Frequently Asked Questions for Paternity Testing

1. Can the test be performed without the mother?
Yes. The test can be completed by testing only the child and the alleged father. There is no difference in the accuracy of the test if the mother is not tested.

2. Is blood collection required?
No. Using the latest technology, a buccal cell sample taken from the mouth is now the newest and recommended method for sample collection. A buccal cell sample can be collected quickly, painlessly and discreetly using the Genetrack Private Testing Kit. A person’s DNA is the same in every cell of the body, regardless of whether it is a blood cell or buccal cell. The results obtained from buccal cells are 100% accurate and buccal cell collection is the method of choice for both private and legal cases.

3. The child and alleged father live in different cities. Can I order a DNA paternity test if the different parties to be tested are not together?
Yes, a DNA paternity test can be easily conducted even if the different parties are in different cities or even in different countries. Just provide the two addresses in the comments box of the online order form and the kit will be split and sent separately to two different addresses. After collection, each individual can separately send the specimens back to the DNA laboratory. The DNA specimens will be tested together at the DNA laboratory.

4. Can I order a DNA paternity test kit if I live outside of the US?
Yes, the Genetrack DNA Sample Collection Kit can be sent to any country worldwide.

5. How old does the child have to be?
The Genetrack DNA Paternity testing kit can be used for patients at any age. Even newborns could be tested quickly and painlessly using the Genetrack DNA paternity testing kit. DNA testing can even be performed before the child is born. Click here for prenatal testing instructions.

6. What is the difference between a DNA paternity test which guarantees 99% for paternity inclusions / 100% for paternity exclusions, and a paternity test which guarantees 99.9% for paternity inclusions / 100% for paternity exclusions?
Paternity tests which guarantee 99.9% for paternity inclusions are at least 10 times more powerful than paternity tests which guarantee only 99%. Paternity tests which guarantee 99.999% are considered premium paternity tests and are 1000 times more powerful than those which offer 99%. Genetrack guarantees 99.999% or greater for inclusions and 100% for exclusions.

7. How long does it take for results?
Our laboratory begins testing right away when we receive the samples. The test is completed in 3 to 5 working days.

8. Is the kit easy to use?
Yes. The collection kit comes complete with all of the necessary materials and instructions for safe and painless buccal cell collection. The collection should take less than 5 minutes per person and is completely safe and painless.

9. What is the difference between the legal and the private test?
There is no difference in the testing technique or the accuracy between the legal and private test. The only difference is that with the legal test, you will need to attend an appointment so that we can identify you and collect your fingerprints and photographs (Click here for legal testing instructions). With the discreet private test, you do not need to provide photographs and fingerprints. Using the Genetrack DNA Collection kit, you can collect the samples anywhere, anytime.

10. Can the results from the Home DNA Test be used in court?
Genetrack now offers the "Court Admissible Home DNA Test Kit" which allows you to use your test results in court. If you will be using your home test in court, please ensure that you choose the "Court Admissible" option.

11. What other types of samples can be tested, other than buccal cells?
DNA testing can be performed on a wide range of forensic samples. Examples of samples which can be tested include: dried blood stains, saliva stains, hair, bone, licked stamps, razor shavings, etc. Please Contact Genetrack for details.