The DNA collection process for a personal, “peace of mind” paternity test is designed to be simple and straightforward. DNA collection is done with buccal (cheek) swabs and is just as accurate as using blood for DNA testing.
DNA test collections
The collection is completed by the participants in the comfort of their own homes. It’s important to note that the personal paternity test results are not court-admissible because collections are done by the participants without the establishment of an impartial chain of custody that verifies participants and proper handling of samples.
There are step-by-step instructions for collecting samples inside the IDENTIGENE paternity test collection kit. Along with instructions you’ll find an order form, which is used to provide payment information if you choose to pay by credit card or debit card (or you can simply send in a money order), and to advise the laboratory how you would like to receive your paternity test results. Once all of this paperwork is filled out you are ready to collect the DNA for paternity testing.
NOTE: If you prefer, you can call IDENTIGENE at 888-404-4363 if you want to pre-pay by phone instead of submitting payment with your samples.
Fill out the sample envelope first
Each paternity-test participant uses one sample envelope and three swabs (one pack of three) for their DNA collection. Doing the DNA collection for one person at a time, you simply fill out the sample envelope denoting whose samples will be inside of that specific envelope. Include their name, date of birth, role (alleged father, child, or mother), and all other information requested.
Collect the DNA for paternity testing
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- Once you have all of the requested information filled out on the sample envelope, you then open one set of swabs. Using one swab at a time, you want to scrape the inside of the cheek, inside of the lips, and/or around your gum line for at least 30 seconds. Use a downward motion as you rotate the swab between your fingers. Once you have completed the first swab, place it directly into the sample envelope (do not put it back in the original plastic), then move on to swab #2.
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- You will do the same thing with swabs #2 and #3. It does not matter what side of your mouth is used for the DNA collection, however, we recommend to rotate sides so you don’t use one side of your mouth for all three swabs. Once you have done all three swabs for the first participant you can then move on to the next participant, starting with filling out their sample envelope. Do this until all participants are collected. Collecting the DNA samples from one person at a time will help reduce the risk of mixing samples.
- The envelope may get wet from the saliva that tends to come with the DNA sample. If this does happen, once you have completed the collection process with all three swabs and sealed the envelope you can lay the envelope on a counter at room temperature and let it dry.
After the DNA paternity test collection
Simply send the samples, order form, and payment (if you haven’t prepaid by phone) to our laboratory. Then one (2) business days after samples arrive at the lab, your results are released, and you have the answers you need.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
sasha says
i want to do a dna test on my son’s baby but he won’t let me swab him, will i be able to swab myself and the baby to get the right results.
KD says
Dear Sasha, No, unless your are the legal guardian of the child, you do not have the authority to swab the child. Our test requires the parent or legal guardian to give consent for the child.
Katrina says
So if I’m sending in a test through the mail with my daughter and her alleged father dna how much will it cost? I thought it was $15
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Katrina. The lab fee for testing is printed on your kit.
UD says
How long after taking the cheek swabs are the samples viable? Is 2-3 weeks too long after taking the sample to send it to you for testing?
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they can be stored for up to 6 months. If you need to store the samples for any amount of time, make sure to store the samples in the sealed specimen envelopes in a safe dry place. If it has been more than 6 months we recommend purchasing a new kit and recollecting samples. The cells on the swabs only have a shelf life of 6 months.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E. T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they can be stored for up to 6 months. If you need to store the samples for any amount of time, make sure to store the samples in the sealed specimen envelopes in a safe dry place. If it has been more than 6 months we recommend purchasing a new kit and recollecting samples. The cells on the swabs only have a shelf life of 6 months.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Tee says
I got a test, and it said only twenty seconds. We really dug down into our jaw line and we tried our best with our daughter but as she is an infant it was hard . It says it is processing, if there wasn’t enough DNA when would we know?
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. In the event that the samples are contaminated or we need a recollect, do to lack of DNA, we do offer a free recollection kit. Someone will contact you to verify the address where the recollection kit should be mailed before sending it off. I hope this information helps.
