Journey Genetic Testing 1-855-362-5224

DNA Testing In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Approved DNA Tests – Accredited & Accurate

Journey Genetic Testing provides certified, reduced priced, and 100% accurate DNA testing in Pennsylvania.

Our testing services focus on paternity and family relationship genetic testing. Depending on your special situation and need, we can provide results that are either for peace of mind, or are able to be used in court.

Confidential at home DNA kits approved for use in Pennsylvania will provide the same results as legally admissible process but are not typically admissible in situations where a legal report is needed as there is no record of the individual of those providing the DNA samples for the laboratory study.

Our legal AABB accredited DNA results can be used in court for matters such as: child support, birth certificates, and custody cases. Pennsylvania legal DNA test reports can also be used for Social Security benefits, IRS verification of dependents, probate issues, and immigration cases. We have a legal DNA collection network of over 3,500 centers across the U.S.A. and will be able to arrange an appointment for you with a collection office close to your home or office.

You can securely order both a legal and home test from us online 24/7, or call us at 855-362-5224 with any questions, during our regular business hours.

DNA Tests We Offer in Pennsylvania

Our Pennsylvania Approved DNA Tests Are 100% Accurate

Journey Genetic Testing’s home paternity test and relationship DNA tests provides you with a conclusive and accurate result for DNA testing between the participants. Our parent laboratory performs every DNA test twice, and the results are ready in just 1-2 business days, depending on the test. Every DNA test we do in your state is guaranteed to be Pennsylvania approved and 100% accurate. And above all, your result will establish the truth of the relationship tested for. Get the answers you need and deserve today,

Journey Genetic Testing offers the best DNA paternity test at the lowest prices in the industry. Furthermore, all of our Pennsylvania home DNA tests are performed by expert geneticists using scientifically valid methods and state-of-the-art equipment in our AABB accredited partner laboratory, located in the USA. No test results are released until all data has been examined, and approved, by one of our experienced laboratory Ph.D.’s.

Our Pennsylvania DNA testing service is unmatched in quality and yet is very affordable. You can be assured that your DNA samples will be handled discreetly and processed confidentially. With our technology and affordable DNA test prices, there is no longer a need to go without knowing the truth about a biological relationship.

Pennsylvania Paternity Law

It may be helpful, if you considering a DNA test to establish paternity, to be aware of the legal statutes in Pennsylvania regarding paternity. The following information about Pennsylvania paternity law is provided as general information only. Journey Genetic Testing does not provide legal advice or representation. We encourage you to research your state laws for the most current information or contact a family law attorney.

Read Pennsylvania’s Paternity Statutes

Pennsylvania Paternity Law: Rule 1910.15 – Paternity.

(a) Acknowledgment of Paternity. If the action seeks support for a child born out of wedlock and the alleged father is named as defendant, the defendant may acknowledge paternity in a verified writing. The conference officer shall advise the parties that pursuant to Section 5103(d) of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes an acknowledgment constitutes conclusive evidence of defendant’s paternity without further judicial ratification in any action to establish support. Upon defendant’s execution of the written acknowledgment, the action shall proceed as in other actions for support.

(b) Genetic Testing. If the defendant appears but does not execute an acknowledgment of paternity at the conference:

(1) The court shall enter an order directing the parties to appear for genetic testing. The order must advise the defendant that his failure to appear for the testing will result in entry of an order finding that he is the father of the child. The order must also advise the plaintiff that her failure to appear for testing may result in sanctions, including entry of an order dismissing the paternity action without prejudice.

(2) The conference officer shall advise and provide written notice to the parties that they may enter into a written stipulation whereby both agree to submit to genetic testing for the purpose of resolving finally the issue of paternity. If the test results indicate a 99% or higher probability of paternity, the defendant shall be stipulated to be the biological father of the child and the case referred for a child support conference. If the test results indicate an exclusion, the action shall be dismissed. The written stipulation constitutes a waiver of the right to a hearing on the genetic testing or trial on the issue of paternity.

(3) The conference officer shall advise and provide written notice to the parties that if they do not enter into a written stipulation and the test results do not indicate an exclusion, there will be a hearing regarding genetic testing or trial before a judge without a jury on the issue of paternity in accordance with the procedures set forth in subdivision (d) of this Rule.

