Choosing the Right Paternity Testing Labratory

How do you know if you are choosing the right paternity testing laboratory?

Science and technology has made tremendous advances in the world of DNA. Paternity testing is all the rage for those who may not know who the biological father of their children may be. When it comes to completing a paternity test, you want to make sure you are getting accurate and reliable answers. So which DNA testing laboratory do you choose? Well…you do your homework.

There are questions you will want answered before selecting the laboratory that will be giving you answers to one of the most important questions of your life. Whether you are doing an at home paternity test or a legal paternity test, selecting the right laboratory will help you rest assure that you have the answers you need.

1. How many markers does the laboratory test and report on their paternity test results?
   
   15 markers is the industry standard. Having at least 15 markers tested, and reported, in paternity testing, helps to produce a probability of 99% or higher for inclusive results. It also strengthens results for 0% probability of paternity for exclusions.




2. Is the laboratory accredited?
   
   Any laboratory that performs legal DNA testing needs to be accredited by the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). If the laboratory is accredited by the AABB they must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the credibility of each sample received at the laboratory. It won’t matter if you are participating in a legal paternity test or a home paternity test, the accredited laboratory will follow the same strict guidelines for each sample received. If the laboratory is accredited by the ISO, this means they have been authorized to do DNA testing for immigration purposes as well.




3. What is the total fee for your paternity test?
   You want to get pricing up front. Find out what the total cost is and what that includes. Some labs offer home paternity testing or legal paternity testing for one alleged father and one child for a low price, then charge for including the biological mother (it’s recommended to include the child’s biological mother in paternity testing), and may even charge for releasing results. You want to make sure the price includes testing the mother, and also receiving results the way you want to receive them.




4. What is the turn-around-time for getting your paternity test results?
   
   With the most advanced sciences on the side of the laboratory, sometimes extraction of DNA can take some time. 2-3 business days should be about right. Verify how long it will take to get your paternity test results, and how you should expect to receive them. Keep in mind the 2-3 business day turn-around-time is an average and it’s really up to the DNA itself to determine how long the process will take.

The moral of this story is to always do your homework. Verify the DNA testing laboratory is in good standing, read consumer reviews, and don’t be afraid to contact the laboratory and ask questions before you decide to use them.