DNA testing in Maryland refers to genetic testing used to establish a biological relationship, most commonly paternity or maternity. This process involves analyzing DNA markers from an alleged parent and a child to determine the likelihood of a biological connection. The cost of this testing is not uniform across the state, varying substantially based on the test’s intended use and the specific collection procedures required. Expenses can range from a relatively low cost for personal information to a much higher fee for documentation that will be recognized by Maryland’s legal system.
Cost Breakdown by Test Purpose
Testing for personal use, often called “Peace of Mind” testing, is the least expensive option, with kits typically costing between $150 and $240, including lab processing fees. These tests are usually performed by collecting cheek swab samples at home and mailing them directly to the laboratory for analysis. The lower cost reflects the minimal procedural requirements, as the samples are not collected under supervision, meaning the results are not admissible as legal evidence.
In contrast, a legal or court-admissible test requires a strict chain-of-custody process, increasing the base price substantially. The cost for a court-admissible paternity test in Maryland generally starts at about $295 and can range up to $500, not including additional collection fees. This price covers the laboratory analysis, which typically examines 18 to 24 genetic markers for high accuracy, and the notarized report required for legal proceedings. A specialized option, such as a Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test, establishes paternity before birth using a maternal blood sample and a cheek swab from the alleged father, often costing between $1,099 and $2,000.
Legal Requirements for DNA Testing in Maryland
Using a DNA test to establish paternity in a legal setting, such as for child support or custody in Maryland, requires strict adherence to procedural rules. Maryland law mandates that genetic testing be performed to determine parentage when disputed, particularly in cases managed by the Child Support Administration. To be admissible in court, testing must be conducted by a laboratory accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB). This accreditation ensures the testing meets high standards for accuracy and reliability.
The most important procedural requirement for court admissibility is maintaining a chain of custody for the DNA samples. This dictates that an impartial third-party collector, such as a clinic employee or lab technician, must supervise the entire collection. The collector verifies the identity of all tested parties using photo identification, completes the necessary legal paperwork, and ensures the samples are sealed and sent to the lab without tampering. Maryland courts may order parties to submit to genetic tests on their own motion or upon the request of the Administration or a party to the proceeding.
If the court orders the testing, the laboratory must be selected from a list approved by the Maryland Department of Human Services or the court itself. For the results to be accepted as evidence, the testing must demonstrate a statistical probability of the alleged father’s paternity of at least 97.3%. A probability of 99.0% or greater creates a rebuttable presumption of paternity. Refusal to comply with a court-ordered test can result in the refusal being used as evidence in the legal proceeding.
Hidden Costs and Payment Considerations
Beyond the base price of the lab analysis, consumers in Maryland frequently encounter variable expenses that increase the final total cost of legal DNA testing. The most common is the separate collection fee charged by the third-party collector for supervised sample collection. While some private testing services advertise a low base price, the collector’s fee, which covers their time, witnessing the process, and preparing the chain-of-custody documentation, can range from about $25 to $150 per person. This fee is paid directly to the collection site and is distinct from the laboratory’s analysis fee.
Another variable expense is the surcharge for expedited results, which is a common option for those needing documentation quickly. Standard turnaround times for a legal test are typically two to five business days once the lab receives the samples, but paying an additional fee, sometimes exceeding $100, can accelerate the process. DNA paternity testing is generally considered a non-medical procedure and is not covered by private health insurance plans.
However, the Maryland Child Support Enforcement Administration offers a significantly lower-cost option when testing is mandated for child support or other state-involved paternity establishment cases. For these cases, the cost is often limited to a small application fee, such as $25, plus a reduced charge per person for the genetic testing itself. When the court orders the test, the party who requested it is generally responsible for the initial cost, though if they prevail in the proceeding, the court may assess the cost against the other parties.