1. Introduction
Paternity Verified ("we," "us," or "our") is a mobile DNA sample collection service operating across Southern California. We provide mobile collection of DNA samples for paternity, maternity, sibling, grandparent, avuncular, and other relationship DNA tests. Samples we collect are processed by an independent AABB-accredited laboratory partner.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and disclose information when you visit our website (paternityverified.com), schedule an appointment, or use our services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
Information you provide directly
- Contact information: name, phone number, email address, mailing address
- Appointment details: service requested, preferred date and location, special instructions
- Payment information: processed by third-party payment processors. We do not store full payment card numbers on our systems.
- Identification: for legal (chain-of-custody) tests, we collect and verify government-issued photo identification as required by AABB protocols
- Test participants: names, dates of birth, and relationships of all parties being tested
Information collected automatically
- Website usage: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring URLs
- Cookies and similar technologies: see Section 10
Biological samples
- DNA samples: buccal (cheek) swabs and, for prenatal testing, maternal blood draws and paternal cheek swabs. These samples are collected solely for the purpose of the requested DNA test.
3. How We Use Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Schedule and perform DNA sample collection appointments
- Transfer samples and required documentation to our AABB-accredited lab partner for analysis
- Deliver test results to you
- Process payments and issue receipts or invoices
- Communicate with you about your appointment, results, or service
- Comply with legal obligations, including chain-of-custody requirements for court-admissible tests
- Improve our services and website
- Prevent fraud and ensure security
4. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- AABB-accredited laboratory partner: we transfer samples and required identifying information to our lab partner for testing and result generation. The lab is contractually bound to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.
- Service providers: payment processors, communication platforms, and other vendors that help us operate our business, all bound by confidentiality obligations
- Legal requirements: when required by law, subpoena, court order, or other valid legal process, including for legal DNA tests submitted as court evidence
- With your consent: when you direct us to share your results with a specific party (such as an attorney or court)
5. DNA Samples and Results
We do not store, sell, or analyze your DNA samples beyond the requested test. Samples are transferred to our AABB-accredited lab partner who processes them per AABB protocols and destroys them according to their standard retention schedule.
Your DNA is used only for the specific test you ordered. We do not:
- Add your DNA to any database
- Use your DNA for research without your express written consent
- Share your DNA or genetic results with any insurance company, employer, or third party (except as required for the specific test purpose, such as court submission for legal tests)
- Sell your DNA, genetic information, or results to any third party
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy and as required by law:
- Appointment and customer records: retained for 7 years for legal, accounting, and business operations purposes
- Legal (chain-of-custody) records: retained per AABB protocols and applicable law, typically 7-10 years
- Test results: retained for 7 years from the test date for re-issue requests
- Payment records: retained per IRS and California tax requirements
- Marketing and website analytics data: retained for up to 2 years
7. Security
We implement physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Secure transport and chain-of-custody handling of DNA samples
- Encrypted electronic communications where applicable
- Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Vendor agreements requiring our partners to maintain similar protections
However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Your Privacy Rights
Regardless of where you live, you may have the right to:
- Access: request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correct: request that we correct inaccurate information
- Delete: request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Opt out: opt out of marketing communications at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information in Section 13.
9. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act provides you with additional rights:
- Right to know: the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect about you, the sources, the business purposes for collection, and the categories of third parties with whom we share
- Right to delete: personal information we collect about you (subject to legal exceptions)
- Right to opt out of sale: we do not sell your personal information, but you have the right to direct us not to sell it
- Right to non-discrimination: you will not be denied service, charged different prices, or provided a different level or quality of service if you exercise your privacy rights
To submit a CCPA request, contact us using the information in Section 13.
10. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences (such as cookie consent)
- Understand how visitors use our site (via analytics)
- Improve site performance and user experience
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services often involve testing minors as part of paternity or other family relationship tests. When a minor is a test participant:
- A parent or legal guardian must consent to and authorize the test
- For legal tests, custodial documentation may be required
- We collect only the minimum information necessary to perform the test
- We do not market to children or collect information from children except as part of an authorized test
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page with a new "Last updated" date. For material changes, we will provide additional notice (such as via email or a website banner).
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us: