How long does it take to get DNA Paternity Test results?

As a leading provider of peace of mind paternity testing, we are often asked how long it takes to receive paternity test results once you’ve submitted DNA samples for testing.

In this article, we explore how a paternity test works, how quickly you’ll receive your results, and what factors can delay a paternity test result.

How does a paternity test work?

All our peace of mind paternity tests are performed in the same way, whether you want to verify paternity of an adult, or a baby who has recently been born.

Paternity testing works by comparing a child’s DNA profile with that of the alleged father(s).

An AlphaBiolabs paternity test looks at up to 45 DNA markers (loci) to identify which half of the child’s DNA is inherited from the alleged father.

Every person inherits half of their DNA from each of their biological parents, so such a comparison can help us to establish the probability of paternity.

When testing the biological father of the child, both will share identical sections of DNA at each marker. When the man tested is not the biological father, the man and child will not share enough DNA to verify a relationship.

How long will it take to get my paternity test results?

For just €109, AlphaBiolabs can provide you with next-day^* paternity test results as standard.

For €159, we are also the only DNA testing laboratory that offers same-day^* results for paternity testing.

It is important to note that your samples must arrive at our laboratory by 10am to guarantee same-day or next-day results.

As soon as you order your paternity test online, your kit will be sent out the same day.

Once you have received your kit and taken your cheek swab samples, you will need to post the samples back to our laboratory using the self-addressed envelope included in your kit.

As soon as your DNA samples arrive at our laboratory, testing can begin.

Once we have completed our analysis, our expert reporting scientists will prepare your results.

Your secure, password-protected results will then be emailed to you either the same day or next day, depending on which option you chose when placing your order.

^*Working days from when your DNA samples are received by our laboratory, before 10am.

How long does it take to get paternity test results for court?

Unlike a peace of mind paternity test – which is purely for your information – a legal DNA paternity test is admissible in court.

This means that the DNA samples have been collected under strict chain of custody conditions, ensuring the DNA samples have been collected correctly and from the right individuals.

With extensive experience offering court-approved DNA testing for legal professionals, social workers, and local authorities, we understand the importance of meeting deadlines for court dates.

However, we also understand that ever-tightening restrictions on budgets mean that affordability is an issue for most express services.

That’s why AlphaBiolabs provides next-day results^* for legal DNA paternity testing as standard.

All our DNA testing is performed in-house at our state-of-the-art laboratory, streamlining the process, and ensuring a fast and efficient service.

^*Working days from when the DNA samples are received by our laboratory, before 10am.

What can delay a paternity test result?

We are extremely proud to be a leading provider of peace of mind paternity testing, with the fastest turnaround times in the industry.

Provided your samples have been collected correctly and your test request/consent form (enclosed with your kit) is completed as required, you will not experience any delay receiving your results either the same day or the next day (depending on which option you choose when placing your order).

However, while it is extremely rare for an AlphaBiolabs paternity test result to be delayed, there are some instances where this can happen – most of which are preventable.

Examples include:

If we do not have the correct consent to proceed with your DNA test

Any person aged 16 or over must provide written consent (a signature) for their DNA samples to be tested.

If we find that these signatures have not been provided when you return your test request/consent form to us, we will not be able to perform a DNA test until the correct consent has been given.

For children under the age of 16, consent must be provided by an adult with guardianship for the child, as set out in section 6 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.

Incorrect postage

When returning the DNA samples to our laboratory, it is vital that the correct postage is applied to your package to prevent any delays.

If your package does not have the correct postage, this is likely to delay the receipt of the DNA samples by our laboratory, the analysis of the samples and, subsequently, the delivery of your test results.

When you’re ready to send the DNA samples back to our laboratory, we strongly recommend taking your package to your local post office where it can be weighed, and the correct postage applied.

Please note that the DNA samples must be received by our laboratory no later than 10am to guarantee same-day^* or next-day^* paternity test results.

^*Working days from when the DNA samples are received by our laboratory, before 10am.

If you do not disclose the biological relationship (to the child) of any alleged fathers being tested

As a leading provider of DNA testing services, we appreciate that deciding to order a paternity test is not an easy decision to make.

However, to ensure you receive your result as quickly as possible, it is vitally important that you are truthful when completing your test request/consent form.

For example, in the rare instance that an alleged father is a close male relative of the child in question (e.g. an uncle, or the father of the mother), it is crucial that our expert geneticists are aware of this fact before proceeding with paternity testing.

This will help prevent any delays analysing the DNA samples at the laboratory and providing you with a result.

In the unlikely event that we are unable to provide your paternity test results within the expected timeframe (same-day or next-day), a member of our Customer Services team will notify you as soon as possible.

Can you get a paternity test that gives instant results?

Due to the complex nature of DNA relationship testing, it is not possible to receive an instant paternity test result.

However, AlphaBiolabs is proud to offer the fastest turnaround times in the industry for peace of mind paternity testing.

Your discreet results will be emailed to you as standard and are password-protected for full confidentiality.

Is it easy to take DNA samples for a paternity test?

Our at-home DNA paternity test kit has been designed to be very quick and easy, so you can collect your DNA samples yourself without the need for a sample collector to visit your home.

For a paternity test to be performed, we simply need the DNA samples of the alleged father and the child, so that we can compare the two DNA samples at the laboratory.

DNA samples need to be collected using a cheek (buccal) swab, like a cotton bud.

Each paternity test kit contains two collection swab packages, two swabs in each package, along with full instructions on how to collect the DNA samples and return them to our laboratory for analysis.

To collect the DNA sample, the test participant (alleged father) must rub their cheek (buccal) swab gently but firmly on the inside of the cheek to collect a sample of cheek cell DNA.

This process should then be repeated for the child. For children under the age of 16, this can either be done by an adult to ensure the sample is collected correctly, or with adult supervision (depending on the age of the child).

The DNA samples of the alleged father and child can then be secured (separately) as outlined in the test kit instructions and returned to AlphaBiolabs’ DNA laboratory.

It is important to note that a DNA test cannot be performed without the written consent (a signature) of any person aged 16 or over submitting their samples for testing.

If the child is under 16, consent must be provided by an adult with guardianship for that child.

Where can I order a paternity test online?

With an AlphaBiolabs paternity test, it is possible to verify a child’s paternity using the very latest methods in DNA analysis.

You can quickly and easily order your paternity test online now for just €119.

If you require a paternity test for legal matters, you will need to request a quote for a legal DNA test here.

For confidential advice about which test is best for you, call our Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie.