Do you need a chain of custody test?
It is very important to be sure that you choose the best DNA test for your needs. You should consider the benefits of both in-home and chain of custody tests before making a decision about which type of test to order. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your intentions for the test results in the future.
Chain of Custody Test
If you need court admissible results or think that you could use your paternity test results in a legal situation in the future, you should choose a chain of custody paternity test. For court-admissible paternity test results, the testing company needs to be accredited by AABB. Also, the testing company should provide you with instructions on where to go for sample collection. Be sure to carry positive photograph identification (for example, a driver's license or a passport) to the collection site. If one of the tested parties is a minor, the child’s legal guardian must accompany and sign paperwork for the child.
Finally, for any legal paternity test, you should check your state laws to determine the minimum probability of paternity required to be admissible at immigration agencies, courts, and other legal settings. Be sure that your DNA testing company can provide you with results that are at or above your state’s minimum.
In-Home Test
If you are seeking peace of mind or addressing a curiosity about paternity, you can use an in-home paternity test**. The results will be just as accurate as a chain of custody paternity test if the testing company is qualified and reliable, but you will be able to take the test in the comfort and privacy of your own home. These results cannot be used in any legal cases, as they are not court admissible.
**Important note for residents of New York: If you are seeking DNA testing, you must choose a chain of custody test from a DNA testing laboratory that is certified by the New York State Department of Health.
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