Frequently Asked Questions

How discreetly will the test arrive?

You will receive your DNA Collection Kit in a plain envelope not showing our logo or company name to ensure anonymity. You will also be provided with a plain envelope in which to return the samples. We can provide kits anywhere in Canada including Toronto (ON), Montreal (QC), Calgary (AB), and Victoria (BC)

How much does a paternity test cost?

The cost of a paternity test is of $199. There are no extra fees.

Are my Credit Card details secure?

We use the most secure method of transmitting credit card details online: 128 bit secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption that scrambles the number when transmitting it to your card company. We do not retain your number because we cannot: we do not see it, other than the normal last four digits for order confirmation purposes. The rest is hidden even from us.

Because the number is encrypted, we are unable to accept additions to your order, or any re-orders at a later date, without you providing all of your card details again. Our encryption certificate is shown on our order page, and no human being ever sees your number during transactions with easyDNA.

Is it possible to carry out a paternity test without the mother being involved?

We recommend that the mother's DNA sample be available in order to strengthen the test results, although it is possible for the testing to involve only the alleged father and the child.

Is it possible to send two test kits to different addresses?

We can deliver kits to different addresses where the two subjects do not live together. In fact we are often asked to send the kits to different countries. This is fairly simple for us to achieve because we have large number of offices world-wide and can initially send the kits to the office nearest to the delivery address. We can then send it on from there. There will be a charge for this service since it involves an extra testing kit, and the delivery charged will depend upon where the second kit has to be delivered.

Each kit is assigned a tracking reference so that we can keep tabs on it throughout the process. We will not normally commence testing until all of the samples that relate to each order have been logged into the laboratory. Sometimes we will start testing individual samples where this is required by the order, but you should contact us by email at [email protected] to check up on any order specifics so that we understand your needs before you order the test.

What is meant by Chain of Custody?

If you collect the DNA samples yourself, then the test results cannot be used in court as evidence. They are simply for your own information, and known as 'peace of mind' tests. That is because there has been no proper 'chain of custody' of the samples, and their source cannot therefore be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Refer to the Chain of Custody definition in our Glossary for detailed information.

Is my DNA test suitable as evidence of paternity in court?

A legal DNA test can be used in court as legal proof of paternity or the lack of it. Steps have to be taken to make sure that the samples tested are truly those of the subjects involved. Refer to the next question about ‘Chain of Custody’ requirements. easyDNA can look after all of the requirements once you have ordered the test.

Is your paternity test accurate enough?

easyDNA uses a Paternity Test based upon 16 genetic markers. This means that our test is 100 times more accurate than is required as proof of parentage by a court. In fact, our results can guarantee the probability of whether or not a subject is the father of a child to within 99.99% accuracy

What is the cost of a DNA test?

Our prices depend on the test being taken. For example, the cost a paternity test in Canada is CAD$249. Details of the price for your specific test can be found on our Order DNA Test page.

What is the difference between a paternity and a maternity DNA test?

No - a DNA Maternity Test is the same as a DNA Paternity Test, and easyDNA will also charge you the same for each. The only difference is that the DNA of the potential mother and child is sent to the laboratory rather than the alleged father and child.

What is the turnaround time for your results?

You should expect to receive your DNA test results within 3-5 working days after we receive the samples. Paternity test results can be expedited if you select the express DNA testing option. With this service, you will get your results in 3 to 4 working days as opposed to getting them in the standard 3-5.

As we offer a wide range of DNA tests, the turnaround times for different tests will vary. We recommend checking individual test pages for more information or contacting our customer service team if the information is not readily available.

What samples can be used for a DNA test?

Although our standard recommended sample is a Buccal swab from the inside of the cheek, providing us with skin cells and saliva, we can also extract DNA from blood and semen, nail clippings and hair, and anything that the subject has come into contact with such as a condom, handkerchief, cigarette butt, chewing gum, bedding, underwear and so on. Our DNA forensic testing page provides a price list for non-standard samples that give you information on what might be acceptable.

What exactly is a paternity test?

The genetic make-up of a child is inherited from its father and mother. By testing a child's DNA with that of the alleged father, the DNA paternity test can determine whether or not the person is the child's biological father. Sampling is easily carried out using our DNA test kit and following the DNA Sample Collection Guide that comes with it.

What form does a DNA test result take: is it easy to interpret?

Our web page sample DNA test results shows you, not only what your paternity and maternity results report will look like, but also how to reads the results and interpret them together with other useful information.

When and how do I pay?

You should pay when ordering the test. We accept personal cheque, postal orders or bank draft, and also Visa or MasterCard credit cards. You can find further information on payment on our payment options page.

What if the alleged father refuses the test, but a close relative is prepared to give a sample?

Sometimes the DNA of a close relative of the alleged father (e.g. sibling DNA test) can help to identify the father of a child, but it would be a lot easier to establish if the mother was willing to offer a sample. Between her and the relative, it has been possible to establish paternity. However, if you read our section on DNA Relationship Testing you will find out more on what this type of testing can achieve.

Can you use hair samples for DNA testing?

Hair DNA testing is possible, but the quality of the results reduces with increased age of the hair: age meaning time since it was removed from the head. Useful samples should have the follicles still attached, and preferably have been taken deliberately rather than shed naturally. Cut hair cannot be used for testing, and as a general rule pluck a minimum of 5 strands from the head, make sure the roots (follicles) are still attached and send them to us immediately. The quality of the DNA begins to drop immediately the hair is removed.

For how long do you keep the samples?

If your DNA paternity test was a standard 'peace of mind' test, there is generally no need to retain the samples, and we destroy them immediately we send out the results to you. On the other hand, Legal or Court Admissible Test samples have to be kept for six months at no extra charge. We can do the same for your standard test samples at an additional cost, and you will have to let us know if you want us to do that for you.

For how long does a DNA sample remain usable?

DNA samples obtained from blood or saliva can be stored in an envelope. First make sure that the sample has been thoroughly dried and place into an envelope. They can be stored for a number of years if kept dry and used later for DNA testing.

You state the tests are accredited - what is ISO17025 accreditation?

ISO 17025 is a quality management system relating to the ability of a laboratory to operate systems and procedures that ensure the accuracy and reliability of the equipment used, and the ability of the laboratory to use that equipment to provide accurate results using the testing procedures laid down. Basically, accreditation means that laboratory can be trusted in respect of the accuracy of the results it provides from the samples provided to it. All easyDNA tests are performed by an ISO17025 accredited laboratory.

How does a paternity test work?

A paternity test compares the DNA profile of the two individuals. A child's DNA is inherited from the mother and the father, and a comparison of the DNA of the child with that of the alleged father can determine whether that person is the biological father or not. We supply a DNA testing kit along with instructions on how to use it (our DNA Sample Collection Guide). The guide is included with the kit, and is also published on our website. Once the samples have been returned to our laboratory, the tests are carried out and results sent back to you.