Web About Health - Health-and-Fitness

DNA Paternity - To Test at Home or Not

Many people prefer the “home” DNA testing kits for reasons of privacy and because they are usually less expensive, since they do not involve making an appointment at a laboratory, or any associated travel costs. However, depending on the reason you are seeking a DNA paternity test, you may wish to reconsider using the home test kit.

Home kits contain the exact same collection tools, as are used at a lab, and the results will be processed in the same way. But not all labs are accredited for processing DNA paternity tests. This means their results are not considered confirmed, and would not be usable as legal evidence.

Laboratories accredited by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), must undergo a strictly supervised testing of their methods and results, to determine if they are accurate, and done properly. These labs also take part in proficiency tests and must be re-inspected on an annual basis.

Home DNA paternity test kits are not accredited, unless certain procedures are followed. These include photo identification of the person taking the test, as well as having it witnessed by a third party, without an interest in the outcome.

Some labs may offer accredited home tests, but when ordering, make sure you get detailed instructions on how to satisfy the accreditation requirements.

Read similar articles: