DNA
Paternity Test
DNA paternity testing determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship. We have collection sites available nationwide.
The result of a DNA paternity test is either an exclusion (the alleged father is not the biological father), or an inclusion (the alleged father is considered the biological father). For a standard paternity test, DDC guarantees at least 99.99% probability of paternity for inclusions or 100% certainty of exclusion.
Test Types: Legal and Home DNA Test
The type of paternity test you need will depend on what you intend to use the DNA test results for:
- If you need paternity test results that can be used as a legal document (for example, to change the name on the birth certificate or to obtain child support and other benefits), a Legal DNA Test needs to be performed (described below).
- However, if you need the test only for personal knowledge, a Home DNA Test willl suffice.
Unlike the Home DNA Test, where tested parties collect their own samples at their convenience, the Legal DNA Test follows a Chain of Custody documentation process to ensure that you receive accurate and legally defensible results. When you set up your case with ON DEMAND MEDICAL TESTING we will coordinate a convenient sample collection appointment at one of our nationwide sites, during which a trained sample collector will complete all the necessary documentation to satisfy chain of custody requirements.
If you have determined that you do not need a DNA test for a legal matter — and only want to take a paternity test strictly for your own knowledge — a home DNA test might be an appropriate option for you. In a home DNA test, the tested parties collect the DNA samples themselves, at a time and place of their choosing. You can simply call or come by our office or place an online paternity test order, and we will send you the kit in discreet packaging.
Please note that the results of a home DNA test cannot be used as legal proof of paternity, because the identity of the persons tested cannot be verified.
Prenatal Paternity Test
$650.00
Patients who wish to determine paternity during pregnancy may take a prenatal paternity test. Like a standard paternity test, the prenatal test compares the baby’s DNA profile with that of the alleged father. Because the baby’s DNA is set at conception, the prenatal test gives the same conclusive results as the standard paternity test. We do not recommend this as a stand-alone procedure but might be considered when the procedure is done for other reasons.
To obtain samples from the unborn child, an OB-GYN uses either of two procedures depending on the stage of pregnancy: chorionic villi sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. The details of each procedure are tabulated below.
| Chorionic Villi Sampling | Amniocentesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage of pregnancy | 10th through 13th week | 14th through 24th week |
| Type of cells collected | Cells from the placenta, a membrane surrounding the developing fetus. | Loose fetal cells released into the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus |
| Collection procedure | Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN uses a catheter through the vagina or a long, hollow needle through the abdomen (depending on the position of the fetus) to collect cells. | Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN uses a long needle through the abdomen to collect fluid. |
Because both procedures are invasive, there are slight medical risks that the mother must discuss with her OB-GYN.
To arrange for a prenatal test, or call us at 1-601-206-9326 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-601-206-9326 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to discuss your situation with one of our caring consultants. We strongly recommend the mother to ask if her OB-GYN is willing to perform the CVS/amniocentesis, or if the OB-GYN can refer her to a local OB-GYN who is willing to do so.
A prenatal paternity test costs $650 for testing the prenatal sample, the mother, and the father. The OB-GYN sample collection fee is not included in the test fee; this fee (ranging from $500-$1500) will be paid directly to the physician. If the mother is having the CVS or amniocentesis sample collected for medical purposes (in addition to paternity), her insurance company may cover this fee. If the mother does not have an OB-GYN, we will coordinate OB-GYN referrals for an additional fee; please contact us for more information.
Maternity Test
$340.00
Maternity DNA testing determines whether a woman could be the biological mother of a child. Like a DNA paternity test, it compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged mother to determine how likely it is that the child has inherited the DNA from the alleged mother.
Maternity test results may be used in the following circumstances:
- To confirm that an adoptee has been reunited with his/her birth mother
- To prove biological relationships in an immigration case.
- To confirm that an embryo conceived through in vitro fertilization was implanted into the correct mother
- To resolve situations in which mothers or hospital staff suspect that a baby mix-up has occurred in the nursery
In a maternity test, the child, alleged mother, and biological father are tested. The father’s participation in the maternity test helps to exclude half of the child’s DNA, leaving the rest for comparison with the alleged mother. If the father is not available, we can perform a fatherless test, which involves additional analysis, without additional charge.
Grandparentage Test (Paternal) 
With Mother $650 | Without Mother $775
A grand-parentage DNA test determines whether a couple could be the biological grandparents of a child. It is an indirect way to determine family relationships when an alleged father is not available for a paternity test. Grandparentage test results may be used as proof in Social Security benefit and other inheritance claims as well as in some immigration cases.
In the test, the child’s DNA profile is compared with the DNA profiles of the alleged father’s biological parents. Since a child inherits half of his/her DNA from the mother (maternal side) and half from the father (paternal side), the paternal half should match DNA passed down from the alleged grandparents. The mother’s participation is encouraged to expedite analysis; motherless grand-parentage tests take longer to complete because of the extended analysis required.