How long does a paternity test take? What would cause delays?

Testing begins once your samples arrive at the laboratory. If there are no issues with your sample, your test will be completed within 1-2 business days after the laboratory receives your samples. Shipping time is NOT included.

Please note that the #1 priority of the laboratory is the quality of the testing and the absolute accuracy of your results. The estimated turnaround time cannot be guaranteed if an exception is encountered, and the laboratory will not under any circumstances sacrifice the quality of the test in order to speed up the turnaround time. Additional fees may apply if additional testing or recollection is required.

Common Reasons for Testing Delays or Issues

The following are common situations that can lead to delays in testing, require a new sample collection (recollection), or prevent results from being obtained:

1. Degraded DNA Samples (Poor Sample Quality)

Poor quality DNA can cause testing delays or require recollection. This often happens by accidentally placing swabs back into their original packaging (e.g., foil) instead of directly into the provided specimen envelope after sample collection, or by not allowing swabs to air dry completely before sealing them in the specimen envelope.

2. Insufficient DNA on Swabs

Not having enough DNA on the swabs may result in delays in testing or recollection. Common mistakes that lead to low quantity of DNA on the swabs include not rubbing the swabs firmly against the inside of the cheek for the recommended time (e.g., 30 seconds), spitting onto the swab instead of rubbing it inside the cheek, swabbing an area other than the inside of the cheek, or eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing teeth within 1 hour before collecting the sample.

3. Contaminated samples

If a DNA sample is found to be contaminated, recollection will be required. Common reasons why a DNA swab sample might be poor quality include: (1) breastfeeding or having things inside the mouth within 1 hour prior to collection; (2) placing swabs from two different people into the same envelope.

4. Swabbing a relative of the Alleged Father instead of the Alleged Father using the Alleged Father's kit

A standard DNA Paternity Test kit is designed for one alleged father and one child. If the named alleged father is not available, do not use his kit to swab a different relative (e.g., a brother or parent), as this will lead to incorrect or inconclusive results for the purchased test. If you need to test a relative instead of the alleged father, please contact the laboratory. We can help you determine the appropriate test (e.g., Grandparentage or Sibling Test) and make necessary arrangements. Additional charges may apply for a different test type.

5. Putting the swabs into the wrong envelope

Accidentally placing the Child's swab into the Alleged Father's envelope and vice versa, or accidentally putting the Child and Alleged Father's swabs into the same envelope.

6. Not using the swabs provided in the kit

All samples must be collected using the buccal swabs provided in the test kit. If you submit a sample that is not collected using the buccal swabs provided in the kit, you will not get a result. 

7. Incomplete or incorrect information on form

Each individual must complete the consent form on the back of the specimen envelope. Ensure that the name on the form matches the name that you entered when you activated the kit. For minors, the consent form must be completed by a legal guardian.

8. Gender mismatch

Recollection may be required if the gender indicated on the specimen envelope or form does not match the biological sex of the DNA sample provided (e.g., a female sample submitted for the "Alleged Father" slot).

9. Insufficient Number of Swabs Submitted

You must collect two buccal swabs per person. Both swabs must be submitted for each person participating in the test. If you submit only one swab per person, recollection may be required.

10. Genetic variations or mutations

If the laboratory discovers a rare genetic variation or a potential mutation, additional testing may be required. If the mother was not included in the test originally, the laboratory may contact you to request the addition of the mother to the test in order to further investigate the potential mutation.

11. Testing Related Alleged Fathers

In cases where the Alleged Fathers are related to each other (such as brothers, or father and son), it is highly recommended to test both alleged fathers in order to exclude one of them. Adding the mother to the test is also highly recommended in cases where the potential fathers are related to each other.