DNA testing in the Philippines helps individuals resolve complex questions regarding family relationships, inheritance, and personal identity. These tests are sought for various reasons, including legal proceedings, immigration requirements, and personal reassurance. The cost of DNA analysis fluctuates widely, depending on the specific purpose of the test and the processing laboratory. The final price is determined by the type of test, logistics, and accreditation factors. Understanding the structure of these costs is essential for anyone considering this procedure.
Base Costs for Relationship Testing
The most frequently requested genetic analysis confirms biological relationships, primarily paternity and maternity. Costs differ significantly based on whether results are for personal knowledge or official use in courts or immigration. A standard “peace-of-mind” paternity test, involving the alleged father and one child, generally starts around PHP 14,800 to PHP 15,000. A standard maternity test, determining a mother-child relationship, falls within a similar price range.
When results must be legally admissible, costs increase substantially due to strict protocols. A legal paternity test, which requires a verifiable chain of custody, typically costs between PHP 21,800 and PHP 27,500. This higher price reflects mandatory, third-party sample collection and extensive documentation required for court authentication. A highly specialized option is the non-invasive prenatal paternity test, performed as early as nine weeks into pregnancy, which requires a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father, costing significantly more, ranging from PHP 75,000 to PHP 78,000.
Factors That Influence the Total Price
The base price for a DNA test is modified by several specific service variables. The turnaround time for receiving results is a common factor. While standard results are often available within two to three weeks, requesting expedited service incurs an additional fee for prioritizing sample analysis.
The type of biological material submitted also affects the final expense. Standard testing relies on a simple buccal swab collection. If a discreet or non-standard sample is needed, such as hair with roots, nail clippings, or a used toothbrush, a surcharge applies because specialized extraction procedures are required. The official chain of custody, mandatory for legal and immigration cases, also increases the price due to the involvement of trained professionals and meticulous documentation.
Selecting Accredited Providers and Understanding Logistics
Choosing a reputable provider means looking for laboratories with international accreditation. Many Philippine facilities partner with or send samples to labs accredited by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the AABB. This accreditation confirms the laboratory’s adherence to rigorous quality standards and its ability to produce reliable results.
For any test intended for legal purposes, the chain of custody protocol must be strictly followed. This process requires all participating parties to have their samples collected by a neutral, trained medical professional, often at a designated collection center. The collector verifies identities, seals the samples, and ensures the proper documentation is completed, preventing any possibility of tampering or misidentification.
Results for a standard relationship test typically take between 10 and 14 working days. While major service providers have established collection networks across the country, accredited facilities and specialized options are concentrated in Metro Manila. Individuals in provincial areas may need to travel to a regional center to access guaranteed chain-of-custody collection.
Costs of Non-Relationship DNA Screening
Beyond biological relationships, DNA screening focuses on ancestry and genetic health predispositions. Ancestry testing analyzes genetic markers to trace geographic origins and build a family tree. Lineage tests, such as paternal or maternal line analysis, generally start around PHP 14,500, comparable to a peace-of-mind paternity test. More comprehensive ancestry tests, offering a deeper breakdown of origins, can cost up to PHP 22,000.
Genetic health screening provides information on an individual’s potential risk for diseases. A general genetic predisposition test, screening for a range of conditions, is often priced around PHP 18,500. Specialized genetic panels, focusing on inherited cancer risks, involve extensive analysis and can start from approximately PHP 36,600.