Thursday, March 20th
2025 Paternity Test Reviews
DNA Family Check
- Cost: $99 for Home Paternity Test Kit (45% off regular price of $180), $255+ for Legal Paternity Test
- Price includes lab fees, free US shipping on non-legal test kits, and results in 1-5 days
- Can get expert testimony and testimonial letters with court-recognized paternity test
- Testing lab, Genex Diagnostics, is "A-” rated by the BBB
DNA Family Check offers state-of-the-art DNA testing to individuals, government agencies, and legal professionals throughout the US, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. They guarantee your privacy as their labs process your samples and provide your paternity test results.
Basic at-home paternity testing
At first glance, DNA Family Check only offers one kind of paternity testing: the Home Paternity Test Kit, regularly priced at $180 but on sale for $99 at the time of our visit. (We acknowledge that the "sale” may be the everyday price, though.) It lets you test one child and one potential father; if you'd like to test more than one child, there's no easy way to do it other than adding an extra full kit to your cart. Conveniently, however, if the child and father to be tested don't live in the same place, DNA Family Check lets you enter in the comment box where each kit should go for each individual, and the test will be split up and delivered accordingly. The samples are collected with a painless cheek swab (suitable for all ages). Shipping is free each way, and you'll get your results via password-protected online portal within 1-2 business days of the lab receiving your samples.
Legal paternity testing also offered
Just be sure not to overlook the section of the DNA Family Check ordering page that asks, "Need DNA results for court?” We almost missed it ourselves. You'll need to click here if your paternity testing needs to be court-recognized for purposes of custody, child support, or other legal matters. Then click the "Order Legal Paternity Test” button to get the combination you need. Pricing starts at $255 to test one mother/child/alleged father and get results in 3-5 business days, and goes up to 6 children/one alleged father with results in 1-3 business days for $705. You'll also pay $75 per person for professional collection and witnessing services, plus $10 to $25 for shipping and handling fees.
Lab earns high marks
You'll want to know more about the testing laboratory behind DNA Family Check, we presume. Genex Diagnostics is accredited both with the AABB and ISO 17025, and "A-” rated by the Better Business Bureau. The lab conducts each DNA test twice, helping ensure that your results are as accurate as possible. DNA Family Check says that Genex Diagnostics can also provide expert PhD testimony and testimonial letters to help you with any court proceedings, if you've chosen any of their Legal DNA Paternity Testing options.
No feedback from customers
However, we just aren't excited by what DNA Family Check is offering. Other than the testimonials on their own website, there's not much to be seen from customers. We looked all over the place, including sites that rate and rank DNA testing providers (for paternity and other reasons), and there just wasn't any buzz for DNA Family Check or Genex Diagnostics. Plus, the range of testing here is more limited than some rival services (who offer prenatal testing and/or alternate means of collection, like toothbrushes or nail clippings), and it's cumbersome to add extra children for testing with the basic home paternity test.
Just okay
We give DNA Family Check a "just average” rating. Do their paternity tests get the job done? We have every reason to think so, especially given the solid rating from the BBB. But, other providers are doing a better job of providing robust testing options, and we'd recommend checking out the competition before buying a paternity test from DNA Family Check.
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Which Paternity Test is the Best?
As a parent, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to confirm the biological father of your child. You've probably seen the dramatic moments on TV shows like Maury Pofich, where the results of paternity tests are revealed with a mix of suspense and high emotions ("You are not the father”). While those shows sensationalize the process, the reality of paternity testing is far more straightforward and grounded in scientific precision.
Paternity testing involves analyzing DNA to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. Each person inherits half of their DNA from their mother and half from their father. By comparing the DNA of the child with that of the potential father, scientists can identify specific genetic markers that indicate a biological relationship. The process is remarkably accurate, with most tests providing results that are 99.99% reliable when performed correctly.
Paternity Test FAQ
Continued from above...
If you're considering paternity testing, the first thing to know is how it's performed. The most common method is a buccal swab, where a cotton swab is rubbed inside the cheek to collect cells. This method is painless and non-invasive, making it suitable for adults and children alike. The collected samples are then sent to a laboratory where they are analyzed. In some cases, paternity testing can be done even before the baby is born through non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which analyzes fetal DNA in the mother's blood. This option offers a safe way to determine paternity during pregnancy.
There are some solid reasons for determining paternity. Legally, establishing paternity can impact child support, custody arrangements, inheritance rights, and access to social security benefits. Some individuals need a paternity test as part of their immigration process. On a personal level, confirming the identity of the biological father can help provide emotional closure and clarity, fostering better relationships and understanding within families.
Wondering if the test can be done without the alleged father's knowledge? While it is technically possible to collect DNA samples discreetly from personal items like hairbrushes or toothbrushes, this approach raises ethical and legal concerns. Most reputable labs require the consent of all parties involved. Because tests conducted without proper consent are generally not admissible in court, they're often known as strictly "peace of mind” paternity tests.
If you're ready to move forward with paternity testing, here are five criteria to help you choose the right service:
- Accreditation and certification. Ensure the lab is accredited by reputable organizations, such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), which guarantees adherence to high standards of accuracy and reliability.
- Cost. The price for a standard paternity test typically ranges from $100 to $800, with lower costs for at-home testing and the highest fees for prenatal testing. See if shipping is included in the quoted price.
- Turnaround time. Look at how quickly the lab can deliver results, especially if you need them urgently. Typically, you can expect to receive results within a few days to a week. For those who need answers quickly, some labs offer expedited services, providing results in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
- Legal validity. If you need the results for legal purposes, make sure the lab follows a strict chain-of-custody protocol to ensure the results are court-admissible.
- Customer reviews and support. Research reviews from other customers to gauge their experiences. Additionally, check if the service offers robust customer support to guide you through the paternity testing process and answer any questions you might have.
Paternity testing is a powerful tool that can provide clarity and resolve important questions about biological relationships. So, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have done the detective work to let you know which of today's most popular paternity tests are worth the investment. By understanding the process and carefully choosing a reputable service, you can navigate this sensitive issue with confidence and peace of mind.
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