At Home DNA Test Kit: Paternity Testing Kits

Quick answer: An at home dna test kit lets you collect a cheek swab sample yourself and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This collection offers two paternity kits that compare the DNA of an alleged father and a child. Results usually arrive within a few business days after the lab receives the samples. Kit and lab details vary by configuration.

What an at home dna test kit detects

A paternity at home dna test kit does not screen for drugs. It compares genetic markers, called short tandem repeats (STRs), between people to estimate whether a biological parent-child relationship exists. The lab reports whether the alleged father is not excluded (a probability of paternity) or is excluded. The table below describes what is typically compared. Marker counts and reporting vary by laboratory and configuration, so confirm them against the kit insert.

Item compared	Abbreviation	Typical detail (configurations vary)
Short tandem repeat markers	STR	Multiple independent genetic locations compared between child and alleged father
Sex-determination marker	Amelogenin	Often included as a sample identity check
Probability of paternity	PP	Reported when the alleged father is not excluded
Exclusion result	Exclusion	Reported when genetic markers do not match
Mother's sample	Optional	May strengthen the analysis; not always required

Formats compared

Home DNA kits and legal-use DNA collections differ mainly in who collects the sample and how it is documented. Check which format your situation requires before you order.

Format	Specimen	Result time	Observed collection	Tamper and identity checks	Best for
Home collection kit	Buccal (cheek) swab	Typically a few business days after lab receipt	No	Signed forms and sample labeling; no formal chain of custody	Personal knowledge, peace of mind
Witnessed or legal collection	Buccal swab	Similar, plus paperwork time	Yes, by a third-party collector	ID verification, photos, chain of custody	Court, immigration, custody, support matters

Who buys and why

• Clinics and health providers: offer a collection option for patients who ask about parentage, and refer them to a laboratory.
• Treatment centers and family programs: support clients working through custody or reunification questions.
• Courts, probation and legal offices: may need documented testing. Home kits are generally not a substitute for chain-of-custody collection.
• Collection sites and labs: stock kits to serve walk-in and appointment clients.
• Employers and staffing firms: rarely need paternity testing, but HR and benefits teams sometimes assist employees with resources.
• Resellers and community organizations: buy cases to resell or distribute.

Compliance

Paternity DNA kits are not drug tests, so FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA-waived categories used for drug screens do not apply in the same way. Ask the manufacturer for the testing laboratory's accreditation, such as AABB or similar, and whether results are for informational use only. Informational kits are not legally admissible in most settings. If a court, agency or attorney requires the result, use a legal chain-of-custody test arranged through an approved collector. GC-MS and LC-MS confirmation, and DOT rules, are drug testing concepts and do not apply to paternity. This is general information, not legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal questions.

How to read results

1. Collect all swabs following the kit instructions, and avoid eating or drinking beforehand for the time stated.
2. Label each sample with the correct person and complete the consent forms.
3. Return the samples to the laboratory using the method in the instructions.
4. Wait for the lab to confirm receipt and finish processing.
5. Review the report. An exclusion means the alleged father is not the biological father. A probability of paternity means he is not excluded.
6. If the lab reports an insufficient or unusable sample, it will usually request a recollection. A faint result is not an issue here, because DNA reports are not line-based.

Ordering in bulk from ASC

American Screening Corp has supplied testing products to professional buyers since 2004. We sell paternity kits in case quantities for clinics, collection sites, labs and resellers. Orders typically ship the same day from Shreveport, Louisiana. Request a volume quote for larger or recurring orders, and ask about private label options. Contact our team for current availability and pricing.

At Home DNA Test Kit FAQ

What is an at home dna test kit?

It is a kit that lets you collect your own DNA sample, usually with cheek swabs, and mail it to a laboratory. The collection here is built for paternity questions, comparing an alleged father and a child to see whether a biological relationship is likely.

How long do results take?

Timing depends on the lab and kit. Many paternity labs report within several business days after they receive all samples. Shipping time, paperwork errors and recollections can add delay, so check the instructions for your specific kit.

Does it detect drugs or health conditions?

No. A paternity kit compares genetic markers between people to assess relatedness. It does not test for drugs, alcohol, disease risk or ancestry. For drug screening, browse our separate drug testing categories.

How much does an at home dna test kit cost?

Price depends on the kit, the number of people tested and the lab fees included. We do not list a fixed price in this guide. Check each product page for current pricing, or request a volume quote for case quantities.

Where can I buy an at home dna test kit near me?

Most buyers order online rather than visiting a local store. ASC ships from Shreveport, often the same day, so clinics, collection sites and labs can stock kits for on-site use. Individuals should confirm whether they need a legal collection first.

How accurate is it?

Accuracy depends mainly on the laboratory and on correct sample collection. When an accredited lab analyzes properly collected swabs, paternity results are generally highly reliable. Mislabeled or contaminated samples are the usual cause of problems, so follow the instructions carefully.