Thursday, March 20th
2025 Paternity Test Reviews
Paternity USA
- Price: $115 for At-Home Paternity Test, $195 for Legal DNA test, $325 for Family DNA (if father is unwilling or unavailable)
- Testing also available for Immigration (call for pricing)
- Shipping fees are included
- Partner lab (DDC) is AABB-accredited
- Analyzes up to 46 markers
- All samples are analyzed twice for accuracy
- Nearly 100 5-star reviews
Paternity USA is pretty quick to tell you that their tests are affordable but accurate, trusted to the point that the lab behind their paternity testing has been featured on TV programs like Paternity Court, Maury Povich, and more. They describe their website as their lab's discount portal and compare it to an outlet store, giving you "answers you can trust at prices you can afford”.
Choose from 3 popular paternity tests
You've got several types of paternity tests to choose from at Paternity USA. Here are the three most commonly-used here, all of which include shipping fees in the cost:
- At-Home Paternity Test: priced at $115 you'll be able to test 1 child and 1 alleged father, with results in two business days.
- AABB-Accredited Legal Test: priced at $195 for 2 people (alleged father + 1 child), your kit will be sent to the medical professional of your choice to administer the test and secure the chain-of-custody requirements; you can also get your test administered at one of 3500 network clinic locations nationwide. If you need a legal paternity test done for immigration purposes, you'll need to call Paternity USA for pricing.
- Family DNA: priced at $325 for up to 3 paternal relatives plus the child's mother, this test is used when the father is unwilling or unavailable to be tested.
Analysis of 46 DNA markers (twice)
We were impressed by the fact that Paternity USA's test analyzes up to 46 DNA markers: many rival services only test 16-24, which isn't as accurate. And, speaking of accuracy, every DNA sample is analyzed twice, making the results even more trustworthy.
No BBB listing, but ratings are positive and recent
How about reputation? We weren't able to find a listing with the Better Business Bureau for Paternity USA, a yardstick we like to use to measure the reputation and reliability of paternity testing providers. On the other hand, though, we were reassured to see almost 100 5-star reviews from verified buyers displayed at the bottom of the site. And, unlike some of the companies on our list, these ratings weren't years and years old; we found 5-star ratings literally from the days prior to our review, and that's a great sign. Clients are happy with how quickly the results come in, how easy the paternity tests are to administer, and how smooth the entire experience was from start to finish.
Certificates are outdated
However, there are some aspects to the customer service at Paternity USA that leave us feeling a little less comfortable. First, when we looked at the documentation showing the various lab accreditations and certifications for DDC (the partner lab used by this company), they were all several years out of date. Given that Paternity Lab proudly explains that "accredited laboratories are reinspected bi-annually”, we were left wondering where the more recent certificates are and why they're not displayed on the website.
No one answered the phone
When we called the toll-free number to ask that question, we weren't able to reach a live representative. We tried the extension for placing a new order as well as asking a general question; one told us that no one was available, and the other asked us to leave a voicemail message. That's not quite what we were expecting for a call to a paternity testing company during regular business hours; what if we had been worried about where our samples had gone or how long it would take to get test results?
Room for improvement
For all of these reasons, Paternity USA gets a below-average rating from us. It's disappointing to have a company that doesn't seem to have anyone manning the phones (especially when some services are "call for pricing”), despite the recent, seemingly-satisfied ratings from customers. There's some attention to detail that's lacking with this paternity test provider, and we'd need to see some improvements before we'd trust Paternity USA with a higher rating.
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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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