Frequently Asked Questions
General
* What is DNA Paternity Testing?
DNA paternity testing is a complex scientific process. Known
also as paternity testing or DNA testing, DNA paternity testing is
the most accurate and definitive way of proving biological
relationships.
DNA is the genetic blueprint of humans and is located in almost
all of the billions of cells in your body. Research has shown that
specific parts or 'markers' differ greatly from person to person.
Scientists use DNA samples from cheek swabs to compare those
'markers' to determine if a biological relationship exists.
* How accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?
DNA paternity testing is 100% accurate when performed properly.
Boston Paternity uses utilizes procedures that ensure complete
accuracy. Scientists compare DNA from 16 genetic markers, which is
more than the federal requirement of 11, and more than the 8 to 10
markers that many laboratories test. In addition, Boston Paternity
tests each case twice to ensure that the results are consistently
accurate.
* How are paternity test samples collected?
Standard DNA paternity tests with Boston Paternity are performed
with DNA samples from cheek swabs. Cheek swab samples are as
accurate as blood samples, and they involve painless and
noninvasive collection. We can send you a collection kit with
instructions for self collection, or you can contact our case
managers to make an appointment with a professional collection
facility near you.
DNA samples can also be collected from hair, blood, other bodily
fluids, or personal articles. Call a BP case manager to discuss
non-standard collections.
* Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. You can start a paternity test with a nonrefundable deposit
of $100. After that, your case manager will work with you to set up
a payment plan that works for you. You will receive results once
your balance is paid in full.
* What forms of payment do you accept?
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Money Order
Cash (At one of our four primary offices)
* Do you have a location near me?
Yes. We have a network of more than 500 DNA collection
facilities throughout the United States along with hundreds more
international collection facilities. Please talk with your case
manager about scheduling a DNA appointment at the closest location
to you. All you will need to provide is your zip code.
* What should I do if tested parties live in different
locations?
Your case manager will schedule appointments at local DNA
collection facilities for each party. We have more than 500
collection facilities throughout the U.S. We can even come directly
to your home.
* What should I bring with me to my DNA testing
appointment?
All adult test participants must bring a valid government issued
picture ID. These include a driver's license, state ID, Military
ID, or passport. Minors must have a birth certificate, social
security card, or hospital birth record.
* What will happen at my DNA testing
appointment?
When you arrive at your appointment you will be asked to present
your photo identification. The DNA collector will make a copy for
verification.
After proper identification you will be asked to sign the chain
of custody form which gives your consent for testing.
Finally, the collector will collect your DNA samples using a
cheek swab. The samples and paperwork will be sent to our
laboratory for testing immediately.
* How long will the DNA testing appointment
take?
The entire appointment will take no longer than 30 minutes.
* Are cheek swabs as accurate as blood?
Yes. Cheek swabs contain the same genetic material as blood
samples. Boston Paternity chooses to use cheek swabs because they
are painless and noninvasive. Cheek swabs are also preferred
because they are easy to ship.
* Is the test confidential?
Yes. We take pride in providing 100% confidential testing. Test
results are available only to the tested parties. This includes the
mother, potential father, and the child. We will not release
results to any other parties unless authorized by one of the tested
parties.
* How will I receive my results?
We offer a variety of options for results reporting. We can
provide you with results via telephone, fax, email, or direct mail.
You should discuss your preference for results reporting with your
case manager.
* What do the results look like?
Your results will show the size of the alleles tested for each
party, the probability of paternity value, and the combined
paternity index.
You should focus on the Probability of Paternity. A result of 0%
means the potential father is not the biological father. A result
of 99.99% or higher means the potential father is the biological
father.
Along with the results report is an explanation of the
results.
* Is your company accredited to do DNA paternity
testing?
Boston Paternity is trusted by attorneys and court systems
throughout the U.S. to perform DNA testing services. Our laboratory
is accredited by the following organizations.
AABB (American Association of Blood Banks)
ISO17025
NYSDOH (New York State Department of Health)
CLIA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Clinical
Laboratory Improvement Amendments)
* Why is it so expensive?
We believe accuracy is most important to our clients, so we
don't cut corners in order to lower costs. We hire experienced
doctors to perform the testing. We purchase the best equipment. We
schedule appointments at professional collection facilities. And we
test every case twice. In order to remain accredited and provide
accurate test results we face high equipment and labor costs.
You may be able to find a cheaper DNA test, but you will not be
able to find one more accurate.
* Is DNA Paternity testing covered by insurance or
Medicaid?
