DNA testing, typically used to establish paternity, involves analyzing genetic material to determine biological relationships. The cost varies significantly based on the test’s purpose and where it is performed. Consumers in South Carolina have options ranging from tests for personal knowledge to those required for court proceedings. This article breaks down the specific pricing tiers and logistical requirements for DNA testing within the state’s legal framework.
Baseline Costs for Different DNA Test Types
The expense of a DNA test in South Carolina depends primarily on whether the results are for personal information or legal use in court. The least expensive option is the private or informational paternity test, which uses a cheek swab sample collected at home. This “peace of mind” test is not admissible in court because it lacks the necessary chain of custody documentation. The price for this test typically ranges between $179 and $300.
A legal or court-admissible paternity test is substantially more expensive because it requires a strict collection protocol. The process involves a third-party collector, such as a lab technician, who verifies the identity of all tested parties and maintains a secure chain of custody. This ensures the integrity of the results for family court, child support, or birth certificate amendments. Consumers should expect a price range of approximately $295 to $599 for this legally defensible documentation.
The most costly option is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test, which establishes paternity before the child’s birth, often as early as seven weeks into the pregnancy. This method requires a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father. The NIPP test analyzes cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. The price for a legal NIPP test in South Carolina starts around $1,499 and can exceed $2,000, reflecting the complexity of the genetic analysis.
Additional Factors That Influence Total Pricing
The prices quoted for DNA tests often represent only the base laboratory fee, as several factors can increase the total cost. One common variable is the collection fee charged by the facility or individual who gathers the DNA samples. This fee covers the time and resources of the authorized collector and is frequently separate from the lab’s testing price. Depending on the provider, collection or processing fees can add $100 or more to the final bill.
Expedited processing is another significant surcharge for individuals needing results quickly. Standard turnaround times typically range from five to seven business days after the lab receives the samples. Many laboratories offer a rush service to deliver results in as little as two or three days for an extra fee. This faster service is a common add-on for time-sensitive legal matters.
The number of participants involved also influences the overall expense. The base price usually covers the standard trio of one child, one mother, and one alleged father. If testing involves multiple alleged fathers or necessitates testing a different relative, an additional fee is charged per extra person tested. If the collection requires a mobile service where a technician travels to a private location, a travel fee may be assessed. This fee covers the collector’s mileage and time outside of a standard facility setting.
Navigating the Collection and Legal Process in South Carolina
For a paternity test to be recognized in the South Carolina Family Court, collection and processing must strictly adhere to the chain of custody mandate. This process requires that the sample collection is witnessed by an authorized, neutral third party who verifies the identity of all participants, typically using a government-issued photo ID. Once collected, the samples are sealed, signed, and documented to ensure they cannot be tampered with before reaching the laboratory. The results must be “properly verified” to show this unbroken chain of custody for court admissibility.
Testing is typically conducted through AABB-accredited laboratories, a designation that ensures high standards for accuracy and legal defensibility. In South Carolina, individuals can arrange collection appointments at various locations, including accredited private laboratories, hospitals, or county health departments. The process is quick, usually involving a painless buccal (cheek) swab, and results are often ready in three to five business days following the lab’s receipt of the samples.
If a case is proceeding through the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) or Family Court, the court may issue an order compelling genetic testing. In cases handled under the DSS Child Support Enforcement Program, DNA testing is often provided at no charge to the parties, though a small processing fee may apply to initiate the case. When testing is court-ordered, the judge determines which parties are responsible for paying the costs. This may include dividing the expense among the parties or ordering the State to cover the costs in cases of indigence.