Cost Of A DNA Test – What Are The Deciding Factors?

With the advancement of DNA technology came the opportunity for millions of people to make use of home DNA tests. Paternity tests are still the most commonly used, however, there is a wide range of tests available, at varying costs, depending on a number of different factors.

The Simple Solution

DNA testing is now recognized as the most reliable way to confirm biological relationships. Various types of DNA tests exist and these normally incur different prices and costs, depending on various factors, including; the type of test required, the number of persons involved, and the timeframes for issuing results amongst other things.

Thanks to worldwide use of the internet it has never been easier, or cheaper, to order a home DNA test. One simply selects a properly accredited DNA testing company, orders a testing kit online and waits for it to be sent to your home. A DNA sample can be collected in the comfort of your own home and posted back to the laboratory in the same day, with one then waiting for the results to be sent to you. It’s as simple as that.

There following are several factors that will affect the cost of a test as examined below.

Factors Affecting The Cost Of A DNA Test

  • There are many factors that will affect the price of a DNA test; the number of people being tested is a major factor. A paternity test will increase in price depending on the number of persons being tested. Tests with other relatives, for example a sibling or grandparent test will increase in cost if one adds a parent into the comparison.
  • The type of test you select will also vary in price. Normally tests like relationship testing or Forensic testing, that require more further testing, will be priced higher than a standard paternity test as will be a gender prediction test.
  • If time is a factor, then many DNA companies will offer an express service at an additional charge. This can mean receiving your results up to 5 days sooner than with a standard test.
  • Another factor that would affect the cost of a DNA Paternity Test is whether you require an “at home test” (aka “peace of mind test”) or a legal test. The standard at home test will require less paperwork and administration and hence is normally a cheaper option. However, the results cannot be used in a court of law and are purely to satisfy a need to know. Additional reading about peace of mind testing can be found here.

Most DNA testing companies will offer a range of legal tests, for example the Legal Paternity Test that is court admissible. These are often needed when a parent is contesting financial payments for a child, or in cases where custody is being argued. Another legal test offered is an Immigration DNA Test. Many governments have now endorsed the use of DNA tests as proof of biological relationships for citizenship and visa applications. These legal tests will cost more than a standard home test, due to the added complexity of managing them, and involve medical or government professionals.

Non-Standard Samples (aka Forensic DNA Testing) are another major factor in determining the price of your DNA test. In some cases it is not possible to submit an oral swab sample from a person. Instead, items such as a used tissue or chewing gum may be sent to a laboratory for analysis. These are known as non-standard samples and involve a more complicated DNA extraction process. Depending on what sample is submitted will affect the cost of the test, and the percentage of probability that a laboratory can extract DNA from it.

Selecting A DNA Company – More Than A Cost Issue

When selecting a DNA testing company, it is important not to let cost be too much of a deciding factor. DNA and forensic testing is not something to be taken likely and hunting for bargains will not necessarily produce the best results.

Choosing a company that uses a fully accredited laboratory is the most important part of your selection process. Throughout the world, laboratory accreditation is a process used to determine technical competence. A specialist technical team will assess certain factors, which they feel are relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce accurate and reliable data. Be sure to research a website properly first before placing any orders.