Paternity testing is not considered to be a medically necessary
procedure; therefore, it is not covered by health insurance or
Medicaid.
Top
Paternity
* How long does the DNA test take?
You will receive accurate results within 5 business days of the
day the samples are received at our laboratory. Guaranteed. Most of
the time your case manager will give you results within 3 to 4
days.
* Who needs to be tested?
In order to complete a standard DNA paternity test cheek swabs
are needed from the child and the potential father. A child
receives half her DNA from her mother and half from her father, so
collecting a DNA sample from the mother makes the process easier,
but is not always necessary. Boston Paternity is able to obtain
accurate results with samples from only the father and child.
* There are two possible fathers, and they are related.
Can we complete a DNA paternity test?
Yes. When two potential fathers are related they may share some
of the genetic markers used for the DNA paternity test. If the test
is done improperly both men may test positive as the child's
father. In order to prevent this from happening we offer you two
options. First, you can test both potential fathers along with the
child at the same time. Second, you can test one potential father
with extended testing. Extended testing involves testing more than
Boston Paternity's standard 16 genetic markers to ensure the
results are absolutely accurate.
* Do I need a doctor's order or a court order to have
DNA testing?
No. You can obtain legal DNA paternity testing without a
doctor's order or a court order, unless you live in the state of
New York.
New York State has special laws requiring a court order or
doctor's order for DNA paternity testing. We have a licensed
physician on staff who will consult with you about your situation.
Please call a case manager for more information.
* Does the child need to be a certain age to be
tested?
No. DNA can be collected from a newborn child. Boston Paternity
utilizes a painless cheek swab for DNA collection, so the child
will not be harmed. Boston Paternity also has the ability to
perform a paternity test before the child is born. This is called a
prenatal DNA paternity test.
* Can I do a DNA paternity test before the child is
born?
Yes. You can complete a prenatal paternity test with either an
amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villis sampling). In order to
complete this type of test we will need samples from the father,
the mother, and the prenatal sample.
You will need to consult your physician to determine if they are
willing to perform the prenatal procedure. In most circumstances
the prenatal sample must be collected between 12 and 24 weeks of
the pregnancy
* How much does a DNA paternity test cost?
The cost of a DNA paternity test varies according to
circumstance. Boston Paternity offers a variety of DNA paternity
testing products to meet your needs. We offer cost effective and
convenient testing. We also have a court-admissible option in which
the DNA samples are collected by one of our professional
collectors. A third option is a complete combination of convenience
and court-admissibility. Our professional DNA collector will come
right to your home to perform the collection. This ensures total
confidentiality and saves you time.
Call a Boston Paternity case manager to discuss which option is
best for you along with the pricing structure for each.
Top
Immigration
* How do I test my family member if they are in a
different country?
Your case manager will ship collection supplies to an embassy
approved physician in the country your relative is located. From
there, we'll work with your relative to schedule an appointment.
Then the DNA sample will be sent back to our laboratory for
testing.
* Why do other companies offer cheaper
prices?
There could be a number of reasons for this. The number one
reason may be lower labor costs. Other laboratories may not hire
case managers who are dedicated to helping you complete your case.
Boston Paternity will assign a personal case manager to guide you
from start to finish.
In addition, Boston Paternity works with top notch doctors and
laboratory technicians to ensure that your case is done right. Each
test is completed twice to ensure accuracy.
You may be able to find a cheaper test. But you will not find a
more accurate test or better customer service.
* How long will it take?
This answer varies from country to country. The part of the
process that takes the longest is scheduling a collection for the
person overseas. Once all the DNA samples are in the laboratory the
results are available within 5 working days.
Top
Infidelity
* How can Boston Paternity help with suspected
infidelity?
Boston Paternity can test for the presence of semen on personal
items in the case of infidelity. If the semen screen comes back
positive, the lab can then pull a forensic DNA profile from the
semen. Lastly, the lab will compare the forensic DNA profile to the
spouse, or someone of interest determining whether infidelity has
occurred.
* Are the results of the infidelity test admissible in
court?
Probably not. Since there is no chain of custody accompanying
the sample, the results will not be able to be used in court as
evidence of infidelity. Results are strictly for peace of mind.
Consult an attorney for more information about the admissibility of
infidelity testing.
If your question is not answered in the FAQ, then write to us at
info@bostonpaternity.com, fill
out an online contact form, click the Live Chat button on the left,
or call our toll free number.
Top
Free Consultation Form
|