FAQs

How much does a paternity test cost?

Please visit our Fee Schedule page to view our test fees. If you have any questions about the prices, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-833-0992.

Is there a minimum age for collecting a DNA sample?

No. Because DNA is set at conception and generally does not change, a paternity test can be performed on a person of any age—even on a sample from an unborn child (through prenatal testing). At birth, blood from the umbilical cord can be taken for use as a DNA sample source, or a buccal swab can be collected from the newborn.

Can a paternity test be performed without the mother?

Yes. If the mother's participation is not possible, we can perform a motherless paternity test at no additional charge. A motherless test requires more extensive analysis to produce conclusive results, but the results are just as accurate as those of a standard paternity test.
DDC encourages mothers to participate in paternity testing for the following reasons:

Mothers who participate are guaranteed to receive a copy of the test results. Due to DDC's strict confidentiality policy, we are only able to release results to those tested, their authorized representatives (such as an attorney), or the tested child's legal custodian.

Some courts require the mother to participate in a paternity test.

The mother's participation aids in the analysis of unexpected results. Her participation is especially helpful in the rare cases when a mutation (a random change in the DNA) has affected the results.

Can you do a paternity test before the baby is born?

Yes. If the mother is between 10 and 24 weeks pregnant, an OB-GYN can collect a DNA sample from the developing child through either chorionic villi sampling (10-13 weeks) or amniocentesis (14-24 weeks). The baby's prenatal sample is then compared against the mother's and alleged father's DNA samples, which are collected using the standard buccal swabbing method.

If the mother is more than 24 weeks pregnant, she must wait until the baby is born to do a paternity test. However, a newborn infant can be swabbed any time following birth, so a paternity test can be started soon after the delivery.

For more information about paternity testing during pregnancy, please visit our Prenatal Paternity Test page or call one of our helpful case managers at 1-800-833-0992.

What types of samples do you use?

Most of the time, the samples we test are buccal swabs, or cheek swabs. Buccal swabbing is a quick and painless procedure that involves rubbing a cotton-like swab against the inside of the patient’s cheek.

We can test a number of other types of samples as well.

In a prenatal paternity test, for example, we will examine a DNA sample collected from the developing child through chorionic villi sampling or amniocentesis.

In a case involving a deceased individual, we can test a blood or tissue sample that has been stored at the coroner’s or medical examiner’s office. However, we first need to perform a viability test on the sample to make sure it contains sufficient DNA for testing.

Do you have payment plans?

As part of our mission to make the best DNA testing services accessible and affordable, we offer flexible payment plans to individuals who need time to pay for their tests. To have a standard paternity test started, we only require a nonrefundable partial payment of $100. From there, we will do our best to accommodate your payment needs. Please note that your test results can only be released once the balance is paid in full. To discuss your payment options in more detail, please call one of our helpful case managers at 1-800-833-0992.

Do I need a physician's order or a court order to have a paternity test done?

No. Private individuals can take a DNA test without a physician's request or court order. However, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) only allows clinical laboratories to examine specimens at the request of licensed physicians or other persons authorized by law to use the test results in their practice or in the performance of their official duties. If you are a resident of New York, please call 1-800-833-0992 for assistance.

How will you protect my privacy?

We take our patients' privacy very seriously, and we have a strict confidentiality policy in place.

• We will not release any information about your case to anyone without your authorization.
• We will always follow any special instructions you give us for communicating with you or other parties involved in your test.
• We never release test results over the phone.