| What do I need to do to get a DNA paternity test? |
You can either follow the instructions from the internet (click here for instructions) or we can mail you a kit which has everything you need, including instructions, swabs, DNA brochure, etc. |
| What is NATA accreditation and why is it important? |
NATA, or The National Association of Testing Authorities, is a World Recognised accreditation, and Australia's national laboratory accreditation authority.
A NATA accredited laboratory must comply with all procedures and protocols as outlined by NATA to ensure the facility is able to deliver services at standard of excellence.
You can be assured that when you choose a NATA accredited laboratory, that your will receive the highest quality of service and accuracy. |
| Do we need the mothers consent? |
No, in most tests we simply require the terms and conditions to be read and signed by one person who is taking responsibility for the test. Paternity tests can be performed with samples from the Father and child only, by comparing the DNA profile of the child to that of the alleged father. |
| Is there a benefit in testing the mother? (We already know she is the mother) |
Although motherless testing is very common, there is a benefit in including the mother’s sample. This is because children inherit half of their DNA from each parent, and therefore any DNA that is not shared with the mother, must come from the biological father. This allows us to identify which are the paternal alleles to compare with the alleged father. Having the mother’s sample can allow our scientists to eliminate the DNA inherited from the mother in the analysis. |
| What is the accuracy? |
We test to a minimum of 99.99% with our cheapest paternity test. Other relationship tests (i.e. brother to sister tests) can vary between 99% to 99.9%. Some laboratories only guarantee to test to 99% although they state 'we commonly achieve 99.99%'. Our tests are guaranteed to achieve the highest accuracy to cost ratio of any other laboratory. |
Is it confidential?
Who can get results? |
All clients’ information and DNA test results are strictly confidential and kept in a secured premise. Results will only be issued to the person who signed the sample submission form. We also request a security password from you for your added protection and confidentiality. |
| How long is the testing time? |
Results are issued between 10-15 business days from receipt of the samples. We do have express options available (refer to the sample sheet included in the DNA kit) |
| How much does it cost? |
Prices can vary depending of the type of test you are taking. Please refer to our Paternity page for paternity prices and to our Other Relationship Tests page for further pricings. |
| When and how do I pay for my test? |
Payment can be made at the time you have sent your samples back to DNA Solutions. We accept cheque, money order, credit card and EFT transfer. We also welcome clients to bring in their samples to the laboratory, should you prefer to make payment in person. |
| What samples do we have to provide? |
We can work with a variety of biological samples. However for paternity testing we recommend a buccal swab (mouth swab), as is completely reliable and painless.
Hair samples are also common samples but we require the hair to be pulled (not cut) with the hair root attached. We require at least 5-6 hairs per person tested. Children with fine hair and elderly with grey hair do not usually provide good hair specimens. |
| What does the kit contain? |
This home sampling collection kit is not a DNA testing kit. It contains the buccal swabs and information needed to take your samples in the privacy of your own home. The kits is shipped to you, with the intention that once you have taken your samples and wish to go ahead with the test, you can send it back to DNA Solutions to use with our DNA testing services. |
| How do I take the samples? |
Collecting your DNA sample with the buccal swab is very simple and takes less than one minute. Instructions are enclosed in the kit, and by rubbing firmly against the cheek we should have enough cells to extract and amplify the DNA from. Alternatively, if you wish to test hair samples, simple instructions are enclosed in the kit. |
| Can DNA testing be performed on a child before birth? |
Yes, although we do advise to wait until the child is born. If you wish to test the child before birth, this can be done through a process called Amniocentesis or CVS. This procedure can be done at a hospital or specialised clinic where amniotic fluid from the baby is collected and sent to a laboratory to culture more cells, before being forwarded to DNA Solutions for analysis. Amniocentesis can present medical risks to the mother and child, and you should discuss those risks with your doctor. |
Can DNA differentiate between brothers?
(If two brothers are the possible biological father) |
Yes, DNA can differentiate between brothers. However, because close blood relatives (e.g. siblings) will share more regions of DNA than two randomly selected individuals, if there is a situation where two (2) possible fathers of a particular child are brothers, it is recommended that both alleged fathers be tested.
This will ensure a higher accuracy and to ensure a conclusive result. |
| Is there a difference between a Peace of Mind test, and a Court-Approved test? |
The difference between a Peace of Mind test and a Court-approved case is largely involved with the sample collection. In a legal case, the doctor will check identification and secure your samples in a signed, tamper-proof package. You will also need your documentation witnessed by an affidavit. There additional requirements are put in place to ensure the identity of those being tested in accordance to the Family Law Act. The accuracy of the test, however is exactly the same. |
| Is there a difference in accuracy between blood and cheek cells? |
No, your DNA is the same throughout your body. As a result, the source of the DNA sample does not affect the accuracy of a DNA paternity test. |
| Will the samples go ‘off’ and are they safe to be posed? |
The buccal swabs are enclosed within a sterile pouch, and as long as they kept in a dark and cool place, can last for a very long time. This means that DNA samples can safely be mailed at long distances without harm to the DNA. However, we do stress that if taking a ‘wet’ sample, such as a buccal swab or used toothbrush, that you allow them to dry, or refrain from packing them in plastic bags. This will prevent them from becoming moist and allowing bacteria to grow, which can spoil the sample. |
| Am I able to organise a DNA test if each party lives in a different city (or country)? |
Yes, DNA Solutions performs tests from all over Australia and New Zealand, as well as overseas. For a peace of mind test we can send a DNA collection kit to anywhere in the country (and most places in the World). In this instance we would ask you to note on your Sample Submission form there is a place to include the names of each person being tested, so once each specimen is received we can match them to begin testing.
With court approved testing, we have collection points all over Australia and New Zealand so each person is not required to visit the same collection centre. We can also organise court-approved DNA testing in other countries, so please ask us for further details. |