(c) Estoppel and Presumption of Paternity. If either party or the court raises the issue of estoppel or the issue of whether the presumption of paternity is applicable, the court shall dispose promptly of the issue and may stay the order for genetic testing until the issue is resolved.

(d) Post-Testing Procedures.

(1) The results of the genetic tests shall be provided in writing to counsel for the parties or, if unrepresented, to the parties themselves.

(2) If the results of the genetic tests resolve the issue of paternity pursuant to the stipulation of the parties, a paternity order shall be entered and served on the parties. If the defendant is excluded, the action shall be dismissed. If the defendant is stipulated to be the biological father, the action shall proceed as in other actions for support.

(3) If the results of the genetic tests do not resolve the issue of paternity pursuant to the stipulation of the parties, but the test results indicate a 99% or more probability of paternity, the court shall issue a rule against the defendant to show cause why an order should not be entered finding him to be the father. The rule shall advise the defendant that pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 4343 his defense is limited to a showing by clear and convincing evidence that the results of the genetic tests are not reliable. The rule shall direct that an answer be filed within 20 days after service of the rule on the defendant. The answer shall state the material facts which constitute this defense. Any allegation of fact which does not appear of record must be verified. If an answer is not timely filed, the court shall enter an order finding paternity and refer the action to conference and hearing as in other actions for support. If an answer is filed raising a disputed issue of material fact relating to the reliability of the genetic testing, the case shall be listed promptly for expedited hearing before a judge. The burden of proof at the hearing is on the defendant and is limited to proof by clear and convincing evidence that the results of the genetic tests are not reliable.

(4) If the results of the genetic tests do not resolve the issue of paternity and the test results indicate less than a 99% probability of paternity, the case shall be promptly listed for expedited trial before a judge.

(5) If, after a hearing or trial, the decision is for the defendant on the issue of paternity, a final order shall be entered by the court dismissing the action as to the child. If the decision is against the defendant on the issue of paternity, an interlocutory order shall be entered by the court finding paternity. The court may enter an interim order for child support at that time and shall refer the action to conference and hearing as in other actions for support.

(e) Failure to Appear. If defendant fails to appear as ordered for a conference, hearing or trial, or for genetic tests, the court shall, upon proof of service on the defendant, enter an order establishing paternity. The court may also enter an interim order for child support at that time and shall refer the action to conference and hearing as in other actions for support.

f) Appeal of Paternity Order. An order establishing paternity is not an appealable order. The issue of paternity may be included in an appeal from the final order of child support.

Source The provisions of this Rule 1910.15 adopted April 23, 1981, effective July 22, 1981, 11 Pa.B. 1625; amended October 19, 1983, effective January 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3629; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1941 and 1953; amended March 24, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 1549; amended May 21, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256279) to (256280).

Required Probability of Paternity for Pennsylvania Courts: 99%
Required Paternity Index: None

DNA Testing Locations In Pennsylvania

At-home, peace of mind DNA kits can be sent to any location in Pennsylvania, including P.O. Boxes. We ship all DNA collection kits by USPS Priority mail. You will received a USPS tracking number for your kit, and in most cases, have it in 1-2 business days as we ship from our corporate office in the U.S.A.

For court admissible legal paternity and relationship testing, we have professional DNA specimen collection sites in or close to most Pennsylvania towns and cities. All legal testing is by appointment only, which we will schedule for you based on availability. You will be able to access these sites easily from your home or office.

Here is a list of the cities where there is an approved DNA collection center in, or near, for legal testing in Pennsylvania.
  • Allentown
  • Allison Park
  • Altoona
  • Baldwin
  • Bethel Park
  • Bethlehem
  • Carlisle
  • Chambersburg
  • Chester
  • Colonial Park
  • Drexel Hill
  • Easton
  • Erie
  • Fullerton
  • Hanover
  • Harrisburg
  • Hazleton
  • Hermitage
  • Horsham
  • Johnstown
  • King of Prussia
  • Lancaster
  • Lansdale
  • Lebanon
  • Levittown
  • McKeesport
  • Monroeville
  • Murrysville
  • New Castle
  • Norristown
  • Philadelphia
  • Phoenixville
  • Pittsburgh
  • Plum
  • Pottstown
  • Reading
  • Scranton
  • State College
  • Weigelstown
  • West Chester
  • West Mifflin
  • Wilkes-Barre
  • Williamsport
  • York

FAQ’s About DNA Testing In Pennsylvania

How Does A Pennsylvania Authorized At Home DNA Test Work?

