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What is DNA Paternity (Parenting) Testing?
DNA (or Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic material present in every cell of the human body. Every person's DNA is unique (except identical twins), making DNA the most powerful method to identify paternity.

Every child receives half of his or her genetic material (DNA) from it's biological mother and half from the biological father. During testing, the genetic characteristics of the child are compared to those of the mother. Characteristics that cannot be found in the mother, must have been inherited from the father.

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Why test for Paternity?
A DNA paternity test is useful in many situations, including:

• To assist women seeking child support from a man who denies he is a child's biological father.
• Help men attempting to win custody or visitation rights.
• Provide peace of mind for men wishing to confirm paternity.
• Establish conclave proof of heritage for an adopted child seeking their biological parents.
• Determining grandparentage, inheritance rights, insurance claims or Social Security benefits.
• Assist in immigration cases on the grounds an individual is a biological relative of a citizen.
• Establishing Native American Tribal Rights.
• Determining rightful heirs by DNA profiling for estate purposes.
• Provide conclusive evidence of sisterhood or brotherhood for siblings separated for long periods of time.

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How accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?
DNA paternity testing is the most accurate form of paternity testing possible. If DNA patterns between the child and the alleged father do not match on two or more DNA probes, then the alleged father is 100% excluded. That means he can't be the father.

If the DNA patterns between mother, child and the alleged father match on every DNA probe, the likelihood of paternity is 99.9% or greater! The result is the man has been 'practically proven' to be the biological father of the child. (Most courts in the U.S. accept 99.0% as proof of paternity.)

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How long until I see the results?
Test results are usually available 8 to 10 working days from when the samples are received at the laboratory. A report will be issued and mailed to you. We will never compromise the quality of the results just to meet the deadline.

In special cases, results can be expedited within 72 hours of receiving the sample. An additional fee is charged for this service.

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What kind of sample is needed?
A painless procedure called a Buccal scrap is accomplished by brushing a swab vigorously against the inside of the subject's cheek. This provides an acceptable DNA sample for testing.

This can be accomplished in the privacy of your own home at a convenient time. For test cases requiring legal reporting, arrangement are made with a medical testing lab in your area.

Click here for step-by-step instructions—you'll see how easy and painless DNA testing can be!

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Does the child have to be a certain age?
Children can be tested at any age. Paternity testing can even be done on an umbilical cord blood specimen at birth.

DNA testing is one of the easiest medical procedures for children. The Buccal swab (inside the cheek scrape) is painless and simple.

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Can testing be performed without the mother?
Yes. It is possible to test the child and alleged father when the mother is not available. However, the mother should be included whenever possible.

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Do all parties need to be present? Or in the same state?
No. Samples do not need to be collected at the same time, or, even in the same locations. However, all samples MUST be identified properly as mother, child and alleged father and recorded on the submitted paper work. This enables our laboratory personnel to identify and analyze the samples together.

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Is the mouth/buccal swab accurate?
Since DNA is the same in every cell of the human body, the accuracy of testing performed on cheek cells utilizing the Buccal Swab is the same as an actual blood sample.

We believe this non-invasive and painless procedure is the best method for collecting a DNA sample.

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I am convinced I want the test...what do I do next?
Call us toll free at 1-800-R-U-MY-KID (1-800-786-9543)  to set up an appointment or to request a kit for collecting samples.

or

Complete our on-line electronic form, a representative will contact you to answer any questions.

or

Learn more about the collection process on the Step-by-Step page.

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