Commonly asked questions

1. Can DNA Testing be done without the mothers sample?
    Yes the testing can be completed without having moms sample. However about one case out of every 200 will need     additional testing or the mothers sample. Therefore it is always recommended to include the mothers samples if possible.

2. How are the samples collected? Do you have to use blood?
    Most collections are performed with a sterile swab. The swabs are rubbed inside the cheek collecting epithelial cells from all tested individuals. The collection is painless. Samples are collected from one person at a time and sealed in front of the clients.

3. Can blood be used for testing?
    Yes blood can be used from one or all people being tested. Results are guaranteed with either blood or the epithelial cheek cells.

4. How old does the child have to be?
    Testing can be completed on newborns, any age child or adult. We can even do prenatal testing. With prenatal testing there is a increased cost and the mothers Obstetric Doctor will have to preform collection of the samples.

5. Can testing be completed if the alleged father is deceased?
    Yes there are several ways to do the testing. Samples can be collected at the time of autopsy like cheek cells, blood or a tissue sample. Other options are if they had recent surgery or blood work at a hospital the next of kin can sign a release of the samples. Or if the grandparents are available, we can do GrandParentage collections.

6. What if the mother and child and the alleged father live in different cities or states?
    Testing can be performed anywhere in the U.S. as well as in different countries. We have collection sites nationwide. Our client will be responsible for one shipping fee and we will cover the other shipping fee if it is in the U.S. As soon as both sets of samples get to our lab testing begins and results are available for release in 2 business days.

7. How long does a standard paternity test take?
    Our tests are available for the alleged father and child or the alleged father, child and mother in 3 business days from the day of collection. Other testing may take additional testing time. Please talk to your case manager with any questions.

8. Do I need a Doctor or a Attorney to get a Legal DNA Test?  
    No, except if you live in the State of New York. Our lab requires a written prescription from a Doctor in the State of New York or a Court Order. We can fax the prescription to your personal MD or MD of your request.
 
9. Do any insurance companies cover the cost of a paternity test?
    No, DNA testing is not considered a medical necessity. There is no insurance company that will pay for DNA Testing.

10. What kind of payment does DNA Discovery take and can we make payments?
    DNA Discovery accepts Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, Debit Cards, VISA, Master Card, Discover Card, and American Express. We can also accept cash for our local collections. Payments may be made but we can not release the results until the final payment is made.