Paternity testing with cheek swab samples is a forensic scientific method of determining if a man and child are biologically related.
When standard cheek swab collection cannot be performed due to circumstances, hair follicle samples can be an effective alternative method for DNA analysis. Below are details on how DNA testing using hair works.
What is DNA Testing using Hair?
A DNA test using hair is forensic DNA test that determines a biological relationship between father and child, mother and child, siblings and grandparents and children.
How to handle and collection you hair samples?
There is a protocol that should be adhered to when performing hair paternity tests. If you are going to collect the samples yourself.
It is important to note that the hair strands must have a root. If there is no root, Unfortunately, the paternity of the child cannot be determined.
- When collecting hair samples for DNA testing purposes you will need a minimum of 8 hair follicles with the root.
- The hair samples should be placed inside a paper envelope and not a Ziploc bag. Storing hair in a Ziploc bag could affect the integrity of your hair sample due to possible moisture development.
- Hair samples should be labeled correctly and kept at room temperature to avoid any possible moisture accumulation or contamination. Although this has not been an issue for the clients we have helped over years, we felt it was worth mentioning.
Reasons to use a Hair DNA Test?
DNA testing using is commonly used to help determine paternity when alleged father is unavailable to perform a standard paternity test. Some of the common reasons are:
- Peace of mind
- When an alleged father or child is deceased.
- Estate cases when a parent is deceased.
How much does a hair DNA test cost?
The cost of a hair DNA test starts at $299.99. Pricing is dependent upon the number people tested and if all parties DNA samples submitted are hair follicle samples.
Click the button to order an At-Home Hair Paternity Test Kit.
Home DNA Collection Kit Items:
When you purchase a home test kit from DNA Testing New Jersey Center the following contents listed below will be enclosed.
- A chain of custody form where you list the names of the tested parties involved with your DNA Paternity Test.
- One cheek swab packet and you will supply the hair follicle samples
- Sample collection envelopes.
- Sample collection instructions
- Pre-paid return envelope shipping back to the lab.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Related Hair DNA Testing Services
At-Home Hair Sibling DNA Test Kit
This testing option determines if 2 people share common biological parent.
At-Home Hair Grandparent DNA Test Kit
This testing option determines if a grandparent and grandchild are biologically related.
At-Home Hair Maternity Test Kit
This testing option determines if a woman shares biological relationship with her child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my DNA results?
The turnaround time for results is 2 to 3 business days from the date the laboratory receives all DNA samples.
Is DNA Testing with hair accurate?
The quality of your hair sample will determine if the laboratory will be able to generate a complete DNA profile for analysis.
Our partner lab DNA Hair Test has 95% rate of accuracy to produce results.
Can I use me DNA results for legal purposes?
No. At Home Hair DNA tests are for informational use only and cannot be used for any legal purpose.
Legal Purposes
There is a circumstance where hair samples can be used as evidence legally. When a father is deceased and his hair follicle samples are in the possession of the coroner’s office or funeral will a legal hair DNA paternity test can be considered.
How DNA samples are handled will have effect on whether or not this forensic DNA testing option can be used legally.
Please keep in mind, if the mother of the child is not the executor of the decease father’s estate she will need to communicate with executor for permission to use the deceased father’s hair samples. Read more about deceased father DNA testing here.
Remember, depending on your circumstance you may need to consult a Family Law Attorney in you state to ensure hair samples follicles will be admissible in court or any requesting state agency.
Contact 973-609-5102 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about legal DNA testing today.