4 Things You Need to Know Before Ordering an Online DNA Paternity Test

| April 6, 2025

With the rise of online DNA paternity testing, it has become easier than ever to determine biological relationships from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re seeking clarity for personal reasons or legal purposes, it’s important to understand key factors before ordering a test. Here are four essential things you need to know before taking an at-home DNA paternity test.

  • The Difference Between Legal vs. At-Home DNA Paternity Tests: Before purchasing an online DNA paternity test, you must decide if you need it for personal knowledge or legal reasons.
      • At-Home DNA Paternity Test: Used for personal knowledge only. Not admissible in court since there’s no verified chain of custody.  The test is typically conducted by swabbing the inside of the cheek and mailing it to a lab.  Results are usually available within a few days after the sample reaches the lab.
      • Legal DNA Paternity Test: Required for child support, custody battles, birth certificates, immigration, or court cases.  Involves strict chain-of-custody protocols, meaning samples must be collected by an authorized professional (e.g., a doctor, lawyer, or designated testing facility).  More expensive than at-home tests but legally binding.

Tip: If you suspect you may need the test results for legal purposes in the future, opt for a legal paternity test from the start.

  • Accuracy of Online DNA Paternity Tests: DNA paternity tests are extremely accurate when performed correctly. Most reputable DNA testing companies provide results with a probability of paternity exceeding 99.99% if the alleged father is the biological parent.
  • How DNA Testing Works: A DNA test analyzes genetic markers from the child and alleged father. If enough markers match, the probability of paternity is determined.  If they do not match, paternity is excluded with 100% certainty.

What Can Affect Accuracy?

  • Contaminated or improper samples (eating, drinking, or touching the swab before collection).
  • Testing only the child and father (adding the mother’s DNA can sometimes provide stronger results).
  • Lab errors (always use a certified DNA testing provider to ensure reliability).

Tip: Choose a CAP- and AABB-accredited laboratory to ensure the highest accuracy and testing standards.

How Long Do DNA Test Results Take?

The turnaround time for an online DNA paternity test depends on the company and the type of test ordered.

  • At-Home DNA Paternity Test:  Standard processing: 3-7 business days after the lab receives the sample.  Some companies offer express processing (24-48 hours) for an extra fee.
  • Legal DNA Paternity Test:  Results typically take 5-10 business days, depending on court requirements and processing times.

Before ordering an online DNA paternity test, keep these key points in mind:

  • Choose between an at-home test and a legal DNA test, depending on your needs.
  • Select a reputable provider with AABB-accredited labs for reliable and accurate results.
  • Understand the costs upfront, including lab fees and additional charges for express results.
  • Know the processing time to ensure you get the results when needed.

By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth DNA testing process. If you need recommendations for trusted online DNA testing providers, let me know!