Frequently Asked Questions

Samples are collected by means of oral swabs. If you want to submit samples other than standard oral swabs you need to consider our forensic testing services. Oral swabs are not the only DNA samples that can be tested. We can in fact accept a range of other DNA samples such as finger nail clippings, hairs and tooth brushes. Such samples fall under our forensic sample section.

DNA testing can be successfully carried out even with very old DNA samples. However, the risk of unsuccessful DNA extraction increases as the sample gets older. Moreover, how the sample was stored and whether it was washed or exposed to heat can be factors that might affect our chances of extracting DNA. A full consulation for any sample that is not an oral swab sample is warranted.

In cases where the alleged father is not available for the test, we could test the alleged father's siblings and compare the DNA of an aunt or uncle with their neice or nephew. Alternatively, we could directly carry out a sibling DNA test - if the siblings are male we can offer a Y chromosome test, if they are females an X chromosome test and siblings that are male and female can do a full sibling test.

We can test hair samples. The only criterium we have is that you need to ensure that the hairs you send in have the roots. If they do have the roots then we are able to extract nuclear DNA from the sample and use it for paternity testing or any other DNA test. If the hairs do not have the roots, we can only off the mtDNA test.This latter test iideal when test individuals wants to confirm whether or not they have the same paternal line.

We test a range of DNA samples besides oral swabs. We always encourage our clients to use oral swab samples because these have the highest success rate and they are so easy to collect. We can test many other DNA samples including teeth, toothbrushes and finger nails but testing with such samples comes at an added cost and we cannot ever guarantee success with these samples. Why not take a look at our DNA forensic testing section and see the samples we most commonly use for a DNA test? Note the price as well as the success rate and packaging for each DNA sample.

All of the information you give us with your order is secure and protected by means of 128-bit SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption software, the highest level of security possible for online credit card transactions. Our encryption certificate is displayed on our order page.

We do not see anything but the last 4 numbers of your card, which we reveal when processing an order, and the encryption ensures totally secure transmission and reception of your card number to your card company for processing. Human eyes are never involved, and cannot be due to the encryption used. easyDNA does not retain any credit card information, and you will have to re-enter your card details if you reorder or make an additional payment.

We show you what to expect in your DNA paternity and maternity test report on our web page through sample DNA testing results along with advice on how to interpret the results along with a lot more other information on what the results mean.

We archive the samples involved in Court Admissible DNA tests for six months as part of the service you have paid for. Samples tested for 'peace of mind' are destroyed immediately after you have been sent the results, but we can keep these for six months also if you wish. There will be an extra charge for this, so let us know if you want to take advantage of this service when you place your order.

In terms of laboratory DNA testing , both tests use PCR analysis. However, in a paternity test we analyse the sample of the father and child (sometimes including the mother's sample) whilst in a maternity test we compare the samples of the mother and the child.

"Chain of custody" refers to the proper management or control of the DNA samples throughout the testing process. First, it requires a neutral third party to verify the identity of the individuals being tested and collect their DNA samples. Following that, the DNA samples and appropriate paperwork (including signed copies of identification papers) need to be delivered to the testing location ensuring that they have not been tampered with. Finally, the DNA laboratory performing the test needs to ensure they handle the DNA samples and paperwork correctly by tracking and documenting the DNA samples throughout all of the testing process. If the procedures are followed correctly, this will allow the laboratory to issue notarized test results that can be stand up in court.

n contrast, in the at-home or curiosity DNA tests, the samples are taken by the clients themselves and therefore there is no independent verification of the DNA samples. Hence the laboratory is not able to confirm the identity of the individuals doing the test.

The results of a DNA test cannot be presented in court or used for legal purposes unless you have specifically done a legal DNA test. In this type of test, a special sample collection procedure must be followed to ensure that there is no attempt to falsify the results.

Yes easyDNA can provide DNA testing kits of people living in different addresses with Ireland or in other parts of the world. We operate through 25 global offices so can organise such deliveries easily. An additional charge will apply for the second kit. In some cases, we may need to send the kit by courier (depending on the country the kit needs to be sent to) - a courrier service might in some cases be required but we will discuss all this with you. Should you need more information send us an email: [email protected]

Your DNA testing kit will arrive in an unmarked envelope. There is nothing on the kit that indicates a DNA test. The DNA testing kit will posted to you once you confirm your order and will contain everything you need to collect the DNA samples we require for analysis.

The sample of the mother is not strictly necessary and from experience, we can safely say that many patenity tests are done without the mother's sample. But we always prefer that you include the mother's sample if she is available for the test.

Our paternity test result will show a probability of paternity. If the child and father have the same matching genetic markers, the probability will be 99.9% or higher. If they do not share genetic markers, the probability of paternity will be 0%. In our DNA test we use a 21 genetic marker profile.

A paternity test involves a comparison of the DNA of the child with that of the alleged father and is the ultimate proof of paternity. Due to the fact a child inherits half his or her genetic markers from their biological father, a paternity test will seek to establish whether the tested alleged father and child have the same genetic markers. If they share genetic markers, it is a solid as a proof of paternity gets.

You should expect to receive your DNA test results within 3-5 working days after we receive the samples. Paternity test results can be expedited if you select the express DNA testing option. With this service, you will get your results in 3 to 4 working days as opposed to getting them in the standard 3-5.

As we offer a wide range of DNA tests, the turnaround times for different tests will vary. We recommend checking individual test pages for more information or contacting our customer service team if the information is not readily available.

Our partner laboratories are accredited by two prestigious and internationally recognized accreditations. These are ISO 17025 and others. An accreditation is a certificate of compliance. In the case of ISO 17025, this is an accreditation that is specially designated to DNA testing laboratories. If a labortory has this accreditation, you can have your mind at rest that the quality standards are high and that the labortory only employs fully competent and qualified scientists. The laboratory is also audited at regular periods to make sure that standards are still as high as those dictated by the accrediting body.

The cost of a paternity test is of €179. There are no extra fees.