DNA Paternity Test

Paternity Test Cost

Is There a Difference in Paternity Test Cost?

Many people will be surprised to learn there is some variation in the costs associated with paternity test cost. The reality of a variance in DNA test cost owes to the fact there are several avenues to take when it comes to conducting a paternity test.

Here are a few examples of methods of paternity testing, and how the cost for these procedures may vary.

Prenatal Paternity Tests

Prenatal paternity tests are one of several methods of conducting a test, and happens to be one of the most cost effective.

With this method, the samples are extracted from the placenta or amniotic fluid of the unborn child, as well as a sample from the purported father. The testing is relatively straightforward and is usually admissible in a court of law.

Because the procedure is often voluntary and involves the use of a procedure that involves the collection of samples that are normally extracted during prenatal care for other types of testing, the paternity test cost here is sometimes offset by combining this test with other tests regarding the health of the fetus.

The use of home paternity test kits also is a very cost-effective route to consider. The kits are often available at a low cost, and can be used after the child is born.

Swabs are used to collect samples from the male and the newborn, and are sent to a lab in secure containers. Often, the results are processed and back within a week of receipt.

The paternity test cost associated with the home kits is often less than $200.00 USD. The home kits can often be purchased online, with delivery within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Legally Required Paternity Tests

Perhaps the form of testing is associated with paternity tests that are ordered by a court of law. This is often because the paternity test cost involves using a lab that employs a stricter procedure in processing the samples.

The more stringent testing meets the criterion established by the courts to ensure the results are admissible as evidence. Labs that specialize in preparing paternity tests for court cases tend to follow procedures that include double or triple testing of the results, and take security measures that may or may not be standard procedure for other types of paternity tests.

Depending on the reason behind the paternity test, it may be desirable to go with options that include a higher paternity test cost.
While most labs are very reliable, it is a good idea to go with a process that includes a higher level of security for the samples and conducts multiple tests before issuing results. This is particularly true if there is a solid reason to call the paternity of a child into question, and legal issues are a likely result.