+353 (1) 685 6929 With so much choice as to types of DNA test once can perform, competition between DNA testing companies and so forth, one must wonder, what exactly affects the cost of a DNA test and what are you paying for? With home testing so popular and widespread, there are now many different types of test available, at varying prices.
DNA Testing – Never Been Simpler
With DNA testing now recognized as the most reliable way to confirm biological relationships, there are various types of tests available, and these will typically incur different prices and costs. The main cost affecting factors are; the type of test required, the number of persons involved, and the timeframes for issuing results.
Thanks to worldwide use of the internet it has never been easier, or cheaper, to order a home DNA test. Once you have selected a properly accredited DNA testing company, you simply select the test you need, order a testing kit online and wait 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 easy as that. There are several factors that will affect the cost of a test as examined below.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a DNA Test?
* Many factors can affect the price of a DNA test and the number of people being tested is a major one. The price of a paternity test will increase 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 affect the price. Normally, tests like relationship testing or Forensic testing that require more advanced analysis, will be priced higher than a standard paternity test. A baby boy or girl Gender prediction test is also more expensive, although expect to pay most for non invasive prenatal testing because of the highly advanced DNA analysis technique required for this test.
* When time is a factor, there is usually an option for an express service, at an additional cost. This can mean receiving your results up to 5 days sooner than with a standard test.
* Another major factor in determining the cost of a DNA test is whether you require an “at home test” (aka “peace of mind test”) or a legal DNA test. A standard at home paternity test requires less paperwork and administration and is therefore normally a cheaper option. However, the results will not be admissible in a court of law and are purely to satisfy a need to know.
Most DNA testing companies will offer a range of legal tests, for example the Legal Paternity Test, which 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 these 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 who handle sample collection and process.
* Non-Standard Samples (aka Forensic DNA Testing) are another consideration when determining the price of your test. In cases where it is not possible to submit an oral swab sample from a person, 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 lab can extract DNA from it.
Selecting A DNA Company – Not Just About Cost
When weighing up the cost of a DNA test, it is very important to research the company and laboratory you use. DNA and forensic testing is not something to be taken likely and hunting for bargains does not necessarily produce the best results.
An important aspect of selecting a DNA testing company is ensuring that they use a properly accredited laboratory. 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.