If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Sara says
We are afraid that we didn’t swab it right. Will u guys be able to tell. ?
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. If for some reason there is an issue with your samples we do offer a free recollection kit. Someone will contact you to verify the address where the recollection kit should be mailed before sending it off. I hope this information helps.
If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and we will be happy to assist you.
mary says
Does that mean you would have to pay again for results though? If 1st result is inconclusive?
Identigene says
If test results haven’t been issued yet and new samples are needed, then new testing materials are mailed out to the customer free of charge. With a straight paternity test, there are no inconclusive results: just 99% (or higher), or 0% probability of paternity.
mary says
I used both swabs togeather on both sides of inside the cheeks does that mean it wont work properly?
Identigene says
Hi, Mary. If there are any problems with the samples, testing is suspended and the lab asks for new ones. So no worries!
kp says
Can I use a cigarette but instead of the buccal swab
Meisha says
Hello KP,
The preferred DNA sample industry wide is a cheek cell. These samples are obtained by swabbing the inside of the cheek using a buccal swab that is provided in our testing kits. The cheek cell is the easiest sample to work with and any other type of sample is considered a special specimen. All special specimens require an additional lab fee of $400. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to produce results with a special specimen.
All special specimens need to be pre-approved by our lab and often times require a specialized collection kit to be sent to you. Please contact us 888-404-4363 for an approval and instructions on how to send the sample us.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Nathalie says
I’ve taken one of these tests and I remember it said don’t eat or drink.of I had drink anything like alcohol would it affect the results
Admin says
Hi, Nathalie! If it had affected the quality of your sample, then testing would have stopped and the lab would have asked for a new sample. Since you were given test results, you can conclude that drinking alcohol didn’t affect your test. It’s important to remember that eating or drinking doesn’t change DNA. All it can possibly do is mess with the sample’s quality.
terrika greer says
How much is the fee for the dna test. My question how much will I have to send off in money order with the specimens
Meisha says
Good afternoon Terrika,
The lab fee for the personal peace of mind test is $89.00. If you are needing a test for legal reasons, please call us at 888-404-4363 for pricing.
Tamika says
Is this still the correct price?
Autumn says
My niece who I have guardianship of, her mother says her brothers deceased father isn’t her father even though his name is on the birth certificate. His brother lives in several states away from us; could we have him do a check swab & send it to us & then we send in his sample with hers to find out who her father is?
Identigene says
Hi, Autumn! Yes, your niece’s alleged uncle can definitely be tested. It’s even better to test her alleged grandparents, if they are still living. What we recommend is that you take some time to call us at 888-404-4363. One of our expert client support representatives can thoroughly explain the options and help you get started, should you decide you want to do testing. Hope this helps!
Janet says
My father had an affair with my moms sister and we believe he fathered a son with her. All parents are diseased. That would make him my cububby..lol
I guess my concern is with my mom and aunt being blood sisters, would that have an effect on the outcome of this test?
Identigene says
Hi, Janet! Unless your mom and sister and identical twins, there shouldn’t be any problems. The kit includes testing materials, so we highly suggest that samples be submitted for the child, the alleged father, AND your aunt. Hope this helps!
Diane says
My fiance has (supposedly) a child with a previous girlfriend (who has 2 other children from different fathers and the child in question looks alot like her older brother) and he wants to find out she she is truly his. Does he “have” to get a swab from the mother or can he just provide a swab from the child and himself for testing. It is a volatile situation. Thank you for your help in this tricky matter.
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Diane. If the girlfriend is the legal guardian of the child (which I assume she is), then she must give her written consent for testing.
amberlyn lavin says
Do you need both the mother and fathers dna to test the child for paternity result.
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Amberlyn! Usually, only the potential father’s and child’s DNA are required. However, we highly recommend that the mom send hers in too in the rare case that the lab needs her DNA too in order to issue conclusive results. This is is why we include three sets of swabs in every kit. Hope this helps!
