As a top DNA testing lab, we often get asked, “Where can I go to get a DNA test done?” Here are some answers from our experts. It does depend on the type of DNA test you’re looking for: paternity, ancestry, fitness, etc., so we’ll go over the options.
Where Can I Go to Get a DNA Test Done?
For a paternity test, you can perform the DNA collection yourself using an at-home kit. If you need court-admissible results, you must arrange the test with a lab ahead of time and have the DNA collection witnessed by an impartial third-party at an approved facility.
Locations for DNA collection for legal paternity testing include:
- An AABB-accredited DNA laboratory location
- Mobile provider or brick-and-mortar collection facility approved by the lab
- Doctor’s office
- Lawyer’s office
- Hospital
Reasons for getting a legal paternity test include:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Immigration
- Inheritance rights
- Benefits rights
DNA Testing for Ancestry and More
Many analyses for reasons other than determining legal paternity require at-home DNA collection via cheek swab or spit, and don’t require participants to have DNA collected by a third party. These types of tests include:
- Ancestry
- Weight and Fitness
- Skin Care
- Pets
- And more
Ancestry testing has become extremely popular in recent years, but it’s important to remember that results cannot be used to legally and positively identify close living relatives—only a DNA relationship test can do that. For a family reconstruction test, analysts take DNA from a variety of potential close relatives and try to fit the pieces together like a puzzle to determine biological relationships, if they exist.
For medical applications, many doctors are getting on the genetics bandwagon and are using patients’ DNA data to help guide their care. For this type of testing, DNA is generally collected on-the-spot during the patient’s examination. If a medical disorder is suspected, a doctor may order a test wherein technicians look for very specific changes in chromosomes, DNA or proteins.
Wrapping It Up
Those are the short answers to “Where can I go to get a DNA test done?” The bottom line is first deciding which type of test you need and why. Then, contact experts at an accredited lab to get started. If you’re not sure which test is right for your specific needs, be sure to ask. It’s easy!
Call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.
Do you have questions or comments about where to get a DNA test done? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.
Need a dna test done soon as tomorrow
Hi, Jason. Contact us at 800-929-0847 M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern.
My Mom was 14 years old when I was born.
She is now deceased.
I just found out that my Father may have been her Step – Father who is also deceased.
How do I find out if my Uncles are actually my half – brothers?
Hi, Bonnie. With so many possible biological relationships involved in your question, I think it’s best if you talk things through with one of our experts to determine what might be best. Contact 800-929-0847 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
To prove absolute paternity of father to daughter – what percentage does it need to be? Is 75% sufficient? What is there are missing markers? If the DNA testing centre had difficulties twice getting DNA off of the swab sheet would they not offer to do it again? Are they required to? Does it not have to show 99% or nothing? Would it be possible that the female had sex with different men on the same day causing such a low match or result?
Hi, Judy. There is no reason why, with today’s technology, any lab would issue an inconclusive result of 75% probability of relationship. A lab can always test additional markers and/or include the mother’s DNA to obtain a 99%+ result or 0% result if the man is not the father. The female having sex with different men on the same day would not make a difference.
I want to know if my 30 year old daughter is really mine what DNA test do we need to get
Hi, Rick. It depends on what you want to use the results for. If you just want to know for your own peace of mind, then the DDC home paternity test kit would be best. If you anticipate needing results for a legal reason, then you would want to choose a legal paternity test. You can see all paternity options here: https://tests.dnacenter.com/paternity-testing/
I leave in Tennessee now but I got a kid in west Virginia and I need a DNA test to put on my son’s birth certificate because of court matters. Me and the mother both know without doubt that he is in fact my child
Hi, Peter. You need a legal paternity test, which we can arrange for you. Please contact one of our DNA specialists at 800-681-7162, M-F 8 am to 8 pm Eastern.