Hair DNA Testing

Sometimes knowing who your parents are or finding the accurate father for your child can be a harder task than you imagined. There are many types of DNA tests available. DNA can be tested on all types of things such as blood, hair, nails, and even saliva.

Hair DNA Testing is an alternative type of DNA testing that is usually done when one of the persons to be tested is not available for a mouth swab or blood sample DNA test. This type of testing commonly used when one of the persons to be tested is far away or deceased.

When performing Hair DNA Testing, the quality and age of the hair used is vitally important. The hair samples should include the root of the hair and it is best to send in a sample of five to ten hairs or more so that the test can be done more than once if needed. Freshly plucked hair is optimal. When taking and submitting samples for Hair DNA Testing, make sure that the root is still attached to the hair sample and make certain that this part has not been touched by human hands. The root must be attached or an accurate test result is not possible. It is generally acceptable to send samples of 10cm long or more though it is not required.

Once the test has been taken and assessed, generally a report is given showing positive or negative results of each given strand that was tested. The cost of the testing will depend on how many hairs or samples are tested and the process of the samples. The cost can start as low as $150 and go to as high as $1000. Each additional sample may also have an additional fee. The time to receive your results will also depend on the service or testing center that you choose to use. Some may have samples and results to you in a few days while other services may take up to 6 weeks for accurate results and reports to be sent out.

Hair DNA Testing can provide a sense of relief and may also exclude and reduce the stress that you may be feeling from not knowing the paternity for yourself or your child. This can also be used for child support and other legal issues such as custody and inheritances. This type of testing may also require a Chain of Custody from the courts. You will also need to make sure that the testing is valid in order to ensure that your test result is accurate. This is why it is important to make sure that the testing center that you choose uses the standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments or the CLIA.

DNA testing can be one way to ensure your equilibrium and legal stance on the father of your child or of yourself. It does not require that the father be present and many labs will allow you to send in samples yourself. This makes the testing process much easier on everyone.