DNA Paternity Testing
Trusted, legal and at-home DNA paternity testing kits since 1995.
Why take a paternity test?
Whether you’re wondering if you’re the father of a child, not sure who your biological father is, or you just want to check the paternity of your child, a paternity test at DDC can help give you answers. Most of our paternity tests can be easily performed at home—when you’re finished you’ll simply send your sample into the lab where we’ll perform the test.
We offer three types of DNA paternity testing, one of which is ideal for your unique situation. On this page are brief overviews for Legal Paternity, Home Paternity, and Prenatal Paternity tests, along with a series of FAQs at the bottom of the page that answer popular questions.
Legal Paternity Testing
Legal DNA paternity testing (also known as chain-of-custody testing) provides results that may be used as proof of relationship for child support, custody, immigration, birth certificate, Social Security, or other legal reasons. Although this type of accurate DNA paternity test requires on-site testing, our network of paternity-testing collection sites makes the process easier.
Legal Paternity Testing
Legal paternity testing (also known as chain-of-custody testing) provides results that may be used as proof of relationship for child support, custody, immigration, birth certificate, Social Security, or other legal reason. Although this type of accurate paternity test requires on-site testing, our network of paternity-testing collection sites makes the process easier.
Home Paternity Testing
A home DNA paternity test kit is an excellent choice if you want an answer for personal knowledge or peace of mind only. Since test participants collect and submit their own DNA, results are not court-admissible. With prices starting at $199, our easy-to-use mail-in paternity test provides peace of mind right from the comfort of home.
Home Paternity Testing
A home paternity test kit is an excellent choice if you want an answer for personal knowledge or peace of mind only. Because test participants collect and submit their own DNA, results are not court-admissible. With prices starting at $199, our easy-to-use mail-in paternity test provides peace of mind right from the comfort of home.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test
A prenatal DNA paternity test provides paternity answers during pregnancy. Our technically-advanced, non-invasive test is AABB-accredited, accurate, can be performed as early as 7 weeks, and is completely safe for the mother and pregnancy.
Need assistance?
Still not sure which paternity test is best for you? You’re always welcome to contact us directly for a free confidential consultation.
Learn More about Paternity Testing
Q: What is paternity testing?
A: Postnatal paternity testing is a painless method for determining if a man is the biological father of a child through the collection of small cheek-swab samples from both parties.
Q: Where can I get a paternity test?
A: Regardless of your personal reasons for ordering a home paternity test, it’s essential to use a trusted accredited lab like DDC to perform the testing. You can buy a home kit online and mail it to the lab for processing. Legal and non-invasive prenatal paternity tests must be purchased directly from an accredited DNA-testing lab.
Q: What are the different types of paternity tests?
A:
- At-Home DNA Test: You collect DNA in the comfort of your own home with a simple cheek swab, and then mail it directly to the lab for processing. Results are for personal knowledge only
- Legal Paternity Test: This tests uses a chain-of-custody process to independently verify tested parties at the time of DNA collection. It’s required for cases involving child support and custody, immigration, inheritance disputes, and other legal matters
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test: Using free-floating fetal DNA found in the mother’s blood, this test allows individuals to safely determine paternity any time after the seventh week of pregnancy
Q: What are the benefits of paternity tests?
A: DNA testing is the gold standard for determining the paternity of a child. The advantages of paternity testing include:
- Access to legal rights and privileges such as health insurance or child support (legal paternity tests only)
- Insights about medical history (e.g., inherited conditions)
- The chance to develop emotional bonds and a sense of identity
- Peace of mind
Q: How long does a paternity test take?
A: DDC prides itself on delivering quick and accurate results. Home-test and legal-test results are generally posted 2 business days after samples are received at our lab, although next-day and same-day results are available for an additional fee. Non-invasive prenatal paternity test results are posted 7 business days after samples are received at the lab or in 3 business days for an additional fee.
Q: How does a paternity test work?
A: If you’re wondering how to get a paternity test or aren’t certain how it works, rest assured: the actual process is easy and quick. DNA is collected from the inside of the participants’ cheeks using a simple, painless swab. The DNA paternity test compares the collected sample from the possible father to that of a child (minor or adult) to determine the likelihood of a father/child biological relationship between the tested parties.
Q: Is there a DNA center near me?
A: If you’re wondering where to get a paternity test, DDC has this covered. We have more than 5,000 collection locations worldwide, including AABB-accredited DNA collection sites in 10 major metro areas in the United States. Call one of our specialists today and they’ll find the closest and most convenient paternity-testing location near you.
Q: How do I read my paternity test results?
A: We are required to use specific language in paternity-test reports. If you need assistance understanding any part of our report, watch this helpful video.
Reach Us
If you’re uncertain which paternity test is right for you or have any questions, our highly-experienced and dedicated experts are here to assist you. If you prefer to be contacted via email, use this secure form and one of our team will respond as soon as possible.
DNA Technology Park
1 DDC Way
Fairfield, OH 45014
USA:
INT: + 1.513.881.7800