Paternity fraud is a huge problem happening in the United States. This issue is especially prevalent among non-heterosexual couples.
Paternity tests are a common tool used by courts in order to help make a conclusive decision on who the father of a child is and who will pay for child support. What makes them so useful is that they are relatively inexpensive and that can be used to gain information quickly. Paternity tests are easy to conduct, but they are not without their drawbacks.
There are a few ways to make a paternity test more accurate, but the most important thing to remember is that these paternity tests can only provide a result if the mother and the tested father are biologically related. This is where DNA testing comes in. In this article, we will be talking about the best paternity test to use with a child, the benefits and drawbacks of this test, and the testing methods that are available.
What is a paternity test?
A paternity test is a test that can determine if a man is the biological father of a child and if child support needs to be paid. The test is usually performed by a geneticist or a medical professional. There are a few different types of paternity tests, with the most common being a blood test. A blood test is usually done on the father and the child. A DNA paternity test can also be performed on the father. For example, the father can have a swab on his cheek and a DNA paternity test can be done on the child's cheek.
How to use a paternity test?
There are various ways to use a paternity test. You can use a paternity test to determine if a man is the father of a child. It is also possible to use a paternity test to determine if a woman is the mother of a child. This can be helpful in situations such as custody disputes. The best way to use a paternity test is to use a home paternity test kit. This kit is inexpensive and easy to use.
Benefits and drawbacks
The home paternity test is a great way to determine if the father is the biological father of the baby and needs to pay child support. It is a very reliable way to determine a father's identity. There are a lot of benefits to this test. The test is also very easy to use and the results are quick. However, the test does have a few drawbacks. It is not that expensive and it only works for the person who is taking the test. This means that if the biological father is not taking the test, it will not work.
Another drawback is that the test only proves that the biological father is the father. It does not tell you if the child is the child of the father or the mother. The only way to determine this is to compare the DNA test of the father to the mother's DNA test and the child's DNA test.
Testing methods
There are many different methods of paternity testing, each with its own pros and cons. The most common methods of paternity testing are the blood test, the Y-chromosome DNA test, and the mitochondrial DNA test. These two methods are the most accurate and reliable. However, the Y-chromosome DNA test is a less expensive option and is the most common method in use. The test analyzes DNA from the male and female X chromosomes to determine if the man is the father. The test can be completed via a blood test or a mouth swab.
Mitochondrial DNA examinations map individuals' matrilineal (mother-line) origins with their mitochondria, which are passed from moms to their children. Given that everybody has mitochondria, individuals of all sexes can take DNA testing examinations.
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Best Paternity Test - Reviews
The Best
My Forever DNA - Paternity DNA Tests Kit - Includes All Lab Fees & Shipping to Lab - Up to 34 DNA (Genetic) Markers Tested - Accurate Results in 1-3 Business Days.
About this product
- NO HIDDEN FEES – All lab and shipping fees to test 1 alleged father and 1 child are included in your DNA test kit purchase. Each kit includes Step-by-Step Instructions and all materials needed to perform your at-home paternity test, along with FREE sample shipping back to the lab. Kit Includes: Instructions, Result Notification Form, 6 sterile cheek swabs (2 swabs per packet), 3 DNA sample envelopes, FREE shipping back to the lab
- ACCURACY GUARANTEED – Tests are performed in our state-of-the-art lab. By testing the most DNA markers industry-wide – Up to 34 DNA (Genetic) Markers + Gender Identification Marker Amelogenin – We do more DNA testing than anyone else! You can be confident in the results. To further ensure accuracy, we run every test twice
- ACCREDITED US LAB – Our US-based contracted lab is AABB Accredited, the gold standard in accreditations, and participates annually in College of American Pathologists (CAP) proficiency testing. Every DNA test is verified and signed off on by our Chief Scientific Officer who has 20 years of experience
- FAST & CONFIDENTIAL RESULTS – We will notify you when samples arrive at our lab, and you can expect results within 1-3 business days after we have received all samples. There is no online portal to register for. Instead, you’ll get the confidential results in the way you choose: by email, phone, or mail. We have many safety measures in place to ensure your data and information are always kept private and confidential
- PERSONALIZED CUSTOMER CARE – Get One-On-One Customer Service! Once samples arrive at our lab, you will be assigned a Customer Care Specialist who will email you when samples arrive and keep you up-to-date every step of the way. Your knowledgeable Customer Care Specialist will also be available by phone or email to answer any questions you have. Questions are Welcome!
