Description
1. Detailed information about the DNA test (test principle)
The paternity test is based on the analysis of human genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is a linear molecule found in the nuclei of cells, where we examine segments called STR systems or markers. These vary in length among different individuals. The length of a segment is called an allele and is represented by a number. Each individual has two alleles of a given system, with the child always inheriting one from the mother and the other from the father. In each system, the child must have one allele that is the same as the biological father’s. In this test, we examine a basic set of 16 STR markers, plus one additional segment used to determine the genetic sex of the sample’s origin.
To perform the paternity test, samples are taken from both the child and the alleged father via a buccal swab (mouth swab) using a collection kit (1 for the tested man and 1 for the tested child), which we will send to you, or using non-standard material.
If you want to test multiple individuals (children, potential fathers, or add the mother), it is possible to add additional tested individuals to your order for an extra fee.
The collected samples consist of epithelial cells, which contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). In our accredited genetic laboratory, DNA is then extracted from the cells and subjected to thorough and precise analysis using the most modern methods. The child's DNA profile is then compared with the alleged father's DNA profile and statistically evaluated. Since every child inherits their genetic information from both biological parents, the examination of the DNA of the tested individuals accurately determines the probability of whether the alleged father is the biological father of the child (more than 99.999%) or 0% (in the case of exclusion).
The result of the DNA test is a simple report that either definitively excludes paternity or confirms it as practically proven.
2. Who is this test suitable for?
It is suitable for anyone who has personal doubts or questions about biological parenthood concerning a specific child and wants to verify the biological relationship first.
3. How will the DNA test result help me, and what will I learn?
Confirmation or exclusion of paternity: The primary result of the test is to determine whether the tested man is the biological father of the child. The result is typically presented either as the probability of paternity (e.g., 99.9% or higher to confirm paternity) or exclusion of paternity (probability of 0%).
4. Delivery of the collection kit
You can choose from the following delivery options for the collection kit:
- Slovak Post– registered letter to your hands. The package will arrive within 2–4 business days from the date of the order.
- DPD courier – delivery by courier to the address you provide. The package is usually delivered within 1–2 business days from the date of the order.
- DPD pickup point - delivery to DPD pickup points. The package is usually delivered 1–2 business days from the date of the order. You can find the list of pickup points here: https://www.dpdgroup.com/
- Personal Pickup – You can pick up the sampling kit in person at our laboratory: GHC GENETICS SK, Ilkovičova 8, 841 04 Bratislava, on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
5. Payment options
You can pay for the DNA test using the following methods:
- Online payment by card– If you choose this option, you can make the payment for the test by card through the Stripe payment gateway. VISA, VISA Electron, MasterCard, and Maestro cards are accepted. After a successful payment and order creation, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Bank transfer – After placing the order, you will receive a confirmation email with payment details (IBAN, variable symbol, amount). You can make the payment either through your online banking or by making a deposit at a bank.
- Personal pickup – payment in cash or by card – this option is only available if you choose personal pickup of the collection kit.
After ordering the test, you will receive an email confirmation of your order in all cases.
6. Test process – sample collection, analysis
DNA samples are usually obtained through a cheek swab or from non-standard material. You can perform the oral swab yourself in the comfort of your own home using the collection kit that we send as standard together with instructions, collection instructions and a form.
If it is not possible to collect a sample using the provided collection kit due to the unavailability of the tested individual, other available samples or items from the tested person can be used – non-standard material. The analysis of non-standard material is subject to an additional fee according to the current price list. For more information on non-standard materials, please refer to the following link: https://dnatest.sk/odber-vzorky/#nestandardny-material
7. Test result – how long it takes, where it will be delivered
The result of the DNA test will be sent to you by email no later than 5 business days after the samples are delivered to the laboratory, to the email address provided in your order. If you choose the option for a printed result in your order, we will also send the result by mail to the address you provided.
If you need the test result sooner, it is possible to prioritize the analysis in our laboratory for an express fee (result within 2 or 3 business days).
8. Interpretation of the result
Paternity excluded – paternity of the identified man is excluded (in the given system) when the identified man does not have any of the allele pairs present in the tested child in that system. Due to the rare possibility of a random genetic mutation, paternity is considered reliably excluded only when it is excluded by at least two of the examined STR systems.
Paternity practically proven – if paternity is not excluded, the paternity index (PI) and probability of paternity (W) are calculated. With a sufficient number of examined STR systems, the probability of paternity reaches certainty – at least 99.9%.