How to collect DNA samples for paternity?
Performing a paternity test will depend on whether you are performing an At-Home DNA Paternity Test or a legal DNA test.
Paternity Testing Ordering Options:
At-Home DNA Test
To perform an At-Home Paternity Test you have two options.
- Order an At-Home DNA Paternity kit online.
- Contact us to order by phone at 973-609-5102.
Legal Paternity Test
Legal Paternity Testing requires you contact our office at 973-609-5102 to schedule an appointment near your home.
How to collect DNA samples for paternity?
Below are the commonly used methods of collecting DNA samples at the time of your appointment.
Types of DNA sample collection methods:
Cheek Swabs:
Buccal cheek swabs is the standard method of DNA sample collection recommended by all accredited DNA testing labs.
A cheek swab is placed inside of the mouth and brushed against the cheek for 30 seconds on both the left and right cheek. The swabs are placed in their respective envelope of the person being collected and shipped to the lab.
Blood samples:
Blood samples commonly collected by blood draw (needles) or by finger prick. Please note this collection method is seldom used.
In forensic DNA testing cases, blood found on items such as clothing or napkins can be used to determine paternity. However, results from this testing option cannot be used for any legal purpose.
Legal considerations for sample collection:
Importance of a chain of custody
Legal paternity testing sample collection process has to be performed according to the guidelines of establishing a chain of custody.
What this means is all participants involved with your paternity test will need have their state id present at the time of collection.
Your assigned DNA sample collector will ensure that you complete the chain of custody consent form, collect your DNA samples, take head shot photos of all of the participants and place all of the contents in a FedEx envelope to be sent to laboratory for DNA analysis.
The sample collection process described is required for your DNA results to be deemed legally admissible in court. When a chain of custody is incomplete. The DNA sample collection process will be performed again.
Contact our office at 973-609-5102 to schedule an appointment, order DNA test kit or to ask a question today.