Are home DNA paternity testing kits available?
Yes. Several laboratories offer home testing kits that can be purchased over the Internet. The kits contain all the necessary materials and instructions for conducting a cheek cell swab test. After the DNA cheek cells are collected, the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. If directions are correctly followed, the testing technique and accuracy of a privately conducted home test does not differ compared with a test required by court order. For court ordered testing, however, the alleged father would need to report to a facility so that the testing can be witnessed and fingerprints and photographs can be confirmed. Although home testing kits are available, testing methodology and quality may vary from laboratory to laboratory. For these reasons, it’s wise to have the paternity test conducted by a physician with expertise in medical genetics. These physicians have years of experience in conducting genetic tests and working with reliable laboratories. Can the results of a home t
