Our clients may choose to do a legal DNA paternity test for a number of reasons. This can be to prove or disprove issues of paternity or simply because it may be requested by a Judge in court as part of an ongoing trial. The legal DNA test can also be done for Immigration purposes (see DNA Testing for Immigration purposes).  Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that the legal paternity DNA test is different to a standard ‘curiosity’ test (which is purely done for informative reasons) and there are a number of additional steps required in what is known as the ‘chain of custody’ sample collection procedure.

Price, kit and results of a Court Approved DNA Test

The test is offered at $595.00. The test might include some additional costs for the Doctor or Nurse needed in the test; these costs are not covered in the quoted prices. Once you have placed your order, we will prepare your DNA kit and send it out to you within 48 hours.  The kit contains the oral swabs required to obtain the DNA sample, a set of clear instructions on the procedure and the paperwork to be filled in.

Results will be sent to you by email within 5 to 7 working days. Moreover, you will receive another copy by post which will be signed and documented by a Notary or Solicitor a few days later.

Who takes the DNA Samples in a Legal DNA test?

We need to have a guarantee of who the DNA samples taken come from. Thus, a Doctor or qualified Nurse (known in such cases as a Sampler) will have to take the DNA samples him or herself by rubbing the swab into the mouths of the parties doing the test.

The Sampler will make sure that each swab is free from contamination and placed in the right envelope, label them and then proceed to seal them and post them for testing at our laboratory.

Identifying the Parties Involved

Identification is mandatory to the chain of custody. The whole process is done under strict supervision and samples have to be carefully sourced. Each of the people involved in the test will have to produce 2 passport photos clearly displaying a full, clear face. The photos will be used by the sampler, i.e. the Doctor or Nurse, in the following way:

1. The Sampler will need to authenticate the sample by using the photos and stating the following:
2. Sampler’s name certify that this is a true likeness of ... [person’s name]”
3. The sampler will then sign the back of the photos and date them.

A form of identification, preferably with a photograph, will need to be presented by all participants in the test. One can opt for any of the following documents: Passport, Full Drivers License, National Identity Card with photo, Armed Forces ID card, Pass card issued by a Government Department or other photo ID. Certified copy of birth certificate for children tested.

You will need to provide a photocopy of the identification you use for the test; ensure you sign and date the back of the copy.

Further information for you on legal DNA testing

We have created a visual guide to aid you in the sample collection. You can access this at How to Collect your DNA page. Also note that Legal DNA testing is available for both Paternity DNA testing as well as Relationship DNA Tests. We will advise you further depending on your specific case.

To go on to placing your order for the Legal DNA Paternity Test click here or alternatively contact us directly to discuss further.