DNA paternity testing in Pennsylvania involves costs that depend primarily on the test’s intended use. Prices vary widely, ranging from a basic at-home kit to a fully documented, court-admissible genetic analysis. Understanding whether the test is for personal knowledge or legal purposes is the first step in determining the cost. The final price combines the baseline testing fee, additional services like expedited results, and separate charges for the required sample collection process.
Baseline Costs: Legal vs. Peace of Mind Testing
The fundamental difference in DNA testing costs is determined by whether the results are for informational use or legal admissibility. A “peace of mind” test is the most affordable option, typically ranging from $100 to $200 for a standard kit. Individuals collect their own cheek swab samples at home and send them to a laboratory for analysis. Since there is no professional oversight of the collection, the results are not accepted by Pennsylvania courts, government agencies, or for use in child support cases.
Legal or court-admissible testing requires a more stringent process, significantly increasing the baseline price. These tests generally fall within the $300 to $600 range in Pennsylvania. The higher cost is directly attributable to the necessary “chain-of-custody” protocol. This protocol mandates that a neutral third party, such as an authorized collector, verifies the identity of all tested parties and supervises the sample collection process.
The chain-of-custody documentation ensures that the samples submitted to the lab are definitively from the people named on the report. This process involves photo identification, witnessing the collection of the buccal (cheek) swabs, and tracking the samples from the collection site to the testing laboratory. This rigorous verification and documentation allows the results to stand up to legal scrutiny for matters like child custody or birth certificate amendments.
Factors That Increase DNA Testing Costs in PA
Several factors can increase the final price beyond the standard baseline cost of a legal or peace of mind test. One common add-on is the fee for expedited results, often called a rush fee. While standard results typically take five to seven business days, a faster turnaround of 24 to 48 hours is usually available for an extra charge. This premium service can add a substantial amount to the total bill, sometimes over $100.
The cost structure is also based on the number of individuals being tested in the paternity analysis. The baseline price generally covers the standard trio: the child, the mother, and one alleged father. If additional parties, such as a second alleged father or a relative, are included, there will be an additional fee for each person. This fee covers the extra DNA analysis and the inclusion of their genetic profile in the comparison report.
Testing requirements that utilize non-standard samples also lead to a considerable price increase. The standard method involves a simple, non-invasive buccal swab, which collects cells from the inside of the cheek. However, certain situations may require a non-invasive prenatal paternity (NIPP) test, which uses a maternal blood sample and a cheek swab from the alleged father. NIPP testing can be performed as early as ten weeks into the pregnancy and costs significantly more, often ranging from $1,500 to over $2,000.
If the DNA test is ordered through the Pennsylvania court system for a child support or custody matter, the required level of reporting and documentation may incur additional administrative fees. While some county Domestic Relations offices may offer low-cost testing with an on-site collector, requesting a trial or disputing the results can lead to further expenses. The complexity of court-mandated documentation adds to the lab’s administrative workload, which is reflected in the overall price.
Navigating Collection and Testing Centers
Obtaining a legal DNA test in Pennsylvania involves a separate fee for the sample collection itself, even after the testing laboratory fee is paid. Authorized collection sites, which may include independent clinics or specific laboratories, charge a collection fee for the verified and witnessed process. This charge typically ranges from $25 to $75 per person being swabbed.
Common authorized collection sites are located in major Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Allentown. These sites ensure the integrity of the sample, which is a requirement for court admissibility.
For individuals who cannot travel to an authorized location, a mobile collection service is an option, though it comes at an additional cost. A certified collector will travel to a specified location within the state, but this convenience incurs a higher travel fee compared to visiting a fixed facility.
Regardless of the collection method, DNA paternity testing is generally considered a non-medical service. Consequently, it is rarely covered by health insurance and requires out-of-pocket payment by the individual or parties involved.