Great service, the laboratory emailed to confirm the test was received and the results were ready within 24hrs. Directions are straightforward and easy to use.
DNA testing is easy My Forever DNA.
After communicating with them some customers never received the results. Instructions may be hard to understand and follow for some.
Our Thoughts - The envelopes you put the DNA testing swabs in are not leakproof s we think that there is a good chance of DNA cross-contamination.
Very Good
Express DNA Paternity Test Kit (at Home) - Exclusive UPS Overnight Shipping to Lab for US Residents, Premium Flocked Swabs and All Lab Fees Included - Confidential Report in 2 Business Days.
About this product
- ALL LAB FEES INCLUDED FOR 1 PARENT + 1 CHILD – Our lab is US-based, AABB, ISO 17025, and A2LA accredited.
- EXPRESS POSTAGE – Free UPS overnight return envelope for US residents to mail DNA samples to our lab.
- VIDEO DEMONSTRATION – Online short video instruction is provided during test kit registration.
- QUICK RESULTS – 2 business days for your DNA results to be emailed to you.
- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE FOR ACCURACY – 22 STR loci are compared for up to 99.999% accuracy.
Simple, affordable, and professional. No hidden charges, either, and the results were explained in easy terms to understand.
Some customers said that is very difficult to communicate with customer service and never received the results. Not the cheapest.
Our Thoughts - We don't know why some people were not happy with customer service. A high percentage were happy with both, customer service and the quick results.
Good Value
DNA Direct Paternity Test Kit - All Lab Fees & Shipping to Lab Included - Results in 2 Business Days.
About this product
- All Lab Fees are Included for 1 Father and 1 Child. Testing Performed by an AABB & ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory.
- The DNA Direct Home Paternity Test INCLUDES 22 GENETIC MARKERS FOR 100% ACCURACY. Results were completed in as little as 2 business days.
- Kit includes FREE Return Shipping back to the Laboratory. Register your kit online to receive your results.
- Professional and Confidential. Ships in discreet packaging for privacy. Phone Number Available for Questions.
- Kit includes PAIN-FREE cheek swabs for sample collection in the comfort and privacy of your home. DNA Direct cannot send at-home collection kits to New York addresses. New York State Law requires that residents either obtain a court order or include a physician to complete the testing process.
Overall, there is a large percentage of people that had success and are happy with their results. Most received the results within a week.
Some customers mentioned that the results came back inconclusive, and to clarify the issue it would be another $96. Others said that is very difficult to communicate with customer service and never received the results, they got an email that said to buy another kit and do it again.
Our Thoughts - Many customers mentioned that although they received their results they still had the same question, is the child mine or not? Some have decided to do another test using a private laboratory to be sure.
Good Value
STK Paternity Test for Child and Father DNA Kit at Home - Includes All Lab Fees.
About this product
- All Lab Costs are Included for 1 suspected father and 1 child, all DNA at-home tests are ISO 17025 compliant
- Paternity tests verify 16 DNA loci 3 more than the FBI for DNA Fingerprints.
- Online status and results are available and a hard copy is available for an additional fee.
- Professional and Confidential and a 1-800 number is available for questions
- STK Paternity Tests are up to 99.999% accurate.
It clearly says you must register to receive results before sending in samples. We are assuming that's where most people get the "I didn't get my results".
If you have any doubt, buy this product, follow all instructions, register the product, verify your email, and ease your mind for whatever your circumstances may be!
Some customers mentioned that this company needs to improve communication with the customers. Others said that is very difficult to communicate with customer service and never received the results.
