JUNE 19, 2018

Where Can I Get a DNA Paternity Test?

As a top DNA testing lab, we often get asked, “Where can I go to get a DNA test done?” Here are some answers from our experts. It does depend on the type of DNA test you’re looking for: paternity, ancestry, fitness, etc., so we’ll go over the options.

Where Can I Go to Get a DNA Test Done?

For a paternity test, you can perform the DNA collection yourself using an at-home kit. If you need court-admissible results, you must arrange the test with a lab ahead of time and have the DNA collection witnessed by an impartial third-party at an approved facility.

Locations for DNA collection for legal paternity testing include:

• An AABB-accredited DNA laboratory location
• Mobile provider or brick-and-mortar collection facility approved by the lab
• Doctor’s office
• Lawyer’s office

Reasons for getting a legal paternity test include:

• Child support
• Child custody
• Immigration
• Inheritance rights
• Benefits rights

DNA Testing for Ancestry and More

Many analyses for reasons other than determining legal paternity require at-home DNA collection via cheek swab or spit, and don’t require participants to have DNA collected by a third party. These types of tests include:

• Ancestry
• Weight and Fitness
• Pets
• And more

Ancestry testing has become extremely popular in recent years, but it’s important to remember that results cannot be used to legally and positively identify close living relatives—only a DNA relationship test can do that. For a family reconstruction test, analysts take DNA from a variety of potential close relatives and try to fit the pieces together like a puzzle to determine biological relationships, if they exist.

For medical applications, many doctors are getting on the genetics bandwagon and are using patients’ DNA data to help guide their care. For this type of testing, DNA is generally collected on-the-spot during the patient’s examination. If a medical disorder is suspected, a doctor may order a test wherein technicians look for very specific changes in chromosomes, DNA or proteins.

Wrapping It Up

Those are the short answers to “Where can I go to get a DNA test done?” The bottom line is first deciding which type of test you need and why. Then, contact experts at an accredited lab to get started. If you’re not sure which test is right for your specific needs, be sure to ask. It’s easy!

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

DNA Diagnostic Center is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing. We serve healthcare professionals, government agencies, and individuals around the world to determine family relationships with trusted accuracy.

More Questions? Don’t hesitate to call us: we’re here to help!