Paternity DNA Testing Pennsylvania

Very often, paternity tests must be admissible in a court of law within Pennsylvania. That means you need an accurate and scientifically sound test that can prove who is the father of a child, or at least show a probability of fatherhood.

Our tests come from a laboratory certified by the American Association of Blood banks. These tests require highly trained professionals who know how to collect blood samples properly and handle them in a professional manner. This handling must adhere to chain of custody rules, so that there is no doubt that the sample belongs to the individual being tested.

Of course, paternity testing can be used for non-court situations as well, such as when an individual simply wants to establish parenthood. We handle these types of tests with the same care as we use for court cases within Pennsylvania.

Approximately 25% of men tested with a paternity test turn out not to be the father. They are conclusively ruled out because of DNA results.

We most often use a cheek swab, but we can also utilize hair samples, material from toothbrushes, fingernail clippings, and any other personal items that may contain DNA. Taking DNA directly from the individual is preferred, but these other methods are acceptable.

We can also test the DNA of aunts & uncles and grandparents to establish a relationship.

Legal DNA Tests vs. Informational DNA Tests: Which One Do I Need?

Legal DNA Tests in Pennsylvania

A Legal DNA Test is required when the results will be used in any legal process. A legal test requires that several procedures and documentation are safeguarded, therefore, the test is performed at an approved collection site on the person(s) to be tested since the chain of custody for a sample must be maintained throughout the process. A witness who is not part of the family must be present when the DNA is collected.

Legal DNA Tests should be used for:

• Child support or custody cases
• Visitation rights
• Medical, military, or social security benefits
• Adding or removing a name from a birth certificate
• Adoption cases
• Inheritance cases (biological relationship with the person who has died)

Informational DNA Tests*

Informational DNA Tests are performed for informational or “Peace of Mind” purposes, and therefore do not carry the strict requirements of Legal DNA tests. The sample can be collected by anybody, and they can be anonymous if they want to. For Informational DNA Testing, a kit will be sent directly to you, and the test can be performed in your home and sent back to the lab. Of course, the results cannot be used in legal cases.

If you don’t need results for legal reasons like child support or custody, the advantages of an Information DNA Test are:

• Get answers FAST!
• You can order an at-home DNA paternity test kit directly from ReliaLab Test
• You can collect your DNA in the comfort of your own home with a simple cheek swab.

* – Informational DNA Test can not be administered in the State of New York. All DNA tests in the State of New York must be legal DNA tests.

Order A Paternity DNA Test in Pennsylvania

If you live in the Pennsylvania area, contact our office to order a DNA Test. Orders submitted by 2 PM CST Monday-Friday will be shipped the same day you order. Orders placed on a weekend will be processed the following Monday.