FAQs About Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is a process that determines whether a man is the biological father of a child by analyzing DNA samples from both the child and the potential father. 

Journey Genetic Testing paternity tests are 100% accurate, when the alleged father is the biological parent or is excluded as the biological father. 

Results from a paternity test from some labs can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the testing method and laboratory. Journey Genetic Testing provides paternity results in just 1 business day, after running the test 2X to ensure accuracy.

In some cases, the alleged father’s participation is necessary. However, in private, non-legal paternity testing, you have a couple of options if the suspected father does not want to participate:

• You can test using something other than a mouth swab, which is called a non-standard, or alternative DNA sample;
• You can test a family member to determine paternity indirectly. For example, an aunt or uncle , a grandparent , or a sibling.

You can order the DNA test of your choice by clicking on ORDER A DNA TEST

If the alleged father refuses, you may want to consider a relationship DNA test using another family member, depending on your situation. You can indirectly prove paternity using a sibling DNA test , a grandparent DNA test , or by testing a paternal aunt or uncle of the child .

Yes, a paternity test can be done without the mother's participation, but if she is involved, the test is more accurate. The mother’s DNA is often used to reduce errors in the results. 

Paternity testing typically requires DNA samples from the child and the alleged father. This is usually collected via cheek swabs. If it is not possible to do a mouth swab collection, alternative or non-standard specimens can be tested. To learn more click on Alternative DNA Samples . 

The cost of a paternity test varies depending on the type of test and the samples that you want the lab to process. Legal paternity tests typically cost more due to the required procedures. The final results from both our home tests and legal tests are exactly the same.

You can view our all inclusive prices by clicking on the following:

• Order A Legal Paternity Test
• Order A Home Paternity Test Kit

Yes, Journey Genetic Testing maintain strict confidentiality regarding your paternity test results and personal information. We never sell, or make available for any reason, your genetic or personal information to any private or public company, database, or organziation, including government agencies. All DNA information is deleted after testing has been completed.

If the paternity test results are unexpected, it’s best to consult with a legal professional to understand your options and any next steps. We guarantee the results we provide at 100% accurate, as they are based on the DNA samples submitted for testing. Over the last 15 years, we have found consistently that an average of 1 out of every 3 men who take a paternity test discover they are not the father of the child they are tested with.

Order A Legal Paternity Test 

Order A Home Paternity Test Kit  

Not in most cases. While it is up to the judge to accept any documents in a legal case, home paternity tests cannot usually be used in legal matters because they do not follow the chain of custody requirements. 

Order A Legal Paternity Test

Legal paternity tests follow a chain of custody to ensure that the results can be used in court. The samples are collected by authorized personnel and transported securely to a certified lab. 

To get a legal paternity test, you can place on online order securely by clicking on Order A DNA Test, or speak with one of our Genetic Consultants at 1-855-DNA-Lab4u (855-362-5224).

AABB accreditation ensures that the laboratory meets high standards of accuracy, reliability, and ethical practices in DNA testing. While AABB accreditation is specifically applied to legal DNA tests , we make certain the our home DNA test kits follow the same process and product the same findings on your results report.

• Order A Legal Paternity Test 
• Order A Home Paternity Test Kit  

Yes, a legal paternity test can be used to establish biological connections for inheritance and estate matters. You do not need to have an attorney to order a legal DNA test, as it may be less expensive for you to order it directly. However you can request for legal counsel to receive a copy of the test results.

To order, click on Order A Legal Paternity Test. 

Paternity testing is considered totally safe. For non-invasive prenatal tests, no risk is involved to the baby, while for traditional tests, there are no known risks. 

Paternity tests can be done at any age, even in infancy. Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests can be done as early as the 7th week of pregnancy. 

If there is any doubt about who the father of an infant is, it is advisable to do a paternity test prior to signing the birth certificate. With results available in 1 business day after the lab has the sample, there is sufficient time to sign the birth certificate within the first 30 days as most hospitals suggest.

Order A Legal Paternity Test 

Order A Home Paternity Test Kit  

Yes, paternity tests can be used in child custody cases to establish the biological father’s identity and his legal rights concerning the child. 

Yes, a non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP) can determine paternity as early as the 7th week of pregnancy using a blood sample from the mother and cheek swabs from the potential father. 

A non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP) uses a blood sample from the mother to detect fetal DNA and compare it to the potential father’s DNA, all without risk to the baby. 

A home paternity test involves collecting DNA samples, usually through cheek swabs, following the instructions provided by the test kit. The samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis.