A post-birth DNA test confirms a biological relationship, most often paternity, after a child is born. The process involves several steps, from choosing the correct test type to the final laboratory analysis, making the overall timeline highly variable. Understanding the logistics of sample collection and the laboratory processing period is important for setting realistic expectations for the turnaround time.
Types of Post-Birth DNA Testing
DNA paternity tests are divided into two main categories: informational and legal testing. Informational or “Peace of Mind” testing is intended for personal reassurance and involves the simplest procedures. Although the scientific analysis provides the same high accuracy as a legal test, the results are not admissible in court.
Legal or “Chain of Custody” testing is necessary when results will be used in official proceedings, such as child support, immigration, or inheritance cases. This test requires strict adherence to legal protocols to ensure sample integrity from collection to analysis. The increased documentation and identity verification requirements make the logistical timeline for a legal test longer than a private one. The chain of custody process is the primary factor that slows down the initial phase of legal testing.
The Sample Collection Process
The most common method for post-birth DNA collection is the buccal swab, a non-invasive procedure. This involves gently rubbing a sterile cotton swab against the inside of the cheek to collect epithelial cells containing DNA. Testing can be performed immediately after birth, provided the baby’s mouth is clean and free from milk or amniotic fluid.
The logistics of collection differ significantly based on the test type, creating the first variable in the overall timeline. For a Peace of Mind test, the kit is often mailed directly to the home, and samples are self-administered by the participants who then mail them back to the laboratory. Legal testing requires that all participants have their samples collected by a neutral third party, such as a trained collector at an accredited facility. This professional collection ensures the “chain of custody” is maintained, meaning the identity of each person is verified and the samples are sealed and documented before being sent to the lab.
Standard Timelines for Receiving Results
Once samples arrive at the laboratory, processing time for analysis is fast. For a standard DNA paternity test, results are typically available within two to five business days after the lab receives all samples. This quick turnaround is standard for both Peace of Mind and legal tests when no complications arise. The analysis involves extracting DNA from the cheek cells and comparing specific genetic markers between the child and the alleged father.
Many laboratories offer expedited services for an additional fee, often providing results in as little as 24 to 48 hours once samples are in the lab. This expedited option is available because the core scientific process of DNA profiling is highly automated and efficient. For legal tests, while the analysis is quick, final results may take slightly longer, sometimes up to one to two weeks. This delay is due to the mandatory additional steps of verification and report generation required for court admissibility. These timeframes represent laboratory processing only and do not account for shipping or arranging the initial collection appointment.
Factors That Can Delay Test Results
Several common issues can extend the overall timeline beyond the standard two to five days of lab processing. The most frequent cause of delay is poor sample quality or insufficient DNA collected on the swabs. Mistakes, such as not rubbing the swab firmly enough for the recommended time, or having recent food or drink residue in the mouth, can lead to a need for recollection, which significantly delays the process. Contamination, such as placing two different people’s swabs into the same envelope or not allowing swabs to dry completely before sealing, can also necessitate a retest.
Logistical errors often contribute to delays, particularly for legal testing, where a missing signature or incomplete identification paperwork will halt the process. Shipping time also adds to the total wait; choosing slower ground shipping for the kit can easily add several days. In rare instances, the discovery of a rare genetic variation or mutation may require additional, specialized analysis to confirm results, extending the timeline.