DNA testing analyzes genetic material to determine biological relationships, ancestral origins, or health predispositions. The price in California is not fixed, but varies based on the test’s purpose and logistical requirements. Costs depend heavily on whether results are for personal knowledge or court-admissible documentation, and the complexity of the required genetic analysis. Understanding these factors is necessary to estimate the final expense.
Categorizing DNA Tests by Purpose and Price Point
At-home ancestry and health screening kits are the least expensive option. These direct-to-consumer products typically cost between $59 and $119 for basic ethnicity reports, while combined ancestry and health packages range from $150 to $400. These tests require a simple cheek swab or saliva sample mailed back to the laboratory, and their lower price reflects the non-accredited, informational nature of the results.
Paternity and relationship testing is another category, with costs varying based on the security required. A standard informational paternity test, often called a “peace-of-mind” test, generally falls in the range of $119 to $220. These tests establish a biological relationship by comparing specific genetic markers between the alleged father and child, providing results with a high degree of accuracy for personal use.
More complex relationship testing, such as sibling, grandparent, or avuncular analysis, typically ranges from $400 to $600. At the highest end are non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) tests, which analyze the mother’s blood sample for fetal DNA fragments as early as seven weeks into pregnancy. The advanced technology and specialized analysis required for NIPP tests place their cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
The Cost Difference: Legal vs. Informational Testing
The distinction between informational and legally admissible results is the largest factor influencing relationship testing prices. Informational testing is the most affordable because subjects collect the samples at home. Since there is no third-party verification of identity or collection, the results are legally inadmissible in court.
Legal or court-admissible testing requires a stringent “chain-of-custody” protocol to ensure sample integrity. This process mandates that an impartial third party, such as a certified collector or medical professional, must collect the samples, verify the identities of all participants using government-issued identification, and securely transport the samples to the laboratory. This added logistical and administrative layer significantly increases the price.
The cost of a court-admissible paternity test in California clinics typically ranges from $300 to $600, often two to four times the price of an informational test. Immigration DNA testing also requires chain-of-custody and AABB accreditation for USCIS acceptance, starting around $495 for a basic case. The necessity of notarized documentation and accredited laboratory analysis accounts for the higher fee associated with these official results.
Key Factors Influencing the Final Price in California
Beyond the test type and legal requirements, several logistical variables cause the final price to fluctuate. One common add-on is the fee for expedited results, which shortens the standard 5-to-7-day turnaround time to 24 to 48 hours. This rush service requires prioritizing lab resources and may incur a substantial surcharge, sometimes adding hundreds of dollars to the base price.
The location and method of sample collection also affect the total expense. While the lab analysis fee is fixed, a separate collection fee is often charged by the clinic or mobile service that performs the swab. These collection fees can range from $25 to $100 per person.
The complexity of the case, including the number of participants, also increases the total cost, as each additional person requires separate collection and analysis. Testing more than two parties or requiring non-standard samples, such as hair or tissue, necessitates further specialized processing. These factors compound the base laboratory fee.