Paternity Test ..Call 214-320-3302.. Unistat Medical Laboratories

The procedures for paternity testing, or DNA test, sample collection are quite simple. The following is a list of frequently asked questions that will help you find out about where to go, what to bring, who needs to show up, if there are age requirements, what types of samples there are, when to show up, and how your confidentiality is maintained.

Where are samples collected?
Genetic Profiles works with laboratories and clinics all over the country to provide paternity testing (DNA test) sample collection services. We will make every effort to ensure that you are scheduled at the most convenient site possible. We can even find a new location, if necessary, to meet your needs. To schedule an appointment for sample collection just call 1-800-551-7763 and a member of our Client Services staff will assist you. Please have as much of the following information as possible ready before you call:
- Names and addresses of all persons to be tested, and telephone numbers as appropriate.
- The date of birth or approximate age of the child(ren) to be tested.
- City and State of each person who will be providing a sample. Day and time preference for the sample collection.
- Payment information, i.e., who will be paying for the test and the type of payment to be used.
- Name and contact information of any involved attorney(s) and/or other representatives.
  
  We will provide you, or your client, with the location (usually a local laboratory or clinic within a 5-30 minute drive), date, time for sample collection, and the name of a contact person at the site.
Are there any age requirements?
Paternity testing using DNA testing may be performed at any age. Age of the person(s) tested DOES NOT affect the accuracy of the paternity test / DNA test result in any way. Genetic Profiles has successfully performed numerous tests involving newborn infants.
Who needs to provide a sample?
Usually, a sample is collected from the mother, child and alleged father. Under special circumstances, DNA testing / paternity testing may be performed using only samples from the child and alleged father. In such a situation, the child's legal guardian must authorize the sample collection and paternity testing if the alleged father does not have legal custody of the child.
What types of samples are collected?
In most cases DNA testing / paternity testing is done using cells from the inside of the mouth, which are collected with a cotton swab called a "buccal swab". The older more classic approach is to collect a very small sample of blood. The sample is small enough to allow even newborns to participate in testing. Newborns may also be tested using umbilical cord blood obtained at birth.
What do I need to take to the sample collection appointment?
It is extremely important that everyone being tested is positively identified. Every person from whom a sample is collected must provide:
- A picture ID, such as a driver's license or State identification card.
- Social security number, birth certificate (for children).
- Payment for the collection of samples.
- A money order or cashier's check made payable to Genetic Profiles for paternity testing fees. (It will be forwarded to the laboratory along with all samples collected).
Polaroid photographs will be taken of all persons at the time of sample collection. Thumbprints may also be taken. Strict chain of custody procedures will be followed.
Are sample collections and tests confidential?
Yes. All information and all results are kept strictly confidential. Results are provided only to those adult persons who were tested and have requested the results, or to other individuals (e.g. attorneys) authorized by the tested parties to receive the results. Personal information and results are absolutely never given over the telephone and never released without proper prior authorization.
Must everyone's samples be collected at the same time?
No. Samples may be collected at different times and in different places. We recommend that samples be collected at the same time whenever possible; DNA testing cannot begin until all samples have been received by the laboratory.

The average price for a paternity test is $450 to $500. There is a wide variance in pricing, but a properly conducted paternity test should not cost more than $600 or so. The more rigorously-controlled laboratories are likely to have higher internal costs which may in turn be passed along to their clients. Not surprisingly, it costs more to run a highly-controlled, consistent testing process than it does to perform shoddy tests with poor methodology and/or outdated, less expensive equipment. Factors like accreditation and newer, more capable laboratory instrumentation may add to the base cost of the testing process.

Some State agencies arrange for a contracted rate with testing laboratories that allows them to offer paternity tests at rates well below the standard fee. Check with the court and Office of Support Enforcement in your State to see if they can provide testing services at a reduced cost.

Paternity test results are normally expressed as "0% chance of parentage" or "better than a 99.0% chance of parentage". Most of the better laboratories test to 99.9% (1 in 1000), which is the minimum percentage we recommend. Currently, only one laboratory tests to 99.99% (1 in 10,000). A result such as "21.9%" (as in the example above) should never be seen, much less accepted. Such a result may indicate that the test was performed by an unaccredited laboratory, or performed improperly.

We would like to invite you to call Toll Free 1-877-217-4289 to discuss your needs with one of our professionals. Our physical address is within Dallas, Texas. Call for directions.