A Pennsylvania home DNA test provides a cheap, private, simple, and accurate method to determine relationships such as paternity, sibling, grandparents, and aunt/uncle. Having your home DNA test kit processed in a AABB accredited lab is important. The same protocols used for a legally binding DNA test in the privacy and comfort of your own home or office will be used for your home DNA test.

Our Pennsylvania home DNA test can answer your biological questions privately, quickly and affordably.

The recognized and accepted process in Pennsylvania for home paternity testing is very easy. People who take the home DNA test usually collect their DNA sample through a cheek swab, also called a buccal, swab. Rubbing the swab against the inside of the cheek painlessly collects the skin cells needed. Since we conduct two sets of tests on each buccal swab, there will be 4 swabs per person in your collection kit. Two swabs should be taken on each side of the mouth. Don’t smoke or drink coffee or tea for 30 minutes before the collection and rinse the mouth with water. When you’re done, just put the samples in the envelope we provide, and return them to our lab in the prepaid overnight envelope we provide.

Does Pennsylvania Allow For Discreet, Or “Secret” DNA Testing?

Unlike many locations outside of the U.S.A., Pennsylvania allows testing using non-standard samples. This is a more discreet way of testing. If you have a particular concern about this, please check the laws in your state.

The cheek swab is the most common method of collection. Sometimes a test participant cant submit a sample because a family member is deceased, imprisoned, not wanting to test, or simply unavailable. For these reasons, we also offer forensic DNA processing services for other types of DNA samples, which are referred to as “non-standard samples.” Ear wax, hair (must have the root attached), discharge on a tissue, nail clippings, and toothbrushes are the most common forensic samples. A viability test is required on all non-standard samples, which requires an additional fee. For more information about the different items that can be tested, please click on NON-STANDARD DNA SAMPLES.

What If One Of Us Lives In Pennsylvania And The Other Person Lives In Another State?

A lot of test participants live too far apart to do the home DNA test using the same DNA kit. For these situations, we offer an option to have multiple collection kits shipped out. Simply choose the option for an additional address when you place your order. Upon selecting that option, we will send a second collection kit to the address indicted for the additional kit(s). When your DNA samples and case information are received back in the lab, identical reference numbers will link them together.

What If I Need To Prove Paternity In Pennsylvania But The Father Is Not Available?

Paternity tests always give a clear yes or no answer. If the father is unavailable, there are other DNA tests we offer to determine paternity. For example, a sibling DNA test may be used to test for possible brothers and sisters. You can also perform a grandparent DNA test for the alleged grandparent and grandchild. The aunt/uncle avuncular DNA test with a full sibling of the alleged parent would also be convincing.

You may also want to do a Y-DNA test if two or more men want to find out if they are related through the male line. This test is also always conclusive. If more than one paternal relative is available to participate in a DNA test, consider doing a family genetic reconstruction DNA test instead. If you are not certain which choice is right for your situation, one of our Genetic Consultants would be glad to provide you help. Just give us a call at 1-855-362-5224.

Ordering A Home DNA Test In Pennsylvania Is Quick, Easy, And Private

You Order – We Ship Right Away
Once we receive your paternity test order, we will ship priority a customized DNA collection kit (first kit included). We will provide you a tracking number for your kit.

Collect And Return The DNA Samples:
 Painless cheek swabs are provided to collect the DNA. The collection per person takes less than a minute. Return the DNA to our laboratory using the prepaid overnight FedEx label we provide (U.S.A. addresses).

Our Lab Performs The Specimen Analysis:
Once all DNA samples are received in lab, the testing begins. We will notify you by email they have been received and give you a due date for your results.

We Deliver Your DNA Results:
We know you want these results quickly, so we will your paternity test results to the email address on file. If you also requested a printed copy of the results they will be sent priority within one business day of emailing your results, with a tracking number.