MAY 22, 2018

How Long Does a DNA Test Take?

With paternity confirmation on the line, many expectant parents want to know exactly how long a DNA test will take. For most tests, once your samples reach the lab, the answer is 1 to 2 business days. The wait depends on which test you’re taking and how the sample gets collected.

A standard at-home paternity test moves fast. A court-ordered case working through a county process, or an ancestry test built on a much wider genetic comparison, can add days or weeks before testing even begins, for reasons that have nothing to do with lab speed.

Either way, DDC runs every postnatal paternity test twice, through independent teams, before a report goes out. DDC sends an email with secure online access to your report the same day testing finishes, rather than making you wait on a phone call or a letter in the mail.

Turnaround Times for Other DNA Tests

Paternity testing isn’t the only test DDC offers, and timelines shift depending on what’s being tested and how.

• Non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) testing returns results in as little as 3 business days, since it requires a maternal blood sample processed with specialized methodology rather than a simple cheek swab.
• Immigration DNA testing can complete lab analysis in as few as 2 business days once every sample arrives, but overseas collection through an embassy or consulate can add anywhere from days to months, which is entirely outside the lab’s control.
• Ancestry testing, like DDC’s GPS Origins Advanced Ancestry Test, takes about 6 weeks, since it compares your DNA against more than 1,000 reference populations rather than a handful of relatives.

Why Court-Ordered Tests Take Longer

A court-ordered paternity test tied to a family court case almost always takes longer than a private one, not because of anything the lab does. The county or court has to process the order, coordinate collection appointments, and route paperwork through its own system before DDC ever receives a sample. None of that has a rush option, so a court-ordered case can run several weeks or more even though the lab itself turns results around in 1 to 2 business days.

Tips for Getting Faster Results

A few things speed up the process on your end:

• Choose an accredited lab that processes samples in-house rather than shipping them to a separate facility.
• Schedule your collection appointment as soon as possible if you need a legal or immigration test.
• Ask about expedited processing, including same-day options in some cases, since these aren’t offered by every provider.

Why Choose DDC for Paternity Testing

DDC has held AABB accreditation since 1996 and CLIA accreditation for more than 19 years, and its Cincinnati lab processes close to 1 million samples annually for customers in more than 160 countries. Every postnatal paternity test runs twice through independent teams before results ship, so turnaround stays fast without cutting corners on accuracy. Order a home paternity test online, or call 1.800.681.7162 to set up a legal, court-admissible test with a DNA advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get same-day DNA test results?

In some cases, yes. DDC offers expedited processing options beyond the standard 1 to 2 business day window, including same-day results for certain paternity tests. Availability depends on the specific test and your location, so ask your DNA advisor about it when you set up collection.

How long does a paternity test take until you get the result?

Once your sample arrives at the lab in Cincinnati, Ohio, results are processed in 1-2 business days. The collection method is what affects when you’ll get the results. A home test uses a cheek swab kit you mail in yourself, so you’ll get the results quickly. A legal DNA test has to be collected by a third party at a supervised location so the chain of custody holds up in court. This can add several weeks to the process and affects when you get the results of the test.

Does mailing my sample on a weekend or holiday add to the wait?

Turnaround times are measured in business days for a reason. A sample that arrives at the lab on a Friday won’t start processing until the next business day, and holidays push the timeline the same way a weekend does.

What happens if my sample doesn’t have enough DNA to test?

Accredited labs, including DDC, will request a new sample rather than proceed with an insufficient one, since a compromised sample risks an unreliable result. It happens rarely with a properly collected cheek swab, but it’s the reason careful collection matters as much as lab speed.

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!