Jean Clark says
Hi my husband is scared to take the dna test can I use his toothbrush and send it in instead of the swabs I really want to know if she is his you I wanna have a peace of mind
IDENTIGENE says
Hi! We always recommend being upfront and honest with all participants in a paternity test. Your husband’s consent signature is required for us to test him. To answer your other question: Yes, we can extract DNA from a toothbrush , although we don’t usually do so for paternity tests. The quality of the sample is not nearly as good as with cheek-cell swabbing, and the lab fees are considerably higher. Instead of $89, the fee is $400.
Melissa says
Hi, would I be able to do a test on my daughter and newborn baby to know if they are full brothers?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Melissa. You can do a siblingship test, which starts at $399. If the possible fathers are willing to test, the cost is much lower. Is that possible?
Terry says
What is the $89.00 tests? What do this test prove?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Terry. The $89 lab fee includes a paternity test for one possible father and one child. The mother can also submit DNA samples at no extra charge. Results show a conclusion of whether or not the possible father is considered to be the biological father. It also gives a percentage of probability (usually 99% or higher for a positive result) and other details.
Angelia says
Hi I would like to know. How much will it cost to have a test done with my child and her father mother. To prove her relations.
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Angelia. Is the father not available for testing? That’s always best. But we can do a grandparentage test with the participants being you, the child, and the possible father’s grandparents (one or both). It is best to have both grandparents participate, if possible. The cost for this test is $399 with one grandparent participating, and $350 with two grandparents. You are welcome to contact us directly at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern) to get details and/or to set up the test. Thanks for a great question!
Evette says
My son is hesitant about having his mouth swabbed for his sons testing. Can I get accurate results if I swab his toothbrush? I would like to have assurance as the grandmother.
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Evette. There must be written consent from everyone participating in the test or the legal guardian must give consent for a minor child before any kind of testing can be performed. It’s best to talk things through with your son, in this case.
Crystal says
If I swab and then put in the plastic that it came in because I didnt have the envelope available for at least an hours, will that mess up the testing?
Admin says
Swabs shouldn’t be stored long in the plastic it came in…it’s best if they go directly into the paper envelopes. It wouldn’t affect results, but it could affect the quality of the DNA samples and you may be asked by the lab to collect new samples.
Crystal says
I am the grandmother of my granddaughter my son isnt available for the swab can I swab myself and my grandaughter and will it still be $89.00?
Admin says
Hi, Crystal. Due to the extensive analysis involved, the lab fee for grandparent testing is $350 for both grandparents and $399 for one. You can use the materials from the kit for this type of testing. Please keep in mind that, if the child is underage and you are not the legal guardian, you will need signed consent from the parent. It is optimal for the mother to test as well. Please give us a call at 888-404-4363 for details.
sage gopeesingh says
hi, i live in new york, this test is for my brother, can i swab him and his alleged son myself and send it in or do i have to go to an actual identigene collector.
Admin says
Hi, Sage. Per New York State law, you need to use a collector. A relative doesn’t count. The instructions are all in the kit or you can give us a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM).
Cristina says
Do you need just the signature on the envelope for consent?
Admin says
Hi, Cristina. The answer is yes.
Gabi says
How are the results given and what information is provided?
Admin says
Hi, Gabi. A results report is posted to the customer’s secure online account when it’s ready. The customer can also call in to ask for results and request a hard copy to be mailed. For security reasons, results are never emailed. The paternity report includes:
The test conclusion (excluded or not excluded as the father of the child)
Probability of relationship (usually 99.99% or 0%)
The combined relationship index
Details of the genetic system of text participants
Hope this helps!
John says
The mother hasn’t had the baby yet- is it at all possible to determine paternity with this test with just the mother and alleged father?
