DNA tests are valuable tools in learning one’s lineage, forensic testing, determining whether twins are fraternal or identical, and otherwise determining a relationship between two people. More commonly, DNA testing is used to determine paternity. DNA tests have become a lot more affordable and accessible; however, there are factors that impact the cost of paternity tests. Below I list the factors that may impact the price of DNA tests:
Number of people being tested
The cost of DNA tests increases as the number of participants being tested increases. Adding in other samples or relatives increases the expense because it uses more materials and time to produce a report from the lab.
Paternity test cost
Home DNA paternity tests (only for peace of mind and personal knowledge) costs $130 – $200. Legal DNA paternity tests (with a court-admissible outcome) for immigration, child visitation, and child support, usually costs $300 – $500, and also include professional DNA collection. Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests (tests before a baby is born) are $1,500 – $2,000.
Quality of test
There are various DNA test quality levels that companies offer, visit our site to get DNA tests. The quality of DNA tests is measured in the number of genetic loci tested. Higher-quality tests test more genetic loci. If the testing that you are considering tests 25+ genetic loci, you usually can expect more accurate results. That means the price will be greater because of the more intensive procedure required by the technicians at the lab.
Type of test
The kind of test you order also can impact the price of the test. A basic paternity test and gender test typically is one of the most low-cost options. Tests requiring extra testing, like forensic testing or tests looking into relationships more deeply, are a bit more expensive because they offer more overall information. For example, sibling tests are more complicated than standard paternity tests.
Availability of labs
In addition, your location also can play a factor in the overall price of a DNA test. Countries that have large markets for DNA have the ability to offer tests at a reduced price than other countries which do not have as much competition for test services. When a number of tests get carried out, the lab prices are lower, meaning you’ll pay less.
Legal vs. informational test
If you require paternity testing for legal reasons, expect to pay a lot more because there is more paperwork to consider. If you require a test that is court-admissible, you will need to get a certain legal paternity test from a company. There also is immigration DNA testing that has to be generated to display biological relationships in visa and citizenship applications. Such tests are costlier than home tests since they’re more difficult to manage and involve other professionals.
Expediency of test
DNA test turnaround time is an additional factor in cost. Ordering express service for DNA testing can permit you to obtain the outcome in just one or two days, several days faster than the normal turnaround time for an outcome.
Home DNA tests aren’t regulated like legal tests. A lot of companies online seem legitimate yet farm their tests out to unregulated laboratories or ship DNA samples out of the United States for less expensive processing. Be aware because low-cost testing frequently means low-cost testing methods—do not take chances on life-changing paternity tests!