Testing begins once your samples arrive at the laboratory. If there are no issues with your sample, your test will be completed within 1-2 business days after the laboratory receives your samples. Shipping time is NOT included.
Please note that the #1 priority of the laboratory is the quality of the testing and the absolute accuracy of the results. The estimated turnaround time cannot be guaranteed if an exception is encountered, and the laboratory will not under any circumstances sacrifice the quality of the test in order to speed up the turnaround time. Additional fees may apply if additional testing or recollection is required.
These are the most common exceptions which result in delays in testing, recollection or no results:
1. Degraded DNA samples
Poor quality DNA samples may result in delays in testing or recollection. Common reasons why a DNA swab sample might be poor quality include: (1) accidentally placing the swabs back into the original foil package instead of directly into the specimen envelope after sample collection; (2) Not allowing the swabs to dry completely inside the specimen envelope after sample collection
2. Not enough DNA on the swabs
Not having enough DNA on the swabs may result in delays in testing or recollection. Common mistakes that lead to low quantity of DNA on the swabs include: (1) Not rubbing the swabs inside the cheek for 30 seconds (2) spitting on the swab instead of rubbing it inside the cheek (3) swabbing something other than inside the cheek; or (4) putting things into the mouth, brushing, or rinsing within 1 hour of sample collection.
3. Contaminated samples
If a DNA sample is found to be contaminated, recollection will be required. Common reasons why a DNA swab sample might be poor quality include: (1) breastfeeding or having things inside the mouth within 1 hour prior to collection; (2) placing swabs from two different people into the same envelope.
4. Swabbing a relative of the Alleged Father instead of the Alleged Father using the Alleged Father's kit
The DNA Paternity Test is for testing one Alleged Father and one Child to determine if the tested man is the true biological father of the child. If the Alleged Father is not available for testing, then you cannot take the DNA Paternity Test. If there is a relative of the Alleged Father that can be tested, such as his mother or his sister, etc. you can consider contacting the laboratory to change your test type to a DNA Grandparentage Test or a DNA Sibling Test. The laboratory will help you to choose the correct test for your situation. Additional charges will apply.
5. Putting the swabs into the wrong envelope
Accidentally placing the Child's swab into the Alleged Father's envelope and vice versa, or accidentally putting the Child and Alleged Father's swabs into the same envelope.
6. Not using the swabs provided in the kit
All samples must be collected using the buccal swabs provided in the test kit. If you submit a sample that is not collected using the buccal swabs provided in the kit, you will not get a result.
7. Incomplete or incorrect information on form
Each individual must complete the consent form on the back of the specimen envelope. Ensure that the name on the form matches the name that you entered when you activated the kit. For minors, the consent form must be completed by a legal guardian.
8. Gender mismatch
If the gender on the specimen envelope does not match the gender of the sample (e.g. if a female sample was submitted for the alleged father), recollection may be required.
9. Only 1 swab received
You must collect two buccal swabs per person. Both swabs must be submitted for each person participating in the test. If you submit only one swab per person, recollection may be required.
10. Genetic variations or mutations
If the laboratory discovers a rare genetic variation or a potential mutation, additional testing may be required. If the mother was not included in the test originally, the laboratory may contact you to request the addition of the mother to the test in order to further investigate the potential mutation.
11. Related alleged fathers
In cases where the Alleged Fathers are related to each other (such as brothers, or father and son), it is highly recommended to test both alleged fathers in order to exclude one of them. Adding the mother to the test is also highly recommended in cases where the potential fathers are related to each other.