DNA identity testing, most commonly used for paternity determination, establishes biological relationships. The cost varies significantly based on the test’s intended use and the procedures required for court admissibility. For Pennsylvania residents, understanding the distinctions between test types is the first step in navigating the financial and logistical aspects of securing accurate DNA analysis. This article details the typical price ranges for DNA testing in Pennsylvania and explains the necessary steps for obtaining results that meet the state’s legal standards.
Differentiating Test Types
The two primary categories of DNA identity testing are informational and legal, separated mainly by the sample collection process. An informational test, often called a “Peace of Mind” test, is conducted for personal knowledge only. While these tests provide the same high-accuracy genetic analysis as a legal test, the results cannot be used as evidence in Pennsylvania courts or for government purposes because the sample collection is not monitored.
A court-admissible, or legal, DNA test requires a strict Chain of Custody procedure during sample collection to ensure the identity of all tested parties. This process is necessary for establishing paternity for matters like child support, custody, inheritance, and birth certificate amendments. A third, specialized option is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test. The NIPP determines paternity before a child is born by analyzing fetal DNA fragments found in the mother’s blood. This advanced technology makes the NIPP test a higher-cost option due to its complexity.
Cost Ranges for DNA Testing in Pennsylvania
The price of a DNA test in Pennsylvania directly reflects the level of documentation and procedural rigor required. Peace of Mind tests represent the lowest cost option, typically ranging from $100 to $300. They often involve a mail-in kit or a simple, unsupervised self-collection process, providing fast, confidential answers for personal knowledge.
Legal paternity tests, which require the strict Chain of Custody, are mid-to-high range, generally costing between $300 and $600. This price incorporates the fee for the professional third-party collector, identity verification, and the administrative work necessary to make the results court-admissible. In cases that proceed through the Domestic Relations Section (DRS), the cost for genetic testing may be lower per person, often under $30, with the defendant typically paying the fee if paternity is established.
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test is the most expensive option due to the sophisticated technology involved in isolating and analyzing fetal DNA from the mother’s blood sample. Pricing for NIPP tests in Pennsylvania typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000, though some providers may offer options starting around $1,099. Additional administrative fees, such as rush processing or travel fees for a mobile collector, may add to the final cost.
The Collection and Verification Process
To ensure the results of a DNA test are admissible in a Pennsylvania court, the collection process must strictly adhere to the Chain of Custody (CoC) protocol. This procedure legally guarantees that the samples collected belong to the individuals named on the paperwork. For a legal test, samples must be collected by an authorized, neutral third party, such as a doctor, a nurse, or a certified collector at a laboratory facility.
During the collection appointment, the collector must verify the identity of all participants (the child, mother, and alleged father) using government-issued identification and photographs. The most common collection method involves a painless cheek swab, or buccal swab, which gathers epithelial cells containing DNA. The collector then seals the samples in tamper-evident packaging, which is documented before being shipped to the testing laboratory.
For Pennsylvania courts to accept the results, the testing laboratory must hold accreditation from an organization like the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). AABB accreditation ensures the laboratory maintains the highest standards for genetic testing accuracy and legal compliance. Once the lab receives and processes the samples, the certified results are typically ready within three to five business days.