Getting a DNA paternity test done can be a life-changing event. The last thing you need is added stress from wondering if you chose the right lab or whether you were ripped off by a paternity test cost you weren’t even aware of. Not all DNA labs are created equal, so be smart and do a little research before selecting a test—it’ll save you heartache and maybe even money too, in the long run. And some hidden costs have nothing to do with money…Here are some red flags to watch out for: Buyer beware!

How Much Does that Paternity Test Cost—Really?

DNA testing has become hot in the last decade or so, which is great for consumers looking for reliable scientific answers to many important questions. The downside is that this explosion in popularity has given rise to fly-by-night DNA companies that seek to make a mark in the industry by offering services at rock-bottom pricing. How do they get the price so low?

The customer is gouged on shipping costs: The price advertised never includes the cost of shipping the DNA collection kit. Shipping can actually set you back an extra 20%, which is a hidden paternity test cost you weren’t planning on paying.

They do not maintain a brick and mortal lab and instead outsource to others: Some low-cost paternity testing outfits send samples to labs that may or may not be accredited. With something as important as this type of test, you want to know your samples are in good hands and that the analysis is sound.

“They do cheap processing to create a profit margin, but they’re doing it at the expense of your trust.”

Some DNA labs sell your private information to third parties: Selling DNA profiles for research or other reasons helps the company make up for the financial hit they take by offering low-cost testing. This practice raises all kinds of privacy issues and is often only disclosed to consumers in the fine print.

Paternity Test Cost Isn’t Just About Money

There are also hidden costs that don’t have anything at all to do with how much you pay for a paternity test.

The cost of TIME: When you do this kind of test, waiting for results is really hard! Even if they are legitimate labs, many super-low-cost paternity outfits make their customers wait a relatively long time to get results: 3-5 days or even 5-7 days. Testing with the best lab may cost a little bit more, but results are returned in just 1-2 business days—and that speed of service is priceless.

The cost of TRUST:  When choosing who should do your paternity test, take a few minutes to check accreditations. Does the lab maintain the highest levels of accreditation or is it accredited by just one or two organizations? The most trusted labs in America and the world maintain accreditations from at least the following: AABB, CAP, and ISO 9001:2000. The best ones have even more. Do you trust who you’re testing with? You cannot put a price on peace of mind.

 DID YOU KNOW? That for DNA relationship test results to be accepted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency, the lab must be AABB accredited? This is just one of the four requirements for immigration testing. Many low-cost labs do not qualify to provide this service.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IMMIGRATION DNA TESTING >

How Much is Too Much?

Paternity test cost varies widely: all the way up to $400 or more. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get excellent services, but you can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a home paternity test when you test directly through a reputable lab. Anything less than that should raise red flags. When in doubt, do your homework—you’ll see that hidden costs just aren’t worth the price.

Don’t hesitate to call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.

Do you have questions or comments about a paternity test cost or testing services in general? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.