Admin says
Hi, John. Our kit does not have pre-natal applications because it requires samples of cheek cells from both the possible father and the child. That being said, a baby’s cheek can be swabbed and DNA collected as soon as they’re born. There are other DNA companies that do non-invasive pre-natal paternity tests, but they’re very expensive . . . in the $1,000-$2,000 range.
Audrey says
I had to go to Canada to get a paternity test with my all edged father and then found out that I was not able to purchase the kit in Canada. I used normal cotton swabs to collect the samples, can I send these in and will the fee still be $89.
Admin says
Hi, Audrey. We will accept regular Q-tips, but it’s very difficult to extract DNA from them, and so the lab fee is $400 and there’s no guarantee we can get enough DNA from them. I recommend giving us a direct call at 888-404-4363 if you have more questions.
Debra says
If the mother of a child sent her DNA sample instead of the (maybe) fathers, what would the test show?
Admin says
The test would show that the samples are from a female and not from a male.
Bianca says
Are the test only designed for male vs child? What if a mother wanted to know if a child was theirs??
Identigene says
Hi, Bianca. For the most part, people use our test to answer paternity questions, but you’re right: it absolutely can be used for a maternity test. The lab fee is exactly the same. Just be sure to indicate on your paperwork that you want a maternity test instead of a paternity test.
Dani says
If we are using this test in NYS just
for peace of mind can the test be performed at home or do we need to use a collector?
Admin says
Hi, Dani! Even for peace of mind, The State of New York requires that everyone who does their collection in New York have the test witnessed by a DNA sample collector. You can learn the basics at this link. Then, you’ll need to call us directly and we’ll arrange everything for you. The number’s 888-404-4363. http://dnatesting.com/dna-paternity-testing-in-new-york/
Scott says
A 14 year old girl came to my house and said I am your daughter. Can we swab or cheeks and get test results? I don’t know wher the mother is. She said her mom was in jail. This young lady is staying with my sister right now. Please help. Thank you.
Admin says
Hi, Scott. Does she have a legal guardian over 18 who’s responsible for her? Or is she on her own and considered an emancipated minor by the state? We need signed consent from an adult who’s legally responsible for her before we can do any DNA testing. You are welcome to call us at 888-404-4363 to talk to us directly about your options. No doubt this has turned your world upside down! I wish you all the best.
Sarah says
How do you Test for the unborn child’s DNA with a home paternity test?
Admin says
Hi, Sarah. There is a non-invasive pre-natal paternity test that compares DNA from fetal cells with the DNA from the mother and an alleged father. It’s safe for mother and baby but requires a mother’s blood to be collected. We do not do this kind of testing, but other DNA labs do. The cost varies between $1,200-2000 and is not covered by insurance. If you wait till the baby’s born, the cost of testing is only $89 since DNA can be easily collected via cheek swab.
Sarah says
Is there a way I can DNA test my unborn child without costing me heaps? And without a blood test ?
Admin says
No, not really, Sarah. Paternity can be determined if you get an amniocentesis, but most doctors won’t do an amnio strictly for paternity purposes, since it poses some risk to the baby. Sorry!
Christine says
Hi my brother from different mother would like to test if we are related. Our father it decease. Can we get accurate results from this test?
Admin says
Hi, Christine. It’s best if both of your mothers are also willing to participate, as well as any close relative of your deceased father’s (brother, sister, other known child, etc.). Please give us a direct call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern), and one of our experts will be happy to explain your options.
Christine says
Hello again,
Only one mothers is alive and he’s not sure where she is. But just need to know since we are the same father (presumably ) will the test at least show we are related?
Admin says
It may, but we cannot guarantee a conclusive result, Christine. Again, I suggest you call us directly to discuss. I wish you all the best!
Crystal says
Is the outside temperature an issue in keeping samples viable until reaching the lab since they are mailed via USPS?
Admin says
Hi, Crystal. What a great question! Most mail is stored in climate-controlled areas while it is between transits, so it should be fine. That being said, should the DNA become too degraded to test (for any reason), the lab would ask for new samples and it wouldn’t affect your actual report.
