Thursday, March 20th
2025 Paternity Test Reviews
PaternityLab
- Cost: $99 for Home Paternity Test, $300 for Immigration or Legal DNA Test (1 child + 1 father + 1 mother if desired), $798 for Prenatal Paternity Test
- Free shipping on all orders
- 3 different types of specimens allowed: cheek swab, toothbrush, nail clippings
- Lab is CAP- and CLIA-certified
- Partner lab for legal/immigration tests is AABB-accredited
- "A” rated and accredited by the BBB
- Over 1,000 5-star reviews
Houston-based PaternityLab works hard to make DNA testing accessible and understandable, while delivering results in a way that blends confidentiality and compassion. Their in-house labs are CAP- and CLIA-certified, and this is one of only two paternity testing companies we know of that even tells you about their scientists in charge. (Just go to the Laboratory dropdown if you want PaternityLab to show you the receipts.)
Many different paternity tests available
As you would hope - from a company literally named "PaternityLab” - this service offers all of the types of paternity testing you could need (all with shipping included in the price). There are tons of helpful details included in the FAQ page for each testing type, and we encourage you to give them a read. But, to give you a basic idea of what to expect, here's a brief intro to each paternity test offered by PaternityLab:
- Home Paternity Test Kit ($99): tests 21 genetic markers with a cheek swab. Each additional person to be tested is $49.50; you can add up to 10 children and 10 alleged fathers, or add the alleged mother if desired. Results come in 1-2 business days.
- Prenatal Paternity Test ($798): can be done as early as 7 weeks post-conception, using a cheek swab from the alleged father and a blood draw done at one of PaternityLab's authorized partner facilities or with a no-cost, in-home draw coordinated by PaternityLab. Results are delivered within 5-7 business days.
- Immigration/Legal Test ($300): this is the test you should choose if you need an ironclad chain-of-custody paternity test. You can add additional individuals for testing at $150 per person. The one downside to using PaternityLab for legal or immigration paternity testing is that they don't process those samples in-house. Instead, they send individuals being tested to a Labcorp collection site, and then Labcorp's AABB-accredited labs process the results. That sounds great, until you read our review of Labcorp and see that the company ranks really low on our list for mishandling samples and results. For reference, the #1 choice on our list does not utilize Labcorp in any way (we called to confirm), so you may want to look at that paternity testing if you're specifically testing for legal/immigration reasons.
Swab, toothbrush, or nail clippings: you decide
We're impressed that PaternityLab allows you to choose from 3 specimen types: cheek swab, toothbrush, or nail clippings. You'll see that in the checkout page of each of their paternity tests. Just be aware that anything other than a cheek swab incurs an extra fee of $50 per individual.
"A” rating from the BBB
PaternityLab's parent company, Analyte Health, has an "A” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, despite having 45 complaints filed and closed over the last 3 years. Almost every single complaint mentioned test kits that never arrived, which isn't a big deal overall, and all of those issues got a response (and a refund).
Over 1,000 5-star reviews
And, outside of the BBB, we found plenty of positive buzz for this paternity testing service. While many of the 1,100+ reviews only mentioned how easy the site was to use (they were asked for feedback based primarily on the ordering process/user experience), we're still glad that PaternityLab averaged 4.9 stars out of 5. Plus, those clients who did reference the testing process said that results came as quickly as promised, reps were easy to reach and knowledgeable in providing answers to questions, and the experience was generally stress-free.
Solid option for most paternity tests
Overall, PaternityLab is a service we'd recommend for most paternity testing needs. Although we have our issues with the Labcorp collaboration on some tests, this company has earned plenty of respect from its clients and a fantastic rating from the Better Business Bureau. You can use PaternityLab to get the answers you're searching for, and we give this paternity testing company a high rating.
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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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