Frequently Asked Questions
Is the laboratory conducting the testing in the United States?
American Paternity’s laboratory is located near Cincinnati, Ohio. Our laboratory strictly adheres to the standards of the American Association of Blood Banks, the College of American Pathologists, and the International Organization for Standardization.
Many companies have a U.S. address but actually send out your samples for testing by laboratories in other countries, where they might not be as highly monitored for quality testing. With American Paternity, you are assured of making a reliable choice.
Can the test be performed without the mother?
In many situations, the mother does not want to be tested. American Paternity can provide accurate, conclusive results by testing only the child and the alleged father.
Is sample collection painful?
Not at all. You will be collecting DNA samples using special swabs called "buccal swabs." The buccal swabs are rubbed gently on the inner cheek inside the mouth to collect DNA. Buccal swabs are painless and can be used to collect samples from individuals at any age.
If you are collecting samples for an in-home paternity test, we’ll send you an easy-to-follow sample collection kit. The collection kit comes complete with all of the necessary materials and instructions for safe and painless buccal cell collection. The collection should take less than 5 minutes per person and is completely safe and painless.
Do I have to go to a laboratory to have the DNA test?
You can choose either our in-home paternity test, in which you collect the samples yourself at your convenience or our legal paternity test, in which a trained professional collects your samples at one of our collection sites. We have a network of over 2,000 collection sites in the United States, and we can schedule a convenient appointment at a location close to your work or home. You should take a legal paternity test if you are going to use the results in court or other government agencies.
Can I order a DNA paternity test kit if I live outside of the U.S.?
Yes, our DNA sample collection kit can be sent to any country, worldwide.
How old does the child have to be to be tested?
Our DNA sample collection kit can be used for patients at any age. Even newborns can be tested quickly and painlessly. If you need to determine paternity before the child is born, you can request our prenatal testing service.
How long do I have to wait for the results?
Our laboratory begins testing right away when we receive the samples. The test is completed in 5 working days and results are available immediately via email, phone, or first-class mail. You may also choose our express testing services to complete testing within 1 or 3 working days. Please call us at 1-800-281-2906 if you would like to request this option.
Can the paternity test results be used in court?
American Paternity’s in-home paternity test may not be accepted in courts and other legal agencies. The sample collection procedure used in an in-home test does follow the chain of custody process, which requires that samples be collected by an impartial third party who testifies to the identities of the persons tested. If you require a DNA test for legal purposes, please contact us using our online form or call us at 1-800-281-2906.
Do you charge for telephone consultations?
All telephone consultations are free of charge. You are welcome to contact our laboratory at any time by phone at 1-800-281-2906 or e-mail for scientific advice or to obtain test results.
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