Nicole says
Hi my sister and my dad did DNA before he died. We are different mom’s both mom’s are decease. Now my sister wants to do a DNA. Can they use my dad’s DNA result from before to determine if we are related when the results comes back from me and my sister? There is no other siblings.
Admin says
Hi, Nicole. We can definitely test your sample and do analysis of it with your deceased father’s profile. The results would not be court-admissible…it would be for your own peace of mind only. I’m assuming testing showed your sister and dad to have a paternal relationship, correct? If so, as his next of kin we would need your sister’s signed consent for his profile to be used in analysis. I highly recommend you call us directly at 888-404-4363 to get other questions answered, OK? Wishing you both all the best!
Mary says
My adult son is being asked to do a DNA test by a man claiming he is the father. I, the mother, am also participating in this test to help the results and prove he is not the father.
My question is who all do you send the results to? If I an not paying for or the person requesting the test but as the mother of the adult son and as a participant can I have these results sent to me also? Can they be sent to all parties involved in the test? If the results are not provided to me how can I go about obtaining a copy of the results?
There is a huge lack of trust and uncertainty of what the claim to be fathers motivation may be and distrust that he would somehow try to manipulate the results and or situation.
Thank you
Admin says
Hi, Mary. The results can be accessed directly by the person who paid for the test and anyone else to whom that person chooses to give account access. Since you are participating, you can call the lab and request to see the results as well. As for what the alleged father can do with the results: Keep in mind that unless the test is a “legal” one, meaning the DNA collection and submission is witnessed by an impartial third-party, the results are not court-admissible. Hope this helps!
Susan says
If the person that did the swabbing didn’t do the cheek just the inside of the mouth and also didn’t use but one swab, will the test come out adequate?
Admin says
Hi, Susan! If there’s any problem with the quality or quantity of the DNA collected, the lab would contact the person and ask for all-new or additional samples. It won’t affect test results, no.
Tiff says
I believe that my cousin is the father of my nephew. Im i able to do a dna test on them. If so do you need any information from the mother who is underage
Admin says
Hi, Tiff! We need all participants’ permission before any testing can be done. If anyone is underage, then their legal parent or guardian must sign consent.
Victoria says
My brother in the Philippines is supporting a child but he is not sure if he is the father. I would like to help my brother. I am living in Toronto. I would like to ask if I can use any sterile cotton swab to collect the samples for both of them. I want to take the sample with me when I come back to Canada on August 7 to do a paternity testing in your laboratory. I am in the Philippines for vacation. I am a Medical Lab Technologist by profession. If my brother would give an authorization letter to do the tests that enough for you to do the paternity testing?
Admin says
Hi, Victoria. You’re very kind to want to help your brother! DNA cannot be properly extracted from a cotton swab . . . if not using DNA-specific buccal swabs, the swab must at least be polyester. You may be able to find some in a local pharmacy while you are in the Philippines. All that being said, a simple process might be for your brother to order a kit and his test online himself by visiting our website. As a highly-accredited lab, we need to have specific processes followed, including for his signed consent. You’re welcome to email info@identigene.com to ask for more details or, if your brother wishes to purchase a test, go here: http://dnatesting.com/test-setup/
Gayle says
My son and a young lady is expecting identical twins. There is a question in his mind that he might not be the father. Do we need to swab both infants or just one? Once we swab the parties involved, how long is the process before we find out. We only have a short window to put his name on the birth certificate.
Admin says
Hi, Gayle! If your doctor is absolutely certain they are identical twins, then there is only a need to test one, since they have identical DNA. You can swab one of the babies immediately after birth and overnight the samples to us, which is the fastest method of delivery. If you use he postage-paid envelope included in the kit, it can take 5-7 days for samples to reach us. Results are posted to your secure online account in 2 business days. If that’s still not fast enough, you can get rush 1-day results for $30 extra. If you have more questions, feel free to ask them, and good luck!
