Under most circumstances, DNA samples are collected by simply swabbing the inside of the cheeks with a special swab like a large Q-Tip. This is quick and painless. There is also the blood sampling ("pin prick") method (see next section). The Home DNA Test Kit is complete with illustrated instructions, swab or blood collection materials for each person, and a consent form to be filled out with information about each family member providing a sample.
The Home DNA Test Kit is often preferred because it is private, discrete, and allows family members to resolve doubts without the need for legal action. If there is a chance that you will want to use the results of the Home Paternity Test Kit in court proceedings, then you should order GTL’s legally binding Home Testing Kit. You may also make an appointment with us for a legally binding test.
If you have a special case, such as involving a deceased relative, cases of infidelity, or prenatal patenity testing we can also use blood and other tissue or fluid samples. Please call our Toll-Free number for more information.
Buccal is the painless "Cheek Swab" Test and Blood testing is the "Pin Prick" method. If you're considering the blood option, it is quite important that you contact your physician for the collection of blood samples for children under 8 years of age. GTL offers this option because it is much faster and easier for you to collect.
The procedure involves a small lancet that is used to lightly pierce a finger (most don’t even feel it). A small drop of blood is then transferred to a collection card – that’s it. If the blood test is not for you please select Buccal.
For more information about how are paternity tests are conducted, court admissibility, or for any other questions visit our test information page, or contact our customer service toll free at (866) 833-6895 or by email at info@gtldna.com.
To be legally binding, DNA tests must be backed by proof of the identities of the test participants and a chain of custody of the samples collected (provided by a witness). We now offer a legally binding version of our Home Test Kit for a small additional charge; this test qualifies as an AABB accredited test (see About Accredited Tests for an explanation of accredited vs. unaccredited tests). If you think that you may need to use the results of a test in court proceedings, then you should choose this home kit option.
This test requires that a witness oversee sample collection and handling. Full instructions and example documents are included with the kit. The results will be admissible in court (see Disclaimer below) if the instructions below are followed exactly.
With legally binding tests, The test results will always be mailed to you or a designee, per your instructions. Informational test results are always available online and an optional hardcopy result is available for a slight fee. For all internet orders, you can follow your order status and get test results over the internet as soon as they are ready. As a rule we do not give results over the phone, unless we have made prior arrangements with you to do so.
By default, we send result reports to the billing address given to us when your order was placed. If you need it sent elsewhere, arrangements can be made by contacting us.
For Informational DNA Testing cases, we destroy the samples you submit to us immediately following the release of your results. Should you decide that you want us to archive your samples, we will archive them for up to six months for an additional fee. Please contact us if you need us to archive your DNA Test samples. For Court Admissible DNA Testing cases, we automatically archive your samples for six months at no additional cost.
Acceptable proof of positive identification includes one of the following (signed and dated):
In addition, a copy of a birth announcement or certificate is required for children who are less than three (3) years old at time of testing.
Disclaimer: Due to differences among courts and state laws, we cannot guarantee that a judge will accept the results of this home test as qualified evidence. However, if you complete the home test following all instructions exactly, and the witness is available to testify in court as to the administration of the test, the results should be admissible in a court of law. If you are unsure of the admissibility of this home DNA test we suggest that you ask your attorney.
If samples are not submitted within three months of case initiation, the case will be closed. If filed within 15 days of the order date, refunds will be issued according to our policies (see below). Refunds for DNA or paternity test kits, Internet specials, and International orders will not be issued: all sales are final.
All refund inquiries must be accompanied by our Refund Request Form. If DNA test services are canceled before shipping and/or handling, a $35 refund processing fee and $25 administrative fee per shipment scheduled will be deducted.
If the DNA test kit has already been shipped, a 50% refund will be applied to all unused home paternity or DNA test kits once the kit and unused FedEx return envelope has been returned to GTL by US Mail (must be postmarked within 15 days of order).
All returned checks will be electronically redeposited without further notice. By paying for your DNA test kit by check, it is understood that you agree to these terms.