Paternity DNA Testing

How Paternity DNA Testing Works

A paternity test compares the DNA profiles of the alleged father and the child to determine biological relationship. Every person inherits half of their DNA from their biological mother and half from their biological father. By examining specific genetic markers called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), the laboratory can identify whether the child carries genetic markers consistent with the alleged father.

The testing process at TestMark DNA follows a straightforward path. First, you contact us for a free consultation where we help you understand which type of test - legal or personal - is appropriate for your needs. Next, we schedule your appointment at one of our 2,297+ certified collection sites located conveniently across the United States. During the appointment, a trained professional collects buccal swab samples from the inside of each participant's cheek. The samples are then sent to an AABB-accredited laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory examines a minimum of 20 genetic markers to ensure the highest accuracy. Results are typically available within 3 to 5 business days. If the tested man is the biological father, the report shows a combined paternity index and probability of paternity that exceeds 99.99%. If he is not the biological father, the report shows a 0% probability with complete exclusion.

Who Needs a Paternity Test?

People seek paternity testing for many different reasons. Some of the most common situations include establishing legal fatherhood, resolving child support or custody disputes, confirming biological relationships for personal knowledge, adding a father's name to a birth certificate, settling inheritance or estate claims, and meeting requirements for government benefits like Social Security or military benefits.

Regardless of the reason, TestMark DNA provides the same level of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality. We understand that paternity testing can be an emotionally sensitive matter, and our team handles every case with discretion and respect. Your results are confidential and shared only with authorized parties.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you arrive at a TestMark DNA collection site, a trained specimen collector will guide you through the process. For legal tests, each participant must present a valid government-issued photo ID. The collector will photograph each participant, have them sign consent forms, and document the chain of custody to ensure the results are admissible in court.

The DNA collection itself is quick and painless. The collector uses a sterile cotton swab to gently rub the inside of each participant's cheek for about 30 seconds. This collects buccal cells that contain DNA. The swabs are sealed in tamper-evident packaging and shipped directly to the laboratory. The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

For personal tests, the process is similar but does not require identification verification or chain-of-custody documentation. Personal tests offer the same laboratory accuracy as legal tests - the difference is in the collection protocol, not the science.

Understanding Your Results

Your paternity test report includes the DNA profiles of each tested individual, the genetic markers analyzed, the combined paternity index, and the probability of paternity. A result stating "the alleged father is not excluded as the biological father" with a probability of 99.99% or higher means the tested man is considered the biological father. A result stating "the alleged father is excluded as the biological father" with a 0% probability means he is definitively not the biological father.

TestMark DNA provides clear, easy-to-understand reports. If you have questions about your results, our team is available to walk you through the report and explain what each section means. We are committed to making sure you fully understand your results and what they mean for your situation.