Terryann says
Hello,
My grandson (alleged) is living with me. His mother isn’t interested in the child at all, and I seldom hear from her. My son doesn’t believe the child is his because he says that she became pregnant before they met. It’s a mess. So neither of them are interested in raising the baby. I am feeling responsible for the child because he is a child and for that reason alone, however I would like to know if this child that I am devoting my time and resources for is actually a blood relative. I rarely see my son and never see the mother of the baby anymore. Do you have any suggestions?
Admin says
Hi, Terryann! It sounds as if it might be possible for you to ask your son to do a test with the child, since you see your son from time to time. That would be the absolute ideal. If he’s not willing and the mother’s not willing, then your options for getting conclusive results are few. Rather than doing a back-and-forth here, it would probably be easiest for you to call us directly and consult with one of our experts to see more specifically what you can do. If your son is willing to test, then that’s definitely the way to go. Your grandson is fortunate to have you in his life!
Will says
Hi I’ve done the Identigene DNA testing a few years back to determine if my son is actually mine (I’m the father) and it came back that I am 99.98% his dad. Im happy with that but it just bothers me so much that he keeps looking more like my best friend and even has the same mannerisms. Is it possible that the test could be wrong? I did the test at one of your labs.
Admin says
Hi, Will! He’s yours. :-)
Will says
Thank you : )
Michael G says
I have a question and it may be silly, but I am being told by a woman currently pregnant that only he and I need to give samples for the dna test to prove paternity. is this correct? from what i’ve read the child must be present.
Michael G says
* Only her an I.
Admin says
Hi, Michael. If you’re doing a non-invasive pre-natal test, then all that’s needed is a blood sample from the mother and a cheek-swab sample from you. We don’t do these types of tests, but other labs do, at a cost of $1,000-2,000. Now, if you wait until after the baby’s born, then that type of paternity test is only $89 through us. We would need cheek-swab samples from you and the baby. The mother’s participation is included in this lab fee too; her participation is optional but recommended (just in case her DNA is needed to strengthen results).
Joy says
Can I use a toothbrush to swab on the qtip instead of his cheeks to get his dna
Admin says
Hi, Joy. The buccal (cheek) swabs are specially-designed to capture DNA in the necessary amounts for testing, so please use the cheek swabs. Thanks!
Annie says
If.I collect a.toothbrush to get. A.DNA.sample.to.disprove.paternity today and.put.in paper envelope, how long.is.the DNA good.for.before it.degrades. it.will take a.week to get.the.kit and.then The time.to send.it.back.. this.toothbrush is used.vigorously by.the.”dad”.. he.goes.through a.toothbrush.every.2.weeks….the.toothbrush is.the.only.sample.I can get.
Admin says
Hi, Annie. Our robots are designed to extract DNA from a buccal (cheek) swab only. It sounds as if you’re trying to do a paternity test without his knowing. Please be advised that all participants in a DNA test must sign their consent for testing. If you have further questions, give us a call at 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time).
Dianne says
My boy drink before swabing his mouth can this mess up the test results in any kind of way. Just really need too know
Identigene says
Hi, Dianne. Drinking before swabbing doesn’t change DNA, but it could affect the quality of the sample. If the samples were compromised in any way, the lab wouldn’t continue testing. Instead, they would ask for new samples. If you are given results, then the quality of the sample was fine. No worries!
LC says
Would I be able to use my husband’s toothbrush for when my baby is born. He died in a horrible accident or can I get DNA from his daughter. We had no dealings with his family.
Identigene says
Hi, LC. I’m so sorry about your husband! Normally, we only accept cheek swabs, but there are times when special samples might be accepted for testing. Please give us a direct call at 888-404-4363.
Cp says
My bilogical father and I doesn’t want to have anything to do with each other. I have been getting to know his family. So my question, could I do the dna swab testing with siblings without the bilogical father around? I want to do it done for my peace of mind.
