Elements of DNA Paternity Testing that Affect the Costs

Disputed biological relationships are generally resolved by DNA testing, and while paternity testing is by far the most common form of relationship proved by DNA analysis it is not the only one. This, and several other factors that explain the difference in cost between individual tests, are explained here.

1. The Quality of the Testing Procedure

Testing procedures vary according to requirements and to the needs of those ordering them. It is a general rule that the more basic the test requested, the lower the price will be. A standard test will normally involve the analysis of 16 genetic loci, although cheaper tests can be carried out using fewer than that. The standard of the test kit will also have an implication on the cost: a laboratory-prepared kit will cost less than a Promega validated kit for example. As the price is reduced, the quality of the test reduces accordingly, as does the certainty of the result.

2. Number of Participating Subjects

Testing is not necessarily carried out on only one person, and there are cases where others have to be tested. Where siblings or even twins are involved, the cost will be higher, and the same is true where more than one potential father has to be tested in a paternity dispute. It is not uncommon for the mother’s test to be carried out free of charge, but otherwise the more people that are tested the higher the cost.

3. The Time Factor Involved

DNA testing takes time, particularly when there is more than one sample involved. If the time factor is important and the results are required within 48 hours, or even the next day, the price will be higher. This additional cost can, in many cases, double the overall cost of the test.

4. The Location of the DNA Test

Like any other product the costing of DNA Paternity Testing is influenced by market forces. The prices charged in the USA are relatively low compared to those elsewhere because such testing is fairly common with Americans. Not only does the sheer volume of tests drive the price down through economy of scale, but this popularity breeds competition which in itself leads to highly competitive pricing policies.

5. The Nature of the Sample Analyzed and the Complexity of the Test

The samples used for testing can take many forms, and some are more difficult to analyze than others. Blood samples, hair, skin and oral or Buccal swabs are common forms of sample, and because hair, for example, involves more sample preparation and analysis that an oral swab wipe, it will consequently cost more to analyze. The type of test also presents significant cost implications. Hence, a paternity test, that is easier to carry out than a sibling test, will be priced the lower of the two, assuming other factors being equal.

6. The Legal Standing of the Test

If the results of the test have to stand up in court it has to be carried out under strictly controlled conditions. A private test, carried out with the objective of setting people’s minds at rest, need not be strictly controlled. Some of the requirements of a legal test include the need for the sampling to be notarized by a third party to ensure that the sample is that of the person identified, and that the test kit be transported to the lab by secure courier. Not only has that, but the testing kit itself had to be of a higher quality and more comprehensive than that for an ordinary or regular test. All of this has cost implications.

As should now be obvious, the prices charged for DNA Paternity Testing can vary widely according to a number of variables. It is very important, therefore, that you are aware of the cost beforehand, and that prior to arranging a test you get a firm indication of the price you will have to pay.

Factors Affecting the Costs Involved in DNA Paternity Testing

Factors Affecting the Costs Involved in DNA Paternity Testing

 

Biological relationships are now commonly confirmed by DNA testing. The DNA Paternity Test is the most common test, being used primarily to determine the paternity of a child for one reason or another. There are several factors which can influence the cost of such a test, the major of which are discussed below.

 

1. Quality of Testing

 

In theory, the fewer genetic loci involved in a paternity test, the lower should be the cost.  However, while the standard these days is to test for at least 16 genetic loci, a cheaper test involving fewer loci would of lower quality, so you get what you pay for.  Not only that, but the cost will also be influenced by the quality of ‘consumables’ used in the test:  validated industry standards, such as Promega kits, will be more costly than those produced by the laboratory itself.

 

2.  Number of Subjects Involved

 

In general, the greater the number of subjects involved in the test, then the higher will be the cost.  Sometimes, particularly in DNA Paternity Testing, no charge will be made for the test on the mother if that is included, but normally the price will increase proportionate to the number of people involved.

 

3.  Time Taken for the Test

 

You will likely pay more if you request a fast turn-round time.  Basically, the quicker you want the results the more the test is likely to cost. In fact, the extra cost of having the results within 24-48 hours could be the same as the DNA testing.

 

4.  Where the Test is Carried Out

 

The cost of DNA Testing will vary according to the country in which the test is carried out.  This variation is largely connected with the market demand for such testing, and in country such as the USA, for example, there is a much larger demand than is most other countries. The cost is then determined by competition and price savings associated with high volume testing, and can be consequently lower than elsewhere.

 

5.  The Type of Test and Nature of the Sample

 

Not all DNA testing is carried out the same way, and some types of test will cost more than others will. The price you pay will depend largely on the type of test required, other variables being equal.  Hence, the analysis involved in sibling tests are more complex than DNA paternity tests, and the cost will be correspondingly higher. The situation is just the same for other forms of DNA Relationship Testing, and an additional factor that has implications on the cost is the type of sample submitted.  Oral or Buccal swabs are easier to test than a hair sample, for example, and so the hair sample will cost more due to the extra preparatory work required.

 

6.  Standard and Legal Testing

 

The extra cost of a legal DNA Test over a standard test is not generated by any difference in accuracy between the two, because there is none. It is because of the extra costs involved in the legal test, and the extra responsibility that legal test implies. The kit used to collect the samples is generally more comprehensive and more expensive, the samples have to be couriered to ensure no tampering through a proper chain of custody, an external third party is necessary for notarization and appointments for sample collection have to be set up. There are others, but each of these has a cost implication.

 

There are therefore several factors that influence the cost of a DNA Test, and that cost will be reflected in the price charged. Due to the potential complexity of the pricing structure, then, you are advised to get the price confirmed first before you order the test.

 

easyDNA specialize in the provision of reliable, accurate and confidential DNA Paternity Testing, DNA Relationship Testing and DNA Forensic Testing to both the private and public sector. Our testing is accredited with ISO17025 for your assurance and peace of mind. Our customer service staff and scientists are highly trained and specialized in all areas of DNA testing and we understand the need for DNA testing can be an emotional time for our clients. To contact us with further questions please email info@easydna.net

How You Get Your Free Dna Testing Kit

Due to advances in chemical analysis and a greater understanding of DNA and genetics, the once rare and expensive DNA screening of genetic material to determine relationships is now commonplace and available at very affordable prices.  Even the samples required for screening have been simplified, and an oral swab is now sufficient where previously a blood test would have been necessary. For a DNA test such as a paternity testing  paternity test to be carried out, genetic material has to be collected for each person participating, and a free DNA kit is provided by the supplier when you order the test.

The purpose of the kit is to provide all this needed to collect and return the sample, and although the contents will vary in detail between suppliers and laboratories, they will be intrinsically the same with respect to the necessary materials. These will include the swabs needed to collect the oral samples and a means of storing and returning these samples to the analyzing laboratory.  A submission form will also be necessary, where the details of the subjects are provided, and labels or pre-addressed envelopes also provided.  A very important component of the free kit is the instructions on how to use it.

Instructions are very important to some people, and even though sample collection with a swab is not difficult, it is important that they are clear. People are worried in case they affect the results by making some mistake when collecting the samples, and while that is unlikely, a video showing the entire procedure would be useful.  Nevertheless, it is simply a matter of taking a swab, rubbing it against the inside of your cheek and placing it in the container provided.  It is that simple.

Another important issue with some is the question of privacy. It is important to them that others don’t find out what they are doing, particularly if it does not concern others.  If that is you, then contact your supplier and request that the free DNA kit is provided in an unmarked package – nothing on it but your name and address. That will give you the privacy, and you can get on with the test.

Is there a genetic DNA test to find out what specific region of the world I come from?