Can I do a paternity test at home?

When the parentage of a child is in question, the emotional stakes are high and the consequences of discovering the truth can be life-changing. Having a paternity test done is the gold standard for getting the answer—but can you do a paternity test at home?

When the parentage of a child is in question, the emotional stakes are high and the consequences of discovering the truth can be life-changing. Having a paternity test done is the gold standard for getting the answer—but can you do a paternity test at home?

There are several ways to test for paternity:

Home paternity testing is the ideal choice if you’re not going to court or don’t need a report for legal reasons such as child support, custody, benefits, or inheritance. If you just want to know for your own peace of mind, simply take your test from the comfort of your couch and get the answers you need. Because home paternity tests do not verify the identities of the people tested, names will not be included on the report. If you do want the names included, however, consider a legal paternity test.

Home paternity testing has become extremely affordable since it became available to the public in the last 20 years, and it’s the most cost-effective way to get a science-based answer. DNA testing through a doctor’s office or ordering a test with court-admissible results can cost up to $400–800! A test for one possible father plus one child from HomePaternity starts at just $99.

The process is so simple that anyone can do it. You just purchase the kit, collect DNA samples from the child and the possible father using painless cheek swabs, and then mail the samples to the DNA lab. With a test from HomePaternity, you also have the option of adding the mother to the test. Her participation is recommended since it can strengthen results, but it’s not required.

When you do a paternity test at home, you’re in control of the testing schedule—and not the courts—so you can get results when you want them, on your own terms. When you order from HomePaternity, your report is issued just two (2) days once samples are received at our lab, or you have the option to get them in one (1) day, for an additional fee.

A common misconception is that a home paternity test isn’t as accurate as one ordered through the courts—but that’s just not true! If the exact same DNA samples are submitted for a court test and a home test, you can expect the data and the result’s statement to be exactly the same. Today’s tests are so accurate that when a tested man is considered the biological father, the standard probability of paternity is 99.999% or higher.

Why pay more for services you don’t need? If you want an accurate answer to your paternity question and there’s no legal reason to do a test with court-admissible results, then buying a home paternity test kit from a reputable and experienced company like HomePaternity is the smart choice.