Paternity testing compares the DNA profile of a child with that of an alleged father to determine a biological relationship. The cost is highly variable, ranging from under a hundred dollars to over two thousand dollars. The final price depends on the reason for testing, the collection method, the testing procedure used, and the required speed of results. Understanding the distinction between the two main types of tests is essential for estimating the expense.
The Primary Cost Divide: Legal Versus At-Home Testing
The primary cost difference depends on whether the results are for personal knowledge or for use in court. At-home or “peace-of-mind” tests are the most budget-friendly option, typically costing between $100 and $300. These tests use a simple cheek swab collected by the individuals themselves and are scientifically accurate. However, because the collection is unwitnessed and lacks a verifiable paper trail, the results are generally not admissible in court for matters like child support or custody.
Legal or “chain-of-custody” tests are significantly more expensive, usually ranging from $300 to $800. This higher price covers the strict chain of custody protocol necessary for court admissibility. A trained, neutral third-party collector, such as clinic staff, must verify identities and physically collect the DNA samples. This meticulous documentation and professional collection process adds substantially to the overall expense.
Additional Factors That Increase the Final Price
Several factors beyond the basic test type can increase the final bill, often involving specialized services or urgency. Expedited results are a common add-on, bypassing the standard five to seven business days for processing. Paying a premium of $100 to $200 can reduce the turnaround time to one or two days for time-sensitive situations.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) Testing
The most expensive category is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test, which determines paternity before the child is born. This complex test requires analyzing fetal DNA fragments circulating in the mother’s bloodstream, typically via a blood draw after the tenth week of pregnancy. This is combined with a cheek swab from the potential father. Due to the advanced technology and specialized analysis required, NIPP testing often costs between $1,500 and $2,000.
Additional Parties and Collection Fees
Costs increase when testing additional parties, such as a second potential father or including the mother’s sample. The geographic location of the testing facility also introduces variability. For legal tests, collection fees charged by the third-party collector are separate from the lab analysis cost. These fees, which cover the witnessed sample acquisition, typically range from $25 to $45 per person.
Navigating Payment and Insurance Coverage
Paternity testing is primarily an out-of-pocket expense because health insurance providers generally do not consider it a medical necessity. Most standard health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, do not cover the cost of at-home or legal DNA tests. This lack of coverage applies even to prenatal paternity tests, which are considered elective procedures.
Payment is usually required upfront. Recognizing the high cost, especially for legal or prenatal options, some laboratories offer payment plans to spread the expense over several months. For individuals in legal proceedings, subsidized or free testing may be available through state child support enforcement agencies. This option is typically accessible only when testing is directly ordered as part of an official child support case.