Everything you need to know about at-home paternity testing — from how the process works and what results mean, to cost, accuracy, and privacy.
A home paternity test is a DNA test you can take in the privacy of your own home to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. The test uses a simple cheek swab — not blood — to collect DNA samples from the alleged father and the child. Those samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
Home paternity tests are sometimes called "peace of mind" tests because the results are for personal knowledge only. They are not admissible in court. If you need results for legal purposes — such as child custody, child support, or immigration — you would need a legally admissible paternity test, which requires a chain-of-custody collection process.
Despite being collected at home, the actual laboratory analysis is identical to what's performed for legal tests. The only difference is how the samples are collected: at home by you versus at a clinic by a trained professional.
The process is straightforward. Here's how it works from start to finish:
Tip: Including the biological mother's sample is optional but recommended. A mother's sample helps the lab isolate the child's paternal DNA more efficiently, which can strengthen the statistical certainty of results.
Yes. A home paternity test delivers the same level of accuracy as a legal paternity test because the laboratory analysis is identical. At US Diagnostics Center, our laboratory tests a minimum of 20 genetic markers (STR loci) to produce results that are:
These accuracy standards meet or exceed industry benchmarks. The only factor that affects accuracy is sample quality — as long as swabs are collected correctly following the kit instructions, results are definitive.
Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment and employs Ph.D.-level scientists who review every case. Learn more about our laboratory and scientific team.
Get Answers with a Home Paternity Test
Fast, accurate results in 1–2 business days. Discreet shipping. 99.99% accuracy.
Order Your Kit — $79 Free shipping available · Includes all lab feesHome paternity tests typically range from $79 to $400+ depending on the provider, turnaround time, and what's included. Many companies advertise low kit prices but charge separate "lab fees" that significantly increase the total cost.
At US Diagnostics Center, our Home Paternity Test Kit is $79 with all lab fees included — no hidden charges, no surprise fees at checkout.
Our transparent pricing means the price you see is the price you pay. Optional add-ons such as expedited processing are available but never required.
The total timeline depends on two factors: shipping and lab processing.
| Phase | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| Kit delivery to you | 3–5 business days | 1–2 business days |
| Sample collection | Same day (takes ~5 minutes) | |
| Return shipping to lab | 3–5 business days | 1–2 business days |
| Lab processing & results | 1–2 business days | 1–2 business days |
Most customers receive their results within 7–12 days from the time they place their order. If time is critical, choosing express shipping and expedited lab processing can shorten the overall timeline significantly.
When your kit arrives, it will contain everything you need to collect and return your DNA samples:
The kit ships in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of its contents on the outside — your privacy is protected from the moment the package arrives.
Absolutely. Privacy is one of the primary reasons people choose a home paternity test. Here's how we protect yours:
Because a home test is considered a "peace of mind" test, it is entirely between you and the participants. There is no court involvement, no legal filing, and no public record.
No. A home paternity test cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings. Because samples are self-collected without a verified chain of custody, courts cannot confirm the identity of the people tested.
If you need paternity results for any of the following, you will need a legal paternity test:
A legal paternity test uses the same laboratory analysis but requires an observed sample collection by a neutral third party. This establishes an unbroken chain of custody that courts accept as valid evidence.
Not sure which test you need? Many of our customers start with a home test for personal knowledge and later order a legal test if needed for court. Our team can help you determine the right option — contact us for guidance.
A home paternity test may be right for you if:
If the alleged father is unavailable or unwilling to participate, we also offer relationship DNA tests — such as grandparent, sibling, and aunt/uncle tests — that can help establish paternity indirectly.
We built US Diagnostics Center around a simple idea: DNA testing should be accurate, affordable, and easy to understand. Here's what sets us apart:
We are committed to meeting the highest quality standards in every test we perform. Visit our laboratory page to learn more about our scientists, equipment, and quality assurance processes. You can also browse our media and press coverage to see what others are saying about US Diagnostics Center.
Ready to Get Started?
Order your home paternity test kit today. Simple cheek-swab collection, 99.99% accuracy, and results in 1–2 business days.
Order Home Paternity Test Kit — $79 Includes all lab fees · Discreet shipping · Results in 1–2 business days
US Diagnostics Center
333 Conover Dr., STE C
Franklin, Ohio 45005
Phone: (937) 790-9991
Email: support@usdctest.com
