A paternity test is a DNA test that determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.
The result of a paternity test is either an exclusion (the alleged father is not the biological father), or an inclusion (the alleged father is considered the biological father). For a standard paternity test, Health-Link guarantees at least 99.99% probability of paternity for inclusions or 100% certainty of exclusion. When legal testing is done, the results are admissible in all 50 states. We all do International testing for Immigration.
Unlike in-home tests, where tested parties collect their own samples at their convenience, Health-Link’s paternity test uses the Chain of Custody to ensure that you receive accurate and legally admissible results (accepted by courts and other government agencies). In all of our DNA tests, we:
1. Run each test twice, following the most stringent procedures to guarantee accurate and conclusive results.
2. Complete testing typically in 48 hours (after the samples are received in the lab).
3. Follow a strict Chain of Custody to ensure results are legally admissible.
4. Maintain confidentiality of each case using strict communication protocols.
5. Schedule convenient appointments close to your home or office through our comprehensive network of collection sites.
Tested Parties
In a standard paternity test, the tested parties include a child, the alleged father, and the mother (called a trio). The cost for this DNA test is typically $380.
The mother’s participation in the paternity test helps to exclude half of the child’s DNA, leaving the other half for comparison with the alleged father’s DNA. However, we can perform a paternity test without mother’s participation (called a motherless), which involves additional analysis, without any additional charge. Results are equally conclusive whether or not the mother participates. Motherless tests are guaranteed to have at least a 99.9% probability of paternity for inclusions and 100% for exclusion.
We also can test additional children or alleged fathers if needed; there is an additional DNA testing and analysis fee of $150 for each additional tested party. Therefore, you can save $230 by testing the extra individual at the same time. Whereas, if you tested two alleged fathers and one child OR one alleged father and TWO children separately, it would be $380 + $380 instead of $380 + $150 for the extra participant.
Chain of Custody Process
Samples are collected using a Chain of Custody documentation process that ensures your results will be accepted by courts and other government agencies such as Immigration or Social Security.
Special Paternity Testing Options
We often work with customers who would like to know the paternity relationship even before the child is born. We’re able to test prenatal samples in such situations. However, prenatal testing is rarely done since it does require that your local OB/GYN physician collect the samples and most physicians are reluctant to do so due to the risks involved. It is typically considered more prudent to simply wait until after the child is born and simply obtain the samples by an oral cheek swab. Should you need to have prenatal testing done, simply contact your Ob/Gyn physician and inquire if they would be willing to collect the samples. If so, call us with the contact information of the physician and we in turn will coordinate directly with them.
We can also test other samples when the alleged father is unavailable or deceased. A viability test will be performed on the samples.
For customers seeking peace of mind without intending to use the results as legal evidence, we also provide the best in-home paternity testing in the industry.
For a free consultation or to order a test or call 1-888-712-9639. One of our caring, knowledgeable case managers will review the information you provide and guide you through the testing process.
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