Frequently Asked Questions

We are able to offer competitive pricing for all of our DNA tests as we have entered into agreements with the laboratory to do bulk DNA testing. Thus we are able to pass the saving on to our clients.

The price depend on the type of test you require, please refer to the pricing information on our order page

Payment is made when ordering your test. We accept payment by either MasterCard or Visa. Payment can also be made by certified check or bank deposit into our bank account. Kindly contact us directly to discuss your preferred payment option.

Once your samples are received by the laboratory, your results for most DNA tests will be ready within as little as 3-5 working days. If you select the express option your paternity test results will be available within 3 working days of the lab receiving your samples. Discreet samples  such as hair, chewing gum, cigarette butts etc can take a little longer but normally results will be available within the 3-5 working day time-frame.

As we offer a variety of DNA tests, the turnaround times for different tests will vary. We recommend checking individual test pages for more information or contacting our customer service team if the information is not readily available.

Genetic testing identifies the unique genetic profile of an individual. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child’s genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a DNA paternity test determines whether this person is the real biological father or can be excluded. The test is performed through our DNA testing kit we supply on order and the samples are taken according to the DNA sample collection guide provided in the kit and on our website.

Our paternity test is extremely accurate in answering questions of parentage. Since we use 21 different genetic markers to build the genetic profile, our test is ten times more accurate than that required in Court. The results guarantee minimum probabilities in excess of 99.99% for paternity tests if the mothers sample is also included.

Yes, a paternity test can be carried out with just the child and the alleged father but we recommend, where possible, to include the mothers DNA sample as well to strengthen results.

Laboratory ISO 17025 accreditation uses criteria and procedures specifically developed to determine technical competence. Specialist technical assessors conduct a thorough evaluation of all factors in a laboratory that affect the production of test or calibration data. Laboratory accreditation bodies use this standard specifically to assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data.

The paternity test can be used in a court of law only if you purchase the legal or court admissible test. This kind of test requires additional proof of identity and needs to follow a strict chain of custody process including third party sample collection and verification. The peace-of-mind/curiosity paternity test is not legally admissible since the sampling process does not follow these procedures. This test is therefore valid for informative purposes only.

“Chain of custody” refers to the proper management or control of the DNA samples throughout the testing process. First, it requires a neutral third party to verify the identity of the individuals being tested and collect their DNA samples. Following that, the DNA samples and appropriate paperwork (including signed copies of identification papers) need to be delivered to the testing location ensuring that they have not been tampered with. Finally, the DNA laboratory performing the test needs to ensure they handle the DNA samples and paperwork correctly by tracking and documenting the DNA samples throughout all of the testing process. If the procedures are followed correctly, this will allow the laboratory to issue notarized test results that can be stand up in court.

In contrast, in the at-home or curiosity DNA tests, the samples are taken by the clients themselves and therefore there is no independent verification of the DNA samples. Hence the laboratory is not able to confirm the identity of the individuals doing the test.

In our understanding your DNA results section, we have provided some examples of what our DNA paternity test result looks like. In addition, we have also provided comprehensive information on how to interpret the results.

Human DNA can be extracted from many types of body fluid or tissue (saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc.) Also DNA can be extracted from an item that is contaminated with body fluids (such as chewing gum, cigarette butts, sanitary towels etc.) Please refer to our DNA forensics section and review our discreet DNA sample price list to see what is acceptable for DNA testing.

For a DNA extraction from a hair sample it is best if the hair is freshly pulled out/ taken from the head and when the hair follicle is still intact; this will help get the best extraction results. The results from forensic samples (such as hair) depend very much on the condition of the sent sample. For example if hairs are sent, it is best if more than 5 hairs with root still intact are pulled out from the head and sent for testing (hair without a root or shed hair do not give good results).

It is possible to establish paternity even without doing an paternity test. Paternity can in fact be established by testing relative of the alleged father or your sibling. If only the child and relative of alleged father are tested, the results may not be completely conclusive. If the mother’s DNA sample is available for the testing, the results will be more conclusive. Please refer to our DNA relationship testing section for more information on relationship testing.

The DNA extracted from saliva (blood or some other biological material) can be stored for considerable time. Obviously the DNA sample has to be stored properly if you want your DNA testing to work. If saliva swabs are used, it’s important to leave swabs to dry completely before being placed in an envelope. We always recommend samples are as recent as possible because chances of successful DNA extraction may be affected if samples are old or have not been stored correctly.

The cost of a paternity test is of €169. There are no extra fees.