Our Thoughts - The laboratory will ask to pay $30 extra dollars to get a copy of the printed report. In some cases, people were asked to pay more to complete the test. Also no names on the report and it's based on the serial from the kit itself that was registered online.
From a customer: "I wished that they have separate capsules to protect from contamination because after taking a swap I have to worry about they may be contaminated because your envelopes get wet hence return envelopes are all in one!"
Good
Rapid Paternity Test Kit Lab Fees Included DNA Results in 2 Business Days.
About this product
- ALL LAB FEES AND SHIPPING INCLUDED: DNA testing can give your family the answers you need, and with our fast, affordable rapid paternity test kit at home, discovering the relationship between a father and child is easier than ever. This DNA paternity test for child and father includes all of the high-quality reliable materials you need to collect non-invasive DNA samples plus a shipping label back to the lab. Once we receive your samples you will know the results in two business days guaranteed.
- FAST RESULTS: We know that taking a genetic test can change lives, so we process all of our home paternity tests as quickly and accurately as possible to get you the answers you need. Our kits feature a faster turnaround time than other kits on the market, and we guarantee test participants will receive their paternity test results in two business days after we receive your cheek swab paternity samples. Our team will send you text and email updates during each stage of the testing process.
- TEST WITH CONFIDENCE: Rapid DNA Testing uses the most accredited DNA test lab in the United States. Our testing center has received accreditation from the: AABB, CSQ, and more. You can feel confident that our testing process follows all of the necessary research and confidentiality guidelines to keep your information safe. Our paternity kits are all-inclusive and feature high-quality materials, and you can rest assured that you will receive the most reliable, timely results through our company.
- ACCURACY GUARANTEED: When you take a paternity test, you want to be sure that the results are as accurate as possible. Our company guarantees the accuracy of your results through our reliable and secure testing method. Our lab uses Dual Process technology to double-check our work this process runs your DNA sample twice with two different teams before a doctor signs off on the results. You can feel confident that your home paternity test will settle any questions about paternity that you may have.
- HAVE QUESTIONS: We know that paternity testing is an unfamiliar concept for many, so our customer service team is available to answer any of your questions and ease your anxieties. Our team is available by phone, email, or virtual chat during regular working hours, and we will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible. We take our customers’ satisfaction seriously, so if you aren’t satisfied with our testing kit for any reason, we will send you a full refund.
This kit is all-inclusive, (materials, return postage, and envelope and lab fees are all part of this package). You do need to call in or go online as part of it to register the kit you got so they know where/who, etc. to send results to.
Some customers mentioned that this is the rudest company ever. Others said that is very difficult to communicate with customer service and never received the results.
Our Thoughts - Not normally a quick turnaround. The results do not contain names. How to know if it's one's results? If you are wanting something that has names on it, this may not be for you.
Good
HomePaternity DNA Test Kit, Lab Fees & Shipping Included, Paternity Tests Results in 2 Days.
About this product
- Experts in DNA testing for over 25 years, with over 20 million DNA tests performed to date.
- In-house lab, based in the USA. We never use third-party laboratories to ensure your privacy and personal data are protected.
- Includes testing for one (1) child and one (1) possible father, with the option to add more test participants when registering your kit (additional fees apply).
- Online results available in 1-2 business days after testing begins.
It's much better to register with a phone call, not online. The process becomes much easier after registering.
Some customers mentioned that they received a damaged product. Others said that is very difficult to communicate with customer service. They may ask for further fees.
Our Thoughts - It seems that waiting for results can take much longer than what they advertise.
From a customer: "I can’t attest to the same feedback as the others. I can only assume they didn’t follow the directions. Which for the most part, is pretty simple. Swab the child's mouth, swab the alleged father's mouth. Place them in their respective envelope. Then mail it off in a prepaid envelope. Since it’s USPS, I would suggest taking it directly to the Post Office. This isn’t something you want to get lost in the drop box and dropping it off will get you a receipt of acceptance. You also will be able to track the lab. Mind was sent in over a holiday weekend so took just a little more time but reasonable. Mailed out Thursday, and got the results back Monday. Provided Friday was a federal holiday. The results were easy to interpret and confidential".
