Placing Your Trust in the Right Hands: Learn to Choose the Best Paternity Lab in 5 Easy Steps
If you find yourself at a point in your life where a paternity test is essential, you need to ensure that you choose the correct laboratory. The reasons for this are apparent, but we will expand on them a little. The place that you want to determine your paternity test will have a significant impact on the rest of your life. The dramatic effects of these results are noticeable. Your laboratory will become your confidant, and therefore it is absolutely critical that you make the correct decision.
Okay, so you have already made the decision that you need to take paternity or a DNA test, and now comes the harder questions (or, lesser-known questions); what issues are important to ask? What information do you need to know about a laboratory in order for you to make the right decision?
The following questions that you should ask a laboratory will help you to decide what lab is the right one for you. By following the below questions in a step-by-step manner, you will be able to guide yourself towards the correct laboratory.
Step 1. What markers are tested and used to report the paternity results?
The accuracy of a DNA test is mostly dependant on the number of markers used. You should seek out a lab that uses no less than 15 markers.
Step 2. What accreditation does the testing laboratory have?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. And more important than the question is the answer. You need to look for a lab that holds AABB accreditation. Why? Well, these accreditations ensure that the lab will uphold strict practices and guidelines. These strict guidelines and rules will ensure that the lab is producing results that are of the highest quality and accuracy. The AABB is vital because, for a laboratory to receive such accreditation, it will have to undergo rigorous audits. Besides AABB accreditation, look out for labs that hold ISO 17025 accreditation as well.
Step 3. What is the complete cost?
If you search for parental testing companies online, you will find many companies offering these tests at a price that seems too good to be true. And in most cases, they are. This is why you need to ask the company what is the total cost, you need you to ensure that you have complete transparency of the amount you will be required to pay in order to get you results. These ‘hidden’ costs can include shipping fees and even a fee that will cover the release of your paternal results. Always make sure that you are aware of the total cost of everything so that you can make an informed decision without being surprised with a heightened price at the end of the process. When you are speaking with the company, ask them the total cost, and then verify what it includes. Make sure you know what the total cost is including shipping fee, results in release fee and even the fee to test the biological mother as well if need be.
Step 4. How long will the process take?
Yes, the DNA testing process has seen leaps in the last decade, but this does not mean that all companies will provide the same turn around time. Some companies will take only two business days while others offer results delivered on the same day. Naturally, companies that offer same day release will offer these services at an extra price. So, if you in a hurry to get your results then look for a lab that can provide the additional service of same-day results.
Step 5. Read what the reviews say
Step 5 is less about asking the company a question and more about reading the existing answers. What do past users of this same company have to say? What are some of the negatives they encountered and does this particular negative make a difference to you? Also, what is the lab’s stance on the BBB? The internet is the most extensive resource on earth, and it easily accessible.
When looking for your paternal testing laboratory, don’t just shop around for the most affordable lab. Take care to do your research because the results that these labs will bring you could possibly determine your future decisions. Always ask the above questions and do not rush into making a decision on the paternity testing laboratory. Prenatal pregnancy tests are available if you need to determine the paternity results before a child is born. However, it is critical that you choose a company that will deliver accurate results because the results will determine the future of an unborn child. If you need a company you can trust, check out this page for prenatal tests you can do at home.
Another question that you may need to ask yourself before you do this test is if the biological mother’s involvement is essential or not. Depending on your individual case, this could be the key to unlocking the most conclusive results. However, many paternal testing labs will make this an additional cost. Therefore, you need to find out whether or not it is essential for the biological mother to be involved.
In some cases, the involvement of the biological mother could render the results of the test to be more conclusive. By testing both parents, the mother and the would-be father, the results will be a reflection of the child’s (or yours) full scenario. However, it is not essential that the mother is tested. A child will receive half of the mother’s DNA and half of the father’s DNA. On the test results, the mother’s DNA will comprise of 50% of the results and the biological father’s DNA will constitute the remaining 50%. The results can be more conclusive with the mother’s DNA because of the following: if the mother’s DNA cannot be eliminated from the equation, then there is a higher chance that the test results can come back with inconclusive results. If this does happen, then additional markers will need to be tested. This will then extend the turn around time and, naturally, the cost. So, in order to prevent these issues, additional fees and extra waiting time, it is best just to include the mother’s DNA from the start.