When properly performed, DNA paternity testing is accurate and reliable. As a fully-accredited lab, DDC (parent company of HomeDNA Paternity) follows the most rigorous standards and practices for DNA testing. Our carefully-controlled process ensures error-free results through the proper handling, testing, and analysis of samples.
3 WAYS YOU CAN HELP ENSURE THE MOST ACCURATE RESULTS
- Alert us to the following specific conditions
There are a few rare circumstances which may require additional testing and analysis to achieve accurate results.
Before testing begins, it is the customer’s responsibility to let HomeDNA Paternity know if:
- possible fathers are related
- any participant has received a recent blood transfusion or bone-marrow transplant
- any participant is a confirmed genetic chimera
These rare conditions can affect the results of a paternity test and therefore we can only guarantee accuracy if such conditions are brought to the lab’s attention prior to testing.
Rest assured, even if your case includes one of these conditions, we can often use additional testing and/or analysis to conclusively determine paternity—all at no extra charge. Simply contact a HomeDNA Paternity team member to discuss your case details and learn how we can help.
- Confirm the identities of all participants
Identity can only be confirmed by using a legal, chain-of-custody procedure that includes witnessed DNA collection. So when testing at home instead, it is the participant’s responsibility to:
- Carefully collect and send samples to the laboratory
- Ensure that samples belong to each of the participants as named on the collection envelopes
HomeDNA Paternity cannot be held responsible for improper or fraudulent activity on the part of participants. For an at-home test, we guarantee accurate results for the samples we are given and we accept in good faith that the names associated with those samples are correct.
If there is any doubt or question about a participant’s ability to honestly and properly collect and send their sample, use a legal paternity test (contact HomeDNA Paternity for assistance).
- Use best practices when collecting and submitting samples for at-home testing
- The best practice for at home collection is to be sure all participants serve as witnesses for each other as they collect samples and fill out paperwork
- For added security, be sure to mail the samples together by dropping them off at the U.S. Post Office, UPS, FedEx or other secure location
Do not mail envelopes from a participant’s home or other location where samples could easily be tampered with before being picked up by the mailing or shipping company.
OUR GUARANTEE
DDC guarantees accurate HomeDNA Paternity results when all of the above criteria are met.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR HOMEDNA PATERNITY TEST RESULTS MAY NOT BE ACCURATE
- You must provide a paternity-test report from another accredited laboratory or other empirical evidence that our test may not have been accurate.
- Your claim must be submitted within 60 days of receiving your HomeDNA Paternity test report. You may make this claim online or via mail.
- In response to your claim, we may offer either additional free testing or provide a refund (at our discretion).
If you have any questions about our guaranteed accurate results or inquiries about your specific case, you are welcome to contact us directly at 800.344.9583 (M-F, 8:30AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time).
Ron says
My brother is the aledged father of a woman, who’s mother and grandparents are deceased. He refuses a paternity test. I have met with his aledged daughter and want to see if a test between her and I will prove our relationship.
Identigene says
Hi, Ron. You can definitely perform an avuncular (aunt/uncle) relationship test with her, but without her mother’s participation there is a higher likelihood that there will be an inconclusive results. A niece and uncle only share 25% of their DNA. Does your brother have children? That might be a better relationship to check. If you have further questions, you’re welcome to contact the experts at our parent company, DDC: 800-681-7162.
Kyle says
I took a test over a year ago, I’m looking at the accuracy of the test that I took at home. It came back negative, but now how I received child support order and requested genetic testing, and the domestics office goes through DDC, I’m assuming that the test I took over a year ago is going to be similar to that of the one I’m going to be taking in the coming weeks.
Identigene says
Hi, Kyle. If all participants are exactly the same as before, then the results will be exactly the same as before.
carla says
We submitted a test on 03/16/18 and have not received any information. No one will answer the phone. Does it take longer than 10 business days? The message said if you don’t receive information during this time “wait” for how long?
Identigene says
Hi, Carla. Our business hours are M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. You’re welcome to call 800-344-9583 during those hours to talk with someone. It takes 10 business days (not including weekends) for samples to arrive at our lab if you sent them using the postage-paid envelope included in the kit. Chances are good they got here yesterday or will arrive today; watch for your email!
Tenesly says
My samples was received at the office last Thursday they been asking for additional time since then .. how long does it takes they say results come in 1-2 days … do that means something wrong with it ?
Identigene says
Hi, Tenesly. Not usually. It just means the lab needs to test additional markers.
LaNita says
Hello. I’m looking to do a DNA TEST. The fathers have past but their children are able to provide DNA. Will their DNA provide accurate results?
Identigene says
Hi, LaNita. Determining sibling or half-sibling relationships is a lot like putting together a puzzle; the more pieces you have, the more likely you are to get a complete picture. So to optimize your chances of getting conclusive results, including more family members in testing other than just the children is super-helpful. If they’re alive and willing, it’s best if the mothers of the children can contribute their DNA, and then also living siblings of the alleged fathers. Our parent company, DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) has experts who can help you figure out your best options for testing. You’re welcome to give them a call at 800-681-7162.
Jessica says
I would like to get a paternity test done for my 2 kids there are 2 possible fathers and they are brothers and I would like to know how to go about getting the test done.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Jessica. The simplest thing is to contact us directly to arrange for multiple tests. That number is 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern).
Diamen says
Can smoking give an inclusive result?? If so, if a person smokes how long should they wait to do the swabs??
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Diamen. Smoking doesn’t change DNA and wouldn’t affect results. In order to ensure samples aren’t contaminated, participants shouldn’t drink, eat, or smoke for 60 minutes prior to swabbing.
Destiny M says
Hi , the potential father and I took a blood test while I was pregnant and the results came back that he was the father. Now that my son is born we took an at home dna from you guys. And its saying hes not the father. How can one test (a blood test) and the other test (cheekswab) have different results
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Destiny. Whether a DNA sample is obtained via blood sample or cheek-swab sample, it’s all the same. They’re equally effective. Without knowing all the details and seeing the data, I can’t give you a definitive answer as to why the results would be different. If you did your prenatal test with a subpar company, the results could be incorrect. Or, if he really is the father, he may have submitted someone else’s DNA instead of his own for the home test after the child was born. The science for paternity testing is sound. I suggest you get a legal DNA test (wherein DNA collection is witnessed and fraud is impossible) for two reasons: (1) It’ll settle the question once and for all, and (2) Results are court-admissible in case you need them for child support, etc.
Tiffany says
If the father took the test but listed the wrong birthday for the baby could the results be different?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Tiffany. No, age of participants is not determined by a paternity test nor does listing an incorrect age affect results in any way.
Kyra says
How much does it cost? Just to test baby and dad? I just have to prove that my daughter is my fiancés so my family stops attacking us.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kyra. The DNA-collection kit at the store is about $25, and then the lab fee for processing is $139.
Scott says
Hello –
We are New York residents and both work. It would be easiest for us both if we could go to a lab that has a physician who can sign the necessary paperwork. Do you offer that service? How does that process work?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Scott. You need to call our parent company (DNA Diagnostics Center) directly for New York testing, as I’m sure you’re aware of NYSDOH regulations that require a legal paternity test. Give us a call at 800-681-7162. Our experts are available M-F from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern.
Davetta says
I have done the test with multiple “fathers” and each of them came back 99.6%. Can you please explain this please
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Davetta. That’s not possible.