DNA Testing

How does DNA testing work?

DNA testing methods vary, but but most methods can perform with very high levels of accuracy.

There are many reasons why you might want to get a DNA test. Although we often see DNA testing used in TV forensics shows, and in fact DNA testing is used in real life criminal cases, the most common reason out there for getting a DNA test is to determine paternity. DNA paternity testing conclusively determines if a man is the father of a particular child. DNA maternity tests and sibling tests are also available. For those who are interested in genealogy or ethnic origins, many DNA labs now offer DNA ancestry testing.

If you're wondering how to get a DNA test, you can find quite a few DNA labs online. There are certainly walk-in DNA labs scattered around the country, but using an online DNA testing provider is one of the most convenient ways to get a DNA test. For DNA paternity testing, online labs will normally send you a free DNA sample collection kit. Once you've collected your DNA samples, you return them along with payment to the DNA lab.

Most testing for relationships, like paternity, maternity and siblingship, is also divided into “DNA testing for peace of mind” and DNA testing for legal proceedings. You can get a DNA test for peace of mind quite easily. The cost is usually lower and you can collect your own DNA samples yourself at home, and with total 100% confidentiality. But if the DNA test results are to be used in legal situations, such as custody suits or criminal cases, then it's important to purchase legally admissible DNA testing from the lab. For DNA test results to be accepted by a court, DNA samples must be collected by a neutral third party. The third party is there to confirm the identity of the DNA donors and to ensure that chain of custody rules are observed.

Once the DNA samples are collected, they are returned to the lab for analysis. DNA test results can normally be received in as few as five working days. For an extra fee, some DNA labs offer a three day turnaround of test results. Test results are usually mailed to the recipient. Some online DNA labs offer online results.

How your results will look depend on what type of DNA test you ordered. For example, in a DNA paternity test, the alleged father is either excluded or not excluded.  (You will never be told that the alleged father is definitely the father, no one is willing to accept liability for that because there always is that tiny, tiny chance that the test went wrong.) Paternity and maternity tests can provide conclusive results. DNA sibling tests are more complex and the results will be given in the form of a perctentage chance of sibling relationship. DNA ancestry testing results vary by the company that provides them  In all cases, it is advisable to do some online research ahead time so you'll know that the test you've ordered provides the kind of results you are looking for.

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