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Where Can I Get a DNA Paternity Test?

Jun 19, 2018 | Paternity

Where can I get a DNA test done?

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
  • Hospital

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 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!

Call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.

Do you have questions or comments about where to get a DNA test done? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.

40 Comments
  1. Asia

    Where can I go and get an ancestry dna test done

    Reply
      • Donna

        We need to establish Paternity through a relative as the father is deceased. Where would we go to make sure the test is acceptable and what do you get to prove Paternity – a form or official document

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Donna. You didn’t mention how close the biological relationship is between the people you’d like to test. I suggest you contact us at 800-929-0847 to see what your best options are. If you choose to do a legal, chain-of-custody test (as opposed to an at-home test), you’ll receive a court-admissible report.

          Reply
  2. Tom

    Need a DNA test done tomorrow. Where can I go.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Tom. Give us a call at 800-681-7162 and we can arrange that for you.

      Reply
      • tanya

        Hey i was wondering how do I go about getting a dna test done…if the father isn’t willing to do it

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Tanya. You can test with some of the possible father’s close relatives, if they are willing to do so. I suggest you contact us directly at 800-681-7162 to discuss your options with one of our experts.

          Reply
    • Lynn

      My husband has been told his dad is not his dad. Dad has passed away but his daughter from another woman is alive. How soon can you get results and what test would we do. She and my husband will be meeting in Spokane Washington next week

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Lynn. They can do a half-sibling vs. unrelated test. It is best if both your husband’s mother and the daughter’s mother can also contribute their DNA. I suggest you or your husband contact us to set up a test at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern), and have testing materials expedited to all parties.

        Reply
  3. Sandra

    Thank you for your comment about first figuring out why you would need a DNA test, and then finding professionals in that field. My sister has been looking or a place that can see what she is genetically disposed towards in terms of fitness. I will be sure to forwarded his article to her, so that she can know where to look.

    Reply
    • Zonke

      Morning my brother was take dna with child bt i don’t understand the result for dnatest please help me what happening

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Zonke. If you are a participant in the test, you’re welcome to contact us to ask about it at 800-831-1906 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern).

        Reply
  4. John

    I had a DNA test kit from ANCESTRY and after several calls to them I still cannot get the results from my DNA sample that I sent to them. I will address hat problem later.
    How much does your kit cost and will you promise that i receive the results?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, John. Most of our ancestry tests are marketed under our HomeDNA brand. You can see our choices and pricing here: https://homedna.com/category/ancestry
      If you have questions about which one might be right for you, you’re welcome to call us directly M-F from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern at 800-281-2916.

      Reply
  5. Billy

    Wondering what type dna test I need to take to learn my ethnic background. European, Latino, Native American, etc., also what does this type of test cost?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Billy. There are lots of different types of ancestry tests. We recommend those offered through our HomeDNA brand. You can see options here, and you’re welcome to contact us for recommendations and/or guidance at 800-281-2916: https://homedna.com/category/ancestry

      Reply
    • Sumon

      Where can I go for paternity DNA test & how much cost for it

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Sumon. Where are you located, please?

        Reply
  6. Tasha

    My grandpa has someone who thinks he is her father. We are wanting a paternity test done to find out if he is her father or not. My grandpa is in Michigan and the lady who might be his daughter is in California. How do we go about getting a paternity test done with them being in different states.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Tasha. Call us directly to order and we’ll be sure to send testing results to both parties: 800-681-7162.

      Reply
  7. Colleen

    What is the lowest cost for doing a paternity test? And where in montego bay Jamaica can it be done?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Colleen. For information about testing in Jamaica, please contact our sales team directly via email ([email protected]) or via phone: 1-513-881-7800.

      Reply
      • Teresa

        So dna can be done at a lawyers office? So if I got a dna test from a store, and take it unopened to my lawyer, he can oversee it and it be used in court? Am I correct? Also, the father is in jail at the moment and probably won’t be transported for that. Can his “possible father’s” mother be the one to be swabbed instead?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Teresa. For results to be able to be used in court, it must be ordered directly through the lab and the lab sends it to the approved 3rd party who will supervise DNA collection. That way, chain of custody is maintained. You cannot use a home kit for legal reasons, even if the DNA collection is witnessed. And yes, the possible grandma can definitely test in place of her son. Be sure the mother submits her DNA as well. You can order this test by calling 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).

          Reply
  8. Adel

    So far, his children have not made an appointment at the US Embassy in Egypt

    Reply
  9. Michelle

    Yes I’m looking to get a DNA test done for my daughter who lost her dad before she was born just to make sure his her dad so we could get start on her receive benefits for dad.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Michelle. You have several options:
      (1) The possible father’s next of kin can see if the funeral home has a blood card of his on file. If so, we can extract DNA from the card and use it for a paternity test
      (2) If they are willing and available, you and the child can test with one or both of the possible father’s parents
      (3) If the possible father has other known children, a half-sibling test with your child may be an option
      You’re welcome to contact us directly and speak with one of our experts. They’ll listen to your situation and help determine which option might be best for you: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern). All the best to you!

      Reply
  10. Samson

    Good morning,please im looking to get a dna test done for my son and i dont really know how to go about it and where it be done.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Samson. If you are in the United States, you can call us at 800-681-7162. If not, call our international number at 1-513-881-7800. Our business hours are M-F from 8 am to 6 pm Eastern Time. You’re also welcome to email us after hours at [email protected] and one of our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

      Reply
  11. Peter

    I leave in Tennessee now but I got a kid in west Virginia and I need a DNA test to put on my son’s birth certificate because of court matters. Me and the mother both know without doubt that he is in fact my child

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Peter. You need a legal paternity test, which we can arrange for you. Please contact one of our DNA specialists at 800-681-7162, M-F 8 am to 8 pm Eastern.

      Reply
  12. Rick

    I want to know if my 30 year old daughter is really mine what DNA test do we need to get

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Rick. It depends on what you want to use the results for. If you just want to know for your own peace of mind, then the DDC home paternity test kit would be best. If you anticipate needing results for a legal reason, then you would want to choose a legal paternity test. You can see all paternity options here: https://dnacenter.com/paternity-testing/

      Reply
  13. Judy

    To prove absolute paternity of father to daughter – what percentage does it need to be? Is 75% sufficient? What is there are missing markers? If the DNA testing centre had difficulties twice getting DNA off of the swab sheet would they not offer to do it again? Are they required to? Does it not have to show 99% or nothing? Would it be possible that the female had sex with different men on the same day causing such a low match or result?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Judy. There is no reason why, with today’s technology, any lab would issue an inconclusive result of 75% probability of relationship. A lab can always test additional markers and/or include the mother’s DNA to obtain a 99%+ result or 0% result if the man is not the father. The female having sex with different men on the same day would not make a difference.

      Reply
  14. Jason

    Need a dna test done soon as tomorrow

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Jason. Contact us at 800-929-0847 M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern.

      Reply
      • Bonnie

        My Mom was 14 years old when I was born.
        She is now deceased.
        I just found out that my Father may have been her Step – Father who is also deceased.
        How do I find out if my Uncles are actually my half – brothers?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Bonnie. With so many possible biological relationships involved in your question, I think it’s best if you talk things through with one of our experts to determine what might be best. Contact 800-929-0847 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).

          Reply

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