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Price: $359 / Online Prepay Price: $349 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
This is the “Gold Standard” for Paternity testing and highly recommended over mail-in kits or other indirect specimen collections. Strict identity verification of all donors, documented collection procedures and strict lab practices are adhered to throughout the entire testing process. Due to the sensitive nature of these tests, we often collect the DNA specimens from participants at different times based on need. The key components of this Paternity test are Identity and Specimen Integrity, which is mandatory to be legally admissible in a court of law. This is the best option if you don’t know how the results may ultimately be used. Specimen Type: Buccal Swab (Mouth)
Choose "Pay Online" to receive the prepay discount OR choose "Price Varies" to pay the standard price in person.
Choose "Pay Online" to receive the prepay discount OR choose "Price Varies" to pay the standard price in person.
Choose "Pay Online" to receive the prepay discount OR choose "Price Varies" to pay the standard price in person.
Choose "Pay Online" to receive the prepay discount OR choose "Price Varies" to pay the standard price in person.
Choose "Pay Online" to receive the prepay discount OR choose "Price Varies" to pay the standard price in person.
Navigating the paternity testing process can be overwhelming, as it is quite a sensitive topic. We are going to delve into the intricacies of legally admissible paternity testing and answer the most burning questions related to it.
A paternity test is a scientific method that compares the genetic material (DNA) of an alleged father and a child to confirm a biological relationship. However, a “legally admissible” paternity test goes a step further. It’s not just a paternity test—it’s one that courts can accept as evidence in legal matters such as child support, custody, inheritance, and immigration cases.
At-home paternity tests might seem convenient and affordable, but these tests typically don’t carry legal weight. The key difference between a legally admissible paternity test and an at-home test is the method of sample collection and the strict chain of custody procedure that the former follows. A chain of custody procedure guarantees that the DNA samples collected are from the correct individuals and have not been tampered with at any point. The process involves:
Each participant is required to present a government-issued photo ID (for adults) or a social security card/birth certificate (for minors).
Photos are taken of each participant to further document their involvement. These are taken by a trained collector who is a neutral third party and verified as such.
All the necessary documents, including consent forms, are signed and witnessed.
Samples are collected by an unbiased, third-party professional (usually a healthcare professional or a trained sample collector).
Each sample is carefully tracked from collection to delivery at the lab to ensure no unauthorized access or mishandling occurs.
You can read more about the benefits of legally admissible paternity test over DNA home kits.
The most common method for paternity testing is a buccal swab. This painless procedure involves swabbing the inside of the cheek to collect skin cells that contain DNA. Once collected, the samples are sealed and sent to an accredited lab where DNA is extracted, and genetic profiles are analyzed and compared.
In a paternity test, the child’s genetic profile is compared to that of the alleged father and the mother (if available). Each child inherits half of their DNA from each parent, so a direct comparison of these profiles can confirm or exclude the paternity status of the alleged father.
Once the lab has analyzed the samples, they issue a report detailing the results. If the alleged father is not excluded, the report will present a probability of paternity, typically 99.99% or higher in cases where the parent and child are indeed related. This report can then be used as evidence in a court of law.
Choosing the right laboratory for a paternity test is a critical step that can significantly impact the test’s accuracy and legal admissibility. A reliable and accredited lab serves as the cornerstone of the process, safeguarding the integrity of the results while ensuring a smooth and secure testing experience.
Here’s why a trusted DNA lab should be your go-to choice:
A reputable lab adheres to rigorous testing standards and quality control procedures that significantly reduce the risk of errors. An error in a paternity test can lead to incorrect conclusions which can have profound personal, social, and legal repercussions. Therefore, a trusted lab’s commitment to quality is not just a service feature—it’s a pillar of reliability.
Accredited labs are regularly inspected and audited by independent bodies such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) to ensure they uphold high testing standards. Choosing an accredited lab assures you that the laboratory follows the stringent guidelines set by these regulatory bodies, bolstering confidence in the results.
The sensitivity of paternity tests necessitates strict confidentiality. Trusted labs prioritize confidentiality by implementing strong privacy policies and secure handling procedures for personal data to protect client information. You can be assured that your information and results will be handled discreetly and professionally.
Established labs have a team of seasoned professionals with extensive genetic testing expertise. Their experience ensures that your samples are in capable hands and that your results are accurate and easy to understand.
Test Smartly Labs has 5 convenient dna testing locations throughout the greater Kansas City area offering convenience and an expert staff trained on accurate and compliant chain-of-custody DNA collection and documentation requirements. This ensures the DNA specimens are legitimate and unadulterated prior to the laboratory testing. The importance of this process can’t be overstated as it is critical if the results would ever need to be used in any legal proceeding.
Often there is a need for those participating in the Paternity test process to donate at different times or even in different cities. We also understand there may be tensions and conflict between individuals being the subject of a Paternity test. The professionals at Test Smartly Labs are sensitive to these issues and we provide great flexibility for all parties involved in the DNA collection process.
Whether you need different DNA collection dates or times at any of our Kansas City area locations we can accommodate you. Also, if a person is in a different geographical location, we can accommodate that as well through our extensive national collection lab partners. Whatever accommodations are necessary, we will work with you. You can walk in to any Test Smartly Labs location to get a legal Paternity test in Greater Kansas City Area.
Most people are surprised that a legally admissible Paternity test is only slightly more expensive than a “good-to-know” or home paternity kit. In many cases, a Paternity test starts out as a “good-to-know” DNA test but as soon as the results are revealed it is no longer that. In fact, a large percentage of Paternity tests that come back with non-negative paternal relationships move into more complex and complicated situations that often result in legal actions including custody, child support, inheritance, and many other possibilities.
At that time, a new legally admissible Paternity test must be performed and paid for again. Many times, the parties involved in the “good-to-know” paternity test are no longer willing to go along with the process until required by law to do so. Whatever the case, what originally appeared to be a “cheaper” option for the paternity test is now resulting in a second test and additional costs. You should always consider the potential outcome of a paternity test and plan ahead. Most people understand that the legally admissible Paternity test with all the inherent advantages are well worth the small additional cost for the initial test.
Test Smartly Labs strives to be a beacon of trust, accuracy, and professionalism in the vast and often confusing landscape of paternity testing. We understand the gravity of the decisions that hinge on our testing services and that understanding guides every aspect of our work.
Our commitment to accuracy is unwavering. We pride ourselves on utilizing state-of-the-art technology and proven methodologies, ensuring each result we deliver is as precise as possible. Our AABB accreditation, a hallmark of reliability in paternity testing, is a testament to our adherence to the highest standards.
Yet, we believe that our role extends beyond just delivering accurate results. Taking a paternity test can be a sensitive journey for many. That’s why we prioritize professionalism and customer service, striving to make each client’s experience with us as smooth and respectful as possible. Our dedicated and friendly staff is here to guide you through the process with the utmost respect and understanding.
Confidentiality is another cornerstone of our work.
We hold the privacy and security of our client’s information in the highest regard. Our strict confidentiality protocols are in place to ensure your information is secure and handled with the highest level of discretion. As experts in genetic testing, we’re not just technicians but guides in this journey. Our team is here to help you understand the testing process, ensuring you have the information you need.
At Test Smartly Labs, we believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of trust. We’re not just a laboratory but a partner dedicated to delivering reliable, accurate results in a comfortable and respectful environment. Choosing us means choosing a partner who understands the weight of genetic testing and is dedicated to serving customers with the utmost care and precision.
Learn more about working with us here.