Paternity DNA Testing - Compare Prices
What is the Cost of Paternity DNA Testing?
When trying to establish the estimated cost of paternity testing using DNA it is important to realize there are two types of testing that can be done, “curiosity” testing that is often associated with “do it yourself” kits that can be done online and official, court-recognized testing that must be done through medical personnel under supervised conditions. Pricing can vary greatly depending on the type of test and when the test it given.
For “do it yourself” testing that is done by submitting samples to a lab via the mail the pricing varies depending on market conditions. However, the price range is often seen between $120 - $200 dollars. This price usually includes analyzing samples from three individuals: the child, the biological mother and the suspected father. Each sample must be handled independent of the other. Most “do it yourself” testing kits come with instructions as well as buccal swabs to collect the samples for DNA analysis. By placing them inside the mouth and rubbing against the cheeks they will collect cell samples that can then be analyzed. Pricing is also dependent on turnaround time for the tests, which can vary from 1-2 day analysis to several weeks.
For court-approved, regulated testing the price range varies from $250 - $2,000 depending on at what stage the testing is required. Prenatal testing is the most expensive because it requires the greatest amount of work and the highest risk. Testing of a child after birth can usually be done with the buccal swab method and is considered standard testing with no additional costs. The price is usually set forth by the hospital or other medical facility doing the testing and results are returned usually within one week of having the samples collected.
The cost of doing paternity testing by DNA has fallen significantly in the past few years, both for at-home and supervised testing, because of advances in the technology that provide the results. Most DNA samples nowadays are analyzed completely by computer and automated machinery that extract the DNA samples and run comparisons against known markers in both the biological mother and subject father DNA. As technology continues to improve the cost will continue to come down.
If you are preparing for a court case that deals with paternity it is important to talk with your lawyer about which method is acceptable by the court. Some courts do allow the use of at-home testing, but many require court-approved testing to be performed. The costs of court-mandated testing are usually divided equally between the mother and the father should paternity be established. If paternity is not established then in most cases it is the plaintiff who is responsible for the full cost of the testing.
DNA testing continues to evolve as a “curiosity” for many which has fueled the at-home methods and created such an active marketplace for labs to advertise their services. Most at-home labs will provide the collection kits free of charge and only charge for the anlysis done on the returned samples. One important area to keep in mind when going with an at-home testing lab is the privacy policy associated with the DNA they collect. Recent stories have come to light of labs that are collected and re-selling the information they collect about DNA tests performed. Just as with any other type of information, there are companies who will buy the names and addresses of individuals with specific DNA profile matches. Always insist on seeing the privacy policy of any DNA testing facility you use and make sure that they have in place a policy of destroying the data and the samples once testing is complete.