General FAQs

A paternity test is a scientific test that compares the DNA of a child, mother, and alleged father to determine the likelihood of whether the man is or is not the biological father of a child. It is possible to test only the child and alleged father, but it is preferred to also test the mother when possible.

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A doctor’s order is not generally required. However, in compliance with New York State law, LabCorp requires a prescription, court order, or ordering by other authorized persons for all DNA identity or relationship tests performed on a New York resident.

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Labcorp is a fully accredited laboratory. Thus, results of our legal DNA paternity test may be used in any legal matter and may be accepted in a court of law, assuming the chain-of-custody form was completed in accordance with Labcorp’s strict chain-of-custody guidelines. The results of a non-legal test are not intended for use in legal matters.

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Labcorp results usually provide a probability of paternity of either 0.00% or 99.99% or greater.

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In most cases, the results of a standard DNA paternity test take 3–5 business days once all samples are received in our DNA testing laboratory.

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DNA paternity testing is considered a non-medical test and is not covered by health insurance plans.

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Labcorp fees include the specimen collection(s) when samples are collected at a Labcorp-operated collection site. Collection fees may apply at non-Labcorp facilities.

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Labcorp’s fee includes specimen collection at a Labcorp-operated facility, shipment of the samples to our DNA laboratory, DNA analysis, the generation of written reports and the shipment of those reports to the tested parties by mail/email and to their attorneys, if applicable.

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No. Age and drug consumption do not affect the results.

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If all parties involved in the testing agree to participate voluntarily, neither an attorney nor court order is required. However, in compliance with New York State law, Labcorp requires a prescription, court order, or ordering by other authorized persons for all DNA identity or relationship tests performed on a New York resident.

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Labcorp has been a leader in the genetic testing field for more than 30 years. Our results come with the guarantee of quality and are delivered with speed, convenience and most importantly, accuracy. Our results routinely provide a probability of paternity of either 99.99% or 0%. Whether you just need to know or will need results that can be used in a legal matter, Labcorp should be your first step in this journey.

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The DNA markers that are tested for relationship testing are not known to provide any information on any specific physical or medical condition that might affect your health care insurance.

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Your privacy and security are important. Once samples are taken at the collection site, they are packaged in a tamper-proof bag for shipment to our DNA testing laboratory. Entry into our DNA testing facility is by restricted access only. All samples are bar-coded and all computer systems are secured. Results and case information are shared only with authorized individuals. For the protection of the tested parties, results are not released over the phone. All samples and DNA profiles are retained for a period of time (as required by accreditation guidelines), but are destroyed after the requisite storage periods.

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If two related men are possible fathers of a child, it is recommended to test both possible fathers. If this is not possible, it is important to alert the laboratory that there are other possible fathers who are related to the tested alleged father.

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It is possible to conduct a DNA paternity test without a sample from the child’s biological mother; however, it is preferred that the mother also provide a sample.

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A doctor’s order is not generally required. However, in compliance with New York State law, Labcorp requires a prescription, court order, or ordering by other authorized persons for all DNA identity or relationship tests performed on a New York resident.

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