legal testing, as long as each collection is documented.

Most tests use a soft cheek swab rubbed inside the mouth for a few seconds. Noninvasive prenatal testing uses a blood sample from the mother.

Yes. Cheek swabs are gentle enough for newborns. Our Newborn Paternity Testing page explains timing and preparation.

Mobile and discreet collection options exist for families who find travel difficult or who value privacy. Ask us about your situation.

Documented collection by an independent collector, verified identification, signed consent and a chain of custody that tracks each sample to the laboratory.

Generally no, because identities were not verified and the sample handling was not documented.

A documented paternity result is often part of that process. The records office or your attorney can confirm what forms they need.

Yes. Noninvasive prenatal testing compares fragments of the baby's DNA in the mother's blood with the alleged father's cheek swab.

His parents, full siblings or other children may be able to help through grandparentage, avuncular or sibling testing.

Sibling and half sibling tests estimate whether two people share one or both parents. Including a known parent helps.