DNA Testing Process Overview
At AlphaBiolabs we pride ourselves on providing rapid, accurate home DNA testing. Our efficient DNA testing services can provide results in 3 business days after the samples are received in the lab.
The process is very simple. Our Peace of Mind DNA testing kits can be bought online and mailed direct to your home. We offer a full range of relationship testing kits, including paternity, maternity, sibling, twin, grandparent, aunt and uncle, Y chromosome, single genetic profile and prenatal paternity tests. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. We mail the testing kit direct to your address using discreet plain packaging with no company logos or branding. You also provide a password to use so that only you can discuss your case with Client Services and access your results when sent by email.
Getting started
Full instructions are included in the DNA testing kit on how to take your own DNA samples. There are three easy steps.
- Using one of the swabs provided in the testing kit, firmly rub on the inside of the left cheek for at least 20 seconds; then place this swab in the envelope provided. The second swab is used in exactly the same way on the inside of the right cheek. It is advisable not to eat or drink anything immediately prior to collecting your samples.
- Complete the details on the front of the swab envelope and seal it.
- Place all the swab envelopes and the completed form in the self-addressed return envelope and mail it back to us.
Please note that the prenatal paternity test also requires a blood sample from the mother. This needs to be collected by a trained medical professional.
It is essential that all sections of the Peace of Mind DNA Test Request form are completed in block capital letters and a consent signature is provided for each person undergoing the testing. If a child under the age of consent is to be tested then a signature is needed from the parent or legal guardian.
Please ensure that the correct postage is affixed to prevent any delays when returning your samples..
Back at the lab
As soon as we receive your DNA samples at our lab, we will begin the testing process. Our in-house scientists create a DNA profile. They then examine specific markers present in repeat sections of the DNA. AlphaBiolabs is one of just a few labs accredited to test up to 45 DNA markers in standard tests; most relationship tests examine only 16. We also test all our exclusion results twice so you can be confident of getting accurate results.
Once you receive your results
Your Sample Receipt email will have informed you when to expect your results. Test Reports are emailed every day between 11.30 and 1.30 pm (EST). When your results are ready, an email containing your Test Report will be sent to you. The Test Report will be attached as a PDF document to an email entitled Test Report Case Ref XXX. You may need to scroll to the bottom of this email to click on this attachment. You will need your password (that you provided in section 7 of the Peace of Mind DNA Test Request form) to open this results email. A hard copy of your results can also be mailed to you if required for an additional $15 (see section 1).
If you have problems opening your test report, please read our guidance here.
After testing
All DNA samples received at our lab are stored securely onsite. After testing, the samples are kept for 3 months and then destroyed by incineration. All identification documents, both hard copy and electronic files, are destroyed after 4 years.
We work hard to prevent your personal data from being disclosed or accessed in an unauthorized way by using a secure server that protects any financial transactions on our website. We also take appropriate physical, electronic and managerial measures to ensure that any data disclosed to us are kept secure.
Further details on all of AlphaBiolabs DNA testing services including paternity, maternity & sibling DNA testing, can be found on our website alphabiolabsusa.com and our Frequently Asked Questions page.