Help and answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers to the questions Franklin families ask most about DNA paternity and relationship testing.
Before you begin
Common questions about DNA paternity testing
If your question is not answered here, each service page includes questions specific to that test, and you can contact us.
Getting started
What is the difference between a peace of mind test and a legal test?
The laboratory science is the same. A legal test adds identity checks, signed consent, and a documented chain of custody so results can be considered for official purposes. A peace of mind test is for private knowledge only.
Which test should I choose?
Start with what you need the result for. If a court, agency, or records office may see it, choose a legal test. If the answer is just for you, a peace of mind test is usually enough. We are happy to talk it through.
Does everyone need to be tested at the same time?
No. Participants can often be collected separately, even in different places, and their samples are matched at the laboratory.
Samples and collection
Does a DNA test hurt?
Standard tests use a soft cheek swab rubbed inside the mouth for a few seconds. It is painless and suitable for newborns. Prenatal testing uses a standard blood draw from the mother’s arm.
How should I prepare for a cheek swab?
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for a short time beforehand. For infants, wait a little while after feeding. Bring identification if your test is a legal one.
Can samples be collected at home in Franklin?
Yes. Mobile collection brings a collector to an agreed location in Franklin, and after hours collection is available for schedules that do not fit the usual workday.
What if the alleged father is unavailable?
Relatives such as his parents, brothers, sisters, or other children may help through grandparent, avuncular, sibling, or kinship testing.
Results and privacy
How are results reported?
Paternity reports show the markers tested, a combined paternity index, and a probability. They state whether the relationship is supported or excluded. If a report is unclear, ask about any part you do not understand.
Who receives the results?
Recipients are usually identified in the consent paperwork completed at collection. Confirm who will receive results while arranging your test.
How is a prenatal paternity sample collected?
Noninvasive prenatal paternity testing works from a blood draw from the mother’s arm rather than sampling from inside the womb. A blood draw carries the usual minor risks of any blood draw, and questions about your pregnancy belong with your healthcare provider.
Is testing someone without their knowledge allowed?
Consent matters. Each adult participant should agree to testing, and a legal guardian consents for a minor. Alternative samples should only be used with an appropriate right to the item.
Ready to book your appointment?
Schedule online when you are ready to proceed. Every family situation is different, so call our office if you need help deciding which service to choose.