Paternity Testing

Why do a paternity test with us?

Simple

Taking the samples is easy, and you will receive a sterile sample kit with clear and precise instructions from us.

Discreet

We will never share or sell any data on our customers, and our sample kits come in unconspicuous packaging. If desired, the test can be carried out without the knowledge of those involved.

Forensic sample types

For extra stealth, we can also use forensic samples like tooth brushes, chewing gums, finger nails, cigarette butts or hair (with hair roots!) to extract DNA.

High Quality – even on a budget!

Because perform all analyses in-house, we can ensure a high level of quality while also keeping prices down.

Detailed Results

Each test result also comes with a detailed report and explanation of the results.

Legal Evidence

Upon request, we can ensure the test results fulfill all requirements for legal and official use cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I order a test?

After we receive your order and payment, we send you a sampling kit. Using the instructions that come with the kit, take a sample from both the child, the suspected father, and optionally, the mother. Then you send the packaged and labeled samples back to us for testing. You will receive the results a few days later.

How does a paternity test work?

We test specific regions of DNA (“markers”) that often vary between humans – think of them as forming a personal secret genetic number combination. Exactly half of the digits are inherited from the mother, and the other half from the father.

A paternity test is then as simple as checking whether half of the childs genetic digits match up with the father! If both parents are being tested, then it should be exactly the remaining digits that match up with the mother.

Can paternity tests reveal some underlying genetic condition?

No. We only test specific regions of DNA that often vary between individuals, but don’t affect any biological processes.

This is for your protection: Accidentally revealing a genetic condition or predisposition to third parties can easily result in uncomfortable situations or discrimination for the affected person. This is especially the case when the affected person wasn’t aware of the condition beforehand either.

If you think you might have some underlying genetic condition, you should consult a geneticist, and test for it intentionally.

Can there be any uncertainty with the test results?

It is possible for two people to have very similar genes just by chance (or if they are closely related to each other, e.g. father-son, brother-brother), which can result in a positive paternity test even with no actual genetic fatherhood relationship. The chances of this are typically low (see also the next question), and each test comes with a statistical analysis of this possibility.

The chances can be further reduced by also testing the mother and cross-comparing the results, or by testing more DNA locations until a set probability threshold is reached.

However, if a paternity test rules out genetic fatherhood, and the samples were all taken correctly, you can be very sure this result is correct.

Special case: What if the real father might be related (e.g. siblings, uncles) to the putative father?

Because siblings and other family members share more genetic material in common with each other, it can be more tricky to distinguish between them as fathers in a paternity test. The actual level of difficulty depends on how much the genetic material the two individuals actually share in common, which can vary widely even among siblings.

If you think anything like this might be the case, you should contact us so we can help you choose the best testing option for your situation.

Is it also possible to do a maternity test?

Yes. Paternity tests are actually general parenthood tests, and work just as well for proving genetic motherhood.

The testing procedure is exactly the same, just with the roles of ‘mother’ and ‘father’ reversed, but do leave us a note so we know there wasn’t a mix-up with the samples!

When already doing a paternity test where the mother is tested alongside the father, this can be used to simultaneously confirm the genetic motherhood without a second test.

What about testing for other kinds of family relations (grandparents, siblings, etc.)?

We can also test for other genetic relationships, but be aware that it can be more difficult to achieve reliable results.

The available options depend on the exact family relationship, the sex of the persons in question, and what other family members may be available for testing. Contact us to discuss the details of your specific case with us.