Post-birth DNA testing, commonly known as paternity testing, determines the biological father of a child by analyzing genetic material collected from the child and the alleged father. This highly accurate procedure often yields a probability of paternity greater than 99.99%. The most common collection technique uses a simple, non-invasive buccal swab to collect cheek cells from the inside of the mouth. These cells contain the necessary DNA for laboratory analysis, making the process quick and painless for all participants.
The Standard Timeline for Post-Birth Paternity Testing
The total time for a post-birth paternity test involves two phases: sample logistics and laboratory analysis. The initial logistics phase includes the time for the collection kit to reach the individuals, sample collection, and shipping the specimens back to the testing facility. For at-home kits, this phase can take several days depending on the shipping speed chosen for both delivery and return.
Once the samples arrive, they are sent to an accredited laboratory for genetic analysis. This laboratory analysis is the most consistent part of the timeline. Standard paternity tests provide results within three to five business days after the specimens are received and logged into the system. This timeframe covers DNA extraction, amplification of genetic markers using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and the final comparison of genetic profiles.
The results are typically delivered electronically once the analysis and quality review are complete. If an expedited service is ordered, some laboratories offer a quicker turnaround, sometimes as fast as one to two business days after sample receipt. The overall duration is a combination of shipping time and the lab’s processing schedule.
Key Factors That Influence the Testing Speed
The speed of a post-birth DNA test is significantly affected by logistics and sample quality. The shipping method chosen for both kit delivery and sample return directly influences the overall timeline. Standard ground shipping adds several days, while expedited courier services can shorten shipping time to a single business day.
Many laboratories offer rush processing or expedited service options for an additional fee. This can reduce the typical three to five-day analysis time, sometimes delivering results within 24 to 48 hours of the lab receiving the samples. This expedited analysis time begins only once the specimens are physically logged in at the testing facility.
A frequent cause of delay is poor sample quality, which may require a recollection. If the cheek swabs are contaminated (e.g., by food, drink, or breast milk) or if insufficient cellular material was gathered, the laboratory may be unable to obtain a complete DNA profile. In such cases, the lab requests new samples, adding several days or a week to the process as the new kit is shipped and the collection is repeated.
Procedural Differences Between Informational and Legal Tests
The purpose of the paternity test—whether for personal knowledge or for court use—introduces the most substantial variation in the overall timeline. An informational test, often called a “Peace of Mind” test, is designed solely for private use and does not carry any legal weight. These tests allow individuals to collect their own cheek swab samples at home and mail them directly to the laboratory.
Because the informational test does not require external validation, the process is streamlined and generally quicker, as the only scheduling required is for the individuals to collect their samples. The convenience of at-home collection removes the logistical hurdle of coordinating appointments with a third-party collector. This self-collection method makes the process faster, as the samples can be sent to the lab as soon as they are ready.
In contrast, a legal paternity test, which can be used in court for matters like child support, custody, or inheritance, follows a much stricter set of guidelines. This type of test requires a verified “chain of custody” to ensure the identity of all tested parties and prevent tampering. The samples must be collected by a neutral third party, such as a trained medical professional at a clinic or lab collection site.
The necessity of a legal chain of custody inherently adds time to the process due to the required scheduling and verification steps. All tested individuals must present government-issued identification at the collection appointment, and the collector is responsible for verifying identities, witnessing the swab collection, and completing the necessary documentation before sealing the samples. While the laboratory analysis time remains similar (often three to five business days), the mandatory steps of scheduling the collection appointment and coordinating the third-party collector make the overall legal testing process significantly slower than an informational test.