DNA Testing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Requirements

Pennsylvania does not require a prescription or doctor's order for a DNA paternity test. Under 23 Pa.C.S. section 5103, the father of a child born to an unmarried woman may file an acknowledgment of paternity with the Department of Human Services, with the mother's witnessed consent, and that acknowledgment is conclusive evidence of paternity in any support action without further court ratification. Where paternity is disputed, the court directs the parties to genetic testing, and a result showing 99 percent or higher probability stipulates the defendant as the biological father. For a result to be used in court, the test has to be performed by an accredited laboratory with a completed chain-of-custody form, which means samples are collected at a certified site and everyone tested shows government ID. A home kit gives you a private answer but is not accepted for child support, custody or a birth certificate change. Call and we will confirm which test your situation needs.