Paternity DNA Testing

Home Paternity Test

What is a DNA Paternity Test?

Paternity refers to fatherhood. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid. Your DNA are the genes you inherit from your mother and father. A paternity test is a DNA-based analysis that determines whether a man is the biological father of a child. The collection of DNA is very easy. It involves gently rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of the cheek to collect cells containing DNA from both the child and the alleged father.

The test compares specific genetic markers from the child with those of the alleged father. The result proves a man is a child’s father if there is a match of 23 or more markers. If fewer than 23 markers match, then it is not scientifically possible for him to be the biological father. Home paternity tests have become a popular and accessible option for anyone wanting answers about their paternity.

Home Paternity Test Accuracy

We guarantee that our paternity test is 100% accurate.

When conducted accurately and in our lab, home paternity tests can provide clear answers. Our test that looks at the DNA has become the most trusted way to prove if people are related by blood. Lots of people, like lawyers, doctors, and regular folks, have used our test to check if someone is the dad. We have established our reputation based on our exceptional accuracy and unwavering trustworthiness. Our paternity test will always give you a clear “YES” or “NO” answer.

Journey Genetic Testing DNA Test Accuracy

LEARN: Some DNA tests are more accurate than others.

Our at-home paternity test utilizes the same specialized technology and follows the rigorous protocols employed in our accredited laboratories for legal paternity tests. These tests follow the AABB lab rules. The only distinction is that we don’t require a third party to oversee the handling of samples or necessitate an additional fee for sample collection by someone else.

Our private paternity test uses 24 markers, which are like special clues in the DNA, instead of the usual 16 markers other tests use. This makes the test almost 1,000 times better at giving accurate results. We do each test two times to make sure we get the right answer about if the dad is really the child’s biological dad.

RELATED: The Most Often Asked Questions About Paternity Testing

Why You May Need A Paternity Test

According to the most recent statistics available on DNA testing in the United States, thousands of men take paternity tests each year to confirm their biological relationship with children. These statistics show that up to 34% of paternity test results indicate that the tested man is not the biological father. That’s 1 out of every 3 men who take a paternity test!

Many people have taken an ancestry test and think they may have found unknown family members. The only way to know for sure, though, is to take a person-to-person DNA test. Finding out about paternity doesn’t just mean you have to test a father and child. You can still do what we refer to as “indirect” paternity tests. You can test the father’s brother or sister for an avuncular DNA test, or his parents in a grandparent DNA test. Furthermore, you can also test possible half siblings by doing a sibling DNA test.

Journey Genetic Testing Lab Accreditation

Using an Accredited DNA Laboratory

Choosing an accredited DNA laboratory is vital to guaranteeing precise and trustworthy outcomes. Accredited labs follow rigorous quality standards and have skilled experts who manage samples and carry out the analysis.

DNA laboratories should be accredited for several important reasons. Firstly, accreditation ensures that our lab follow strict quality standards, which means they do accurate and reliable work. When a lab is accredited, it means they have been reviewed and approved by experts who make sure they use the best methods and equipment. This helps make sure that our DNA test results are trustworthy and can be used in important situations like proving paternity.

Secondly, accreditation helps protect the rights and privacy of individuals. Since our DNA lab is accredited, it means we follow the rules and regulations that protect your personal information and ensure that the tests are done fairly. Accreditation also helps prevent mistakes and mix-ups, making sure that the right information is connected to the right people. Accreditation is good for everyone because it makes sure they do their job well and keep your information safe.

HELPFUL RESOURCE: Why AABB accreditation is important in DNA testing.

Although our DNA test results are completely accurate, it’s important to note that home paternity test results cannot be used as evidence in a court of law. This restriction exists because of worries about the reliability of sample collection and maintaining proper custody of the samples. When it comes to legal matters, paternity testing must adhere to strict guidelines and be conducted in an accredited laboratory to produce results that can be presented as evidence in court.

In legal paternity testing, there’s a process known as the “chain of custody.” This involves an unbiased third party collecting the samples. This guarantees their reliability and appropriateness for court presentation. However, home paternity tests, despite being convenient and cost-effective for personal use, are not admissible as legal evidence in a court of law. A home paternity test kit usually contains buccal swabs, consent forms, instructions for collecting samples, and a prepaid return envelope to send the samples back to the lab. Since there is not someone who does not know you verifying who you are when collecting your DNA, a home test is not usually able to be used in court.

Home DNA Test Or Legal DNA Test

Advantages Of Using A Home DNA Test Kit

  • Privacy: Home paternity tests offer a private way to handle paternity questions from your own home.
  • Convenience: Taking DNA samples is easy and gentle, without needing a clinic visit.
  • Affordability: Home paternity kits cost less than lab tests, so more people can use them.
  • Peace of Mind: Quick, accurate results bring comfort to everyone involved. Home kits keep things private and free from others’ opinions.
  • Discreet Shipping: Kits come in plain packaging to keep things confidential.
  • Fast Results: Our at-home tests usually give results in just ONE business day.
  • Confidentiality: Home kits keep things private, so you don’t need to tell anyone else.
  • Secret: You can also test other things like hair or a toothbrush.

If you think you might need to use the results for any legal reason, learn more by clicking on Legal Paternity Test.

Discreet Paternity Testing

Sometimes you want to know the answer, but it can be difficult to have the conversation with the other person. In those situations, you may want to use a DNA sample that is not a mouth swab. When you need a discrete, private paternity test, you do not have to obtain consent for testing either the alleged father or the child when performing a non-legal test. The results are only provided to the person who orders the test, unless specific written instructions to release the test results to other individuals is provided to us.

SEE ALSO: What items can I use to do a DNA test instead of a mouth swab

How Much Does A Paternity DNA Test Cost?

ADDITIONAL: Why DNA Prices Vary So Much

If you prefer not to receive a kit for privacy or other reasons, you can make your own kit. We’ll email you a case number and step-by-step instructions to collect and send your DNA samples to our lab for processing. If you are in the U.S.A. we will also send you a pre-paid overnight return label.

Paternity Test Results

DNA testing starts as soon as all needed samples reach the lab. If one sample arrives before others, it’s kept in a controlled area until all samples are there. Then, they’re matched and given to technicians for DNA extraction and amplification.

The latest equipment speeds up this process. Samples arriving by 10:00 AM EST start processing the same day. We’ll email you when testing begins.

Results arrive in your email within ONE business day after all samples are in the lab*. No extra cost for this fast service.

*Note: If we’re testing something other than a mouth swab for paternity, we’ll check viability first. This ensures enough DNA for the test. Viability testing takes 2-5 business days.

Why Choose Journey Genetic Testing For Your At-Home DNA Test

  • Simple Ordering and Fast Shipping! Our DNA kits are tailored to your needs and sent out the same business day.
  • Painless DNA Collection Made Easy! Clear instructions make using the cheek swabs for DNA collection simple and pain-free.
  • Quick Lab Processing! As soon as we receive all the DNA samples in the lab, testing starts on the same day. We’ll email you to keep you informed.
  • Confidential and Easy-to-Understand Results! We’ll email you a PDF report that’s written in words anyone can understand. If you prefer, we can also provide printed copies.