Before the appointment

When you schedule, we confirm a few details so the day goes smoothly:

  • How many participants and who they are (mother, alleged father, child, additional participants)
  • Whether you need a legal test or peace-of-mind (this affects what documentation we bring)
  • The location (home, workplace, hospital, attorney's office, neutral location, etc.)
  • Any participants in a different city so we can plan the chain of custody between collections

For legal tests, every adult participant needs a valid government-issued photo ID at the appointment. For children, the legal guardian's ID is verified and the child is identified by the guardian. You do not need to fast, stop eating, or avoid anything beforehand. There is no medical preparation required.

The collector arrives

Our collectors arrive in unmarked vehicles. They are dressed professionally and carry the testing materials in a discreet case. The entire appointment takes approximately 15 minutes for two participants. Additional participants add a few minutes each.

The collector will introduce themselves, confirm the participants, and walk you through what is about to happen. If you have questions, this is the time to ask. They have done thousands of these collections and are happy to explain anything.

ID verification (legal tests only)

For legal court-admissible tests, the collector verifies each adult participant's government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For children, the parent or legal guardian presents their own ID and identifies the child.

The collector photographs each ID and the participant for the chain-of-custody record. This step is the entire reason a legal test costs more than peace-of-mind; everything is documented so the result can stand up in court.

Peace-of-mind tests skip the ID verification step, which is why they cannot be used in court.

The buccal swab collection

The actual DNA collection is a buccal swab, which is a long cotton swab rubbed against the inside of the cheek. It is painless. There are no needles, no blood draws, no pain. Participants of any age, from newborns to seniors, are tested the same way.

The process for each participant:

  1. The collector removes a sterile swab from sealed packaging
  2. The participant opens their mouth, and the collector firmly rubs the swab against the inside of one cheek for about 30 seconds
  3. A second swab is collected from the other cheek
  4. Both swabs are placed in a sealed, labeled envelope in front of the participant
  5. The participant or guardian initials the envelope (for legal tests)

For very young babies, the swab is even gentler. Babies sometimes do not love having something in their mouth, but it does not hurt them.

Chain-of-custody paperwork (legal tests only)

For legal tests, the collector completes a chain-of-custody form that documents:

  • Who collected the samples
  • Each participant's identity, verified by photo ID
  • The date, time, and location of collection
  • The unique sample numbers assigned to each swab
  • Witness signatures (the collector and each participant)

Each adult signs the form. For minors, the guardian signs. The form travels with the samples to the lab, and the original is retained in your case file.

Payment

Payment is collected at the end of the appointment. We accept all major credit and debit cards, cash, and invoice or payment-link options for attorney-coordinated cases. Nothing is required upfront when you schedule. If you have any pricing questions, the quote you received over the phone is what you will pay; there are no surprise charges at the appointment.

After the collector leaves

The samples are transferred to the AABB-accredited laboratory via tamper-evident packaging. The lab processes them and reports results within:

  • 3 to 5 business days for standard peace-of-mind and legal tests
  • 5 to 7 business days for prenatal NIPP testing

Results are delivered electronically to whoever was authorized at the time of scheduling. For attorney-coordinated cases, results are typically sent to the attorney directly. Hardcopy results are available for $25 if needed for court submission.

Common questions during the appointment

Does it hurt? No. A buccal swab feels like brushing your cheek with a soft brush.

Can I eat or drink right before? Wait about 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything (including coffee) so the sample is not contaminated. Water is fine.

What if my baby will not open their mouth? The collector is experienced with this. A gentle technique works almost every time.

Can other family members be present? Yes, though they cannot witness the chain-of-custody process for legal tests unless they are participants. For peace-of-mind tests, family presence is fine.

What if a participant changes their mind? They can decline. We will not collect a sample from someone who does not consent. If this happens, the appointment is canceled and any payment made is refunded.

The appointment is shorter, easier, and less invasive than most people expect. The hardest part of paternity testing for most people is making the call to schedule. The actual collection is the easy part.