Identigene says
Hi, Cp. Yes, you can. But to optimize the chances of getting conclusive results, your mother should also submit her DNA, if she’s available. I suggest you contact our parent company, DDC, for more details and pricing: 800-681-7162.
Steven says
I didn’t see a place for my signature on the form to send in. I set up the kit and paid online. Do I still have to sign something in order for the test to be processed and if so, where or what do I need to sign?
Identigene says
Hi, Steven. Just give us a call at 800-344-9583, and we’ll make sure everything’s set up correctly, OK?
Ian Phill says
Hello. I want to do the test on my son but he live in other country. Is possible to take the collection and after that to send you? How long it could be inside the container before being processed?
Identigene says
Hi, Ian. As long as samples are kept in a cool, dry place, they are fine. We recommend keeping them no longer than six months.
Coco says
I stay in Texas an the dad stay in Louisiana so how will swab his mouth.. do Yu have a place were he can go
Identigene says
Hi, Coco. Give us a call at 800-344-9583 and we can find the best solution for you.
Lisbeth says
Hi,
I sent in my results and didn’t see a place to sign for my infant but set up everything online, will i still be able to get the results posted online?
Identigene says
Hi, Lisbeth. Of course! You’ll get an email once samples have arrived and then again when results have been posted. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact our customer-service specialists at 800-344-9583.
Jay says
hi,
Once I put the wet swabs in the separate envelopes, the envelopes were visibly wet. Will it affect the test if the saliva touched through the soaked envelopes?
Identigene says
Hi, Jay. Hopefully this won’t affect the quality of the samples. That being said, if there are any issues with sample contamination, they won’t affect test results, and this is why: If the lab sees problems with swabs, testing is immediately suspended and new samples are requested before testing proceeds anew.
Jim says
I live in California and my son live’s in Texas. We both want to find out if he is truly my son. Can I overnight him saliva in a specimen cup and have him dip the swab in the cup?
Identigene says
Hi, Jim. It’s much more efficient to collect DNA by swabbing the inside of the cheek. The easiest thing to do is call Identigene’s parent company, DDC, directly. We’ll send out testing materials to all parties directly and make the process much simpler. The numbers to call are 800-344-9583 or 800-681-7162.
Heather says
I mailed the samples 16 days ago through the US postal service in the prepaid envelope. It has been 12 business days and I have not received an email. When will the results be available?
Identigene says
Hi, Heather. It could be either that the mail has been exceptionally slow (not unusual around the holidays), or your samples have arrived and your email notification has gone to your spam folder. Please call us directly for assistance at 800-344-9583.
Raven says
If I use my own envelope, how long will be before the lab receive samples?
Identigene says
Hi, Raven. Depending on where you live, 3-5 days, most likely.
Stacy says
I sent in my order form without entering my debit card information. I called and samples have been received. I paid by debit card on the phone. When I go to set up my online account, it’s requesting my debit card information prior to setting up the account. If I enter my debit card information, will I be billed a second time?
Identigene says
Hi, Stacy. Since you paid over the phone, there is no need to set up your account online yourself…it’s already done! If you have other questions during testing, feel free to call us at 800-344-9583.
Sherry says
Can you do a test with a toothbrush and or a hair
Identigene says
Hi, Sherry. It might be possible to test with DNA collected from a toothbrush. Hair requires a large amount + root, so it’s really not viable. As for using a toothbrush, there’s no guarantee that enough DNA could be extracted for paternity testing. For this reason, we charge an additional $150 non-refundable fee just to determine if the sample is viable. It really is best and most cost effective to use cheek swabs.
Debbie says
How long will the results stay on file with your company?
Identigene says
Hi, Debbie. At-home test results are kept for 90 days.
Jennifer says
I just got an question for the fact that my sister is wanting to do the DNA testing but worried about her ex having stuff in his system and she does not want it to come back and effect her and the baby, so once the swabs are done and the lab finally gets them what all do they test for? I guess what I am trying to ask is if the father has been doing meth, and we swab his check is it going to show up when testing the DNA?
Identigene says
Hi, Jennifer. Absolutely no medical diagnosis or drug testing goes on with a paternity test. We only test DNA for a biological relationship: period.
Ly says
Hi Identigene,
For peach of mind Maternity test, If I accidentally swabbed myself just once and then swabbed my child with the same one ( this one is supposed to be the child’s swab ), will the lab find out this fault and will it lead to faulty result ? I look forward to your reply asap. Thanks
Identigene says
Hi, Ly. If there are two profiles on a swab, the lab will catch it and request new samples. No chance of a faulty result!
Jay says
Hello can I send in the tooth brush for results?
Identigene says
Hi, Jay. It’s possible. There is a $150 non-refundable fee for a viability test for any sample that is not a cheek swab. Keep in mind that even if it’s determined there is not enough DNA on the toothbrush to effectively conduct testing, that money cannot be returned. You’re welcome to call us at 800-344-9583 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern) to see what your best options are.
Tiffany says
I’m helping a friend with a her DNA test her ex came out said he wanted a DNA test done on the child but she was with another man threw out her pregnancy with her being with another man could that change the DNA of the child
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Tiffany. No, the DNA of the child belongs to the man who helped create him/her and not to any subsequent man the mother may have been with.
Chris says
If the swabs were placed in envelopes and immediately placed in the package to be mailed together and unknowingly got wet would they mix together and mess up results?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Chris. If any contamination of swabs occurred, the lab would not issue results. Instead, they’d request new samples for testing.
Amber says
So I Have 4 Potential Fathers , will I have to buy 4 different tests, Or is there a way I can get extra swabs for my participants?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Amber. Four separate tests are required, yes.
Tamika says
Do you have to pay a separate fee for each one?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Tamika. The lab fee is what’s on the kit box. That fee includes testing for one possible father + one child + the mother (her participation is optional, but recommended). If you want to test additional children, that is a separate lab fee.
Chris says
My wife is trying to determine if her “Dad” is actually her biological father. Can she use a cigarette butt of his to submit for testing? He’s in his late seventies, and she would like to know for sure before he dies, if he is really her father. There has been reason for doubt through the years.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Chris. All participants in any DNA test need to give their permission for testing. It’s best if she talks to him directly about it.
Mary says
With my husband gone over seas can I seen my son’s mouth instead of my husband? Yes he is the father to my son. Thank you
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Mary. Can you clarify the situation a bit? It’s not clear. Thanks!
Sheila says
Test was sent in Nov. 22nd and I haven’t heard anything, should I call?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Sheila. Thanks for testing with us! It can take 10 business days for the postal service to deliver prepaid envelopes, and with the Thanksgiving holiday, they’re probably even slower with delivery, unfortunately. I suggest you wait until Friday, December 6. If you still haven’t received your email confirming the arrival of the samples, then give us a call.
Gary says
We purchased the Home DNA collection kit and my son will be doing the paternity test on his newborn. The baby is nursed regularly and only drinks the mothers breast milk. Will this alter the test results or provide a false negative if the child has not nursed or eaten within the last 30 minutes. Should the test wait until the child is no longer nursing or using the mothers breast milk? I guess we are concerned that somehow the test will show the mother as the participant rather than the baby due to her DNA being so prevalent in the babies mouth while she is nursing.
HomeDNA Identigene says
No, nursing does not change a baby’s DNA and therefore would not affect results. The only thing breast milk (or any liquid) can do is contaminate or dilute a sample, making it impossible to extract enough of the baby’s DNA from the swab to complete testing. And if by some chance there are two DNA profiles on the swabs, the lab would detect it right away and ask for new samples. The best preventive measure against contamination is just to be sure the child hasn’t eaten or drunk 30-60 minutes prior to swabbing.
Tammy says
I live in a different state from the potential father, can I send in the baby swab from where I live and he send in his swab from he lives?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Tammy. You can.