Why are your DNA testing prices lower than others?  Back to top
homeDNAdirect is able to offer competitive pricing for all of our DNA tests as we have entered into agreements with our laboratory partner to do bulk DNA testing. Thus we are able to pass the saving on to our clients.

What is ISO17025 accreditation?  Back to top
Laboratory ISO 17025 accreditation uses criteria and procedures specifically developed to determine technical competence. Specialist technical assessors conduct a thorough evaluation of all factors in a laboratory that affect the production of test or calibration data. Laboratory accreditation bodies use this standard specifically to assess factors relevant to a laboratory's ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data.

How much does a test cost?  Back to top
Prices depend on the test you are taking please refer to the pricing information on our Order DNA Test page.

When and how do I pay?   Back to top
Payment is made when ordering your test. We accept payment by either MasterCard or Visa. Payment can also be made by personal cheque, bankers draft or bank deposit to our international bank account. You can also collect your DNA kit and pay cash in person at our reception but only with prior notice as your case number needs to be allocated to you and quoted at reception. Kindly contact us directly to discuss your preferred payment option.

How soon will I get my test results?  Back to top
Once your samples are received by the laboratory, your results for most DNA tests will be ready within 5 working days. If you select the express option your Paternity Test results will be available within 48 hours of the lab receiving your samples. Discrete samples such as hair, chewing gum, cigarette butts etc can take a little longer but normally results will be available within the 5 - 7 day timeframe.

How does a Paternity Test work?  Back to top
Genetic testing identifies the unique genetic profile of an individual. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child's genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a DNA Paternity Test determines whether this person is the real biological father or can be excluded. The test is performed through our DNA Testing Kit we supply on order and the samples are taken according to the DNA Sample Collection Guide provided in the kit and on our website.

How accurate is the Paternity Test?  Back to top
homeDNAdirect's Paternity Test is extremely powerful in answering questions of parentage. Since we use 16 different genetic markers to build the genetic profile, our test is 100 times more accurate than that required in Court. The results guarantee minimum probabilities in excess of 99.99%.

Can a paternity test be performed without the mother?  Back to top
Yes, a paternity test can be carried out with just the child and the alleged Father but we recommend to have the Mothers DNA sample as well to strengthen results.

Will the DNA test kit arrive discreetly?  Back to top
Yes. The DNA collection Kit will be sent to you in a plain envelope, not marked with our company name. We also include a plain addressed envelope for you to send the samples back to us in.

Can my DNA test be used in court?  Back to top
The paternity test can be used in Court only if you purchase the Legal or Court Admissible DNA Test. This kind of test requires additional proof of identity and needs to follow a strict chain of custody process including third party sample collection and verification. The Peace-of-Mind/Curiosity Paternity Test is not legally admissable since the sampling process does not follow these procedures. This test is therefore valid for informative purposes only.

What is the Chain of Custody procedure?  Back to top
"Chain of custody" refers to the proper management or control of the DNA samples throughout the testing process. First, it requires a neutral third party to verify the identity of the individuals being tested and collect their DNA samples. Following that, the DNA samples and appropriate paperwork (including signed copies of identification papers) need to be delivered to the testing location ensuring that they have not been tampered with. Finally, the DNA laboratory performing the test needs to ensure they handle the DNA samples and paperwork correctly by tracking and documenting the DNA samples throughout all of the testing process. If the procedures are followed correctly, this will allow the laboratory to issue notarized test results that can be stand up in court.

In contrast, in the at-home or curiosity DNA tests, the samples are taken by the clients themselves and therefore there is no independent verification of the DNA samples. Hence the laboratory is not able to confirm the identity of the individuals doing the test.

How can I interpret the result?  Back to top
In our Understanding your DNA Results section, we have provided some examples of what our DNA Paternity Test result looks like. In addition, we have also provided comprehensive information on how to interpret the results.

From what samples is it possible to extract DNA?  Back to top
Human DNA can be extracted from any body fluid or tissue (saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc.) Also DNA can be extracted from any item that is contaminated with body fluids (chewing gum, cigarette butts, sanitary towels etc.) Please refer to our DNA Forensics secton and review our Non-standard DNA sample price list to see what is acceptable for DNA testing.

Is it possible to do DNA tests on hair samples?  Back to top
For a DNA extraction from a hair sample it is best if the hair is freshly pulled out/ taken from the head and that the hair follicle is still intact to the hair strand to get the best extraction results. The results from non-standard samples (as hair) depend very much on the condition of the sent sample. For example if hairs are sent, it is best if more than 5 hairs with root are pulled out from the head and sent for testing (hair without a root or shed hair do not give good results).

Is it possible to do infidelity testing by DNA analysis?  Back to top
There are some circumstances when it is possible to know if a woman has been with another man (or vice versa). For example, garments, sheets etc. that would probably have semen, saliva or similar on them ca be analysed. Our laboratory could perform a presumptive test to detect the presence of semen or saliva. DNA tests can be also performed to determine if semen/ saliva come from the person requesting the test or from another person.

What can be done if the alleged father doesn't want to give his DNA sample but a member of his family is willing to?  Back to top
It is possible to do paternity testing if a relative of the alleged father is tested. If only the child and relative of alleged father are tested, the results may not be completely conclusive. If the mother's DNA sample is available for the testing, the results will be more conclusive. Please refer to our DNA Relationship Testing section for more information on relationship testing.

How long can the DNA samples survive?  Back to top  
The DNA extracted from saliva (blood or some other biological material) can be stored for a number of years. Obviously the DNA sample has to be stored properly. If saliva swabs are used, it's important to leave swabs to dry completely before being placed in an envelope.