Blog

How Long Does it Take to Get DNA Paternity Test Results?

May 22, 2018 | Paternity

How long does it take to get DNA paternity test results?

How Long Does It Take to Get DNA Paternity Test Results?

For a standard paternity test (testing one possible father with one child) a highly-accredited lab should return DNA paternity test results in one (1) to two (2) business days once all samples are received. DNA Diagnostics Center® (DDC) processes paternity tests at its own state-of-the-art laboratory just outside Cincinnati, Ohio, so we can provide customers with the fastest-available turnaround times—24 to 48 hours—at affordable prices. However, other companies may contract with labs outside the U.S.A, and results can take 3 to 12 weeks or even longer.

DNA Diagnostics Center understands that waiting for results for this potentially life-changing test is stressful, so we provide extremely fast service without sacrificing accuracy. All of our standard DNA paternity tests, including our home paternity tests and legal paternity tests, include 48-hour turnaround times. Our customers also have the option to select 24-hour processing, and even same-day results, for an additional fee. Once complete, results are posted immediately to our secure online portal, and you’ll be notified by email right away. For non-invasive prenatal paternity tests, results can be posted in just three (3) business days for an additional fee.

Why Would it Take Longer to Get DNA Paternity Test Results?

If you decide to go through a child-support office in your state or county, you must meet specific criteria for a court-ordered DNA test. The length of this process has shortened significantly over the years, but there are still multiple steps involved; forms must be processed, a court order must be issued from a judge, DNA collection must be coordinated, and additional paperwork must be completed before results can be released. There is no “rush” option during these procedures, so there may be a lengthy wait involved.

  • Longest wait for DNA paternity testing: 4-6 weeks or longer, from a county child-support office. Applicants must meet qualification criteria
  • Shortest wait for DNA paternity testing: 1-2 days, ordered directly from a highly-accredited lab like DDC

Tips for Getting the Fastest DNA Paternity Test Results

Contact the DNA lab directly: If you contact an accredited DNA lab—like DDC—that offers fast turnaround times, and arrange for DNA collection of all parties right away (this applies to both home and legally-binding tests), you could see your results the day after the lab receives your samples. Imagine making the initial call or purchase on a Monday with results on a Friday! The key is to talk directly to a DNA specialist: Let them know what your needs are and your desired timeframe for receiving results. At DDC, our DNA specialists are highly trained and readily available to discuss your individual situation, and can customize your paternity-testing experience so it’s just right for you.
Expedite shipping of kit and samples: If ordering a Home Paternity Test Kit, you can choose to expedite shipment of the kit to your home for an additional fee so it is delivered to you as quickly as possible. Also, a pre-paid mailer for returning DNA samples to the lab is included in DDC kits, but you may consider shipping your swab samples back to our laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, by USPS overnight or a courier service (FedEx, UPS).

Why Choose DDC for your Paternity Testing

Fast delivery of DNA paternity test results is important, but it’s not the only thing so consider. Accuracy should never be sacrificed for speed. DDC is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing, providing reliable results to individuals, government agencies, and healthcare professionals. DDC is also one of the most highly accredited DNA laboratories in the world, with accreditations from the AABB and CLIA, ensuring best practices and complete accuracy.

Call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.

Do you have a question about this topic? Leave it in the comments and we’ll answer.
45 Comments
  1. John

    If i took the DNA test in Louisiana why did the results come from a lab in Ohio?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, John. There aren’t very many private labs that are accredited to perform paternity testing for the general population. DDC receives samples for testing from all over the world, including Louisiana.

      Reply
  2. Roosevelt

    Well it’s been almost 2 weeks and I still haven’t received a email with my results

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Roosevelt. During COVID, it’s been taking USPS about 2 weeks to get samples to us when using the postage-paid mailer included in the kit, so you should get a notification email very soon. Once samples go into testing, the report is ready in 2 business days or sooner.

      Reply
      • BJD

        Well I received an email yesterday Oct 15 stating results would be emailed by 6p on the 16th. Then on the 16th at 9:30a an email was sent stating results now will be emailed Oct 19th by 7p. Now parties are nervous if there is an issue… So this 2 day turn around is just not entirely true!

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, BJD. The turnaround time is 1-2 business days unless additional testing is required by the lab.

          Reply
        • B

          If you got a DDC test done at a doctors office how long will it take for it to come back?

          Reply
          • DDC

            Hi, B. For a paternity test, the turnaround time is 2 business days once all samples are received here at the lab.

      • Stanley

        I mailed off my test on the 14th how much longer will it take for yall to receive the samples?

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hi, Stanley. Unfortunately we cannot control the efficiency of the postal service. Lately it’s been taking about two calendar weeks. As soon as your samples arrive and go into testing, you’ll start getting email notifications from us.

          Reply
  3. Harry

    Hi, I’m awaiting test results from the child support office in Memphis, Tennessee. I was wondering if the child support office here uses you all for the DNA testing.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Harry. That is a question for the Tennessee child-support office to answer for you.

      Reply
      • Mehreteab

        I gave my DNA sample at the US embassy Doha, Qatar. The Lab technician who took my DNA sample wasn’t wearing gloves even though he came from a famous Hospital in the city. Can the DNA samples be contaminated because the Lab tech wasn’t wearing gloves? Thank you. I appreciate if you could notify me by email.

        Reply
        • DDC

          Hello! Sorry but we do not answer blog questions via email. It is unusual and irregular for a lab technician to not be wearing gloves during DNA collection. However, the chances of contamination are still low. If by some chance the swabs are contaminated with the technician’s DNA, the lab would detect it and request new samples without issuing results.

          Reply
        • James

          How long does it take to get the testing kit?

          Reply
          • DDC

            Standard mail is about 10 business days. If you need it faster you can pay extra for track express shipping.

  4. Bethany

    Hi I got the test done about 3 weeks ago and still haven’t got an email

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Bethany. Please contact us directly at 800-831-1906 (M-F, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern).

      Reply
  5. Ashley

    Do the results get sent to both parents or just the father?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ashley. The results are sent to the email associated with the case when it was set up. All adult participants in a test are eligible to see results.

      Reply
    • Johanna

      Do the results sents to both parents

      Reply
      • DDC

        Hi, Johanna. The report is posted to a secure online account, with access credentials created by the person who sets up the test. Any participant in the test can also request a hard copy of results.

        Reply
        • Jessica

          How do we request a hard copy of the results? Our test was court ordered and upon calling the DDC the lady stated they could not tell me anything regarding the test because it would be a hippa violation since the court ordered it

          Reply
  6. Happy

    I did my DNA 2weeks ago but I didn’t get the email direct to me… DNA ain’t suppose to be private and confidential?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Happy. I cannot speak for other companies, but in our case, email communications are sent to the address connected with the case.

      Reply
  7. Tammy

    Can I personally call DDC to get the results from a child support ordered paternity test instead of waiting for my court date for them to tell me?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Tammy. We cannot provide results directly to test participants for a court-ordered test.

      Reply
  8. Charles

    I mailed my test out on the 8th I’m very Anxious about the results, how much longer should I expect to wait?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Charles. Did you save the tracking information from the mailing envelope? It will provide you with an update on mailing status. We have found it’s currently taking USPS about 10 business days or two calendar weeks to deliver to us, so your samples are most likely still in transit. Once they arrive, the testing process goes very fast.

      Reply
  9. rachel

    how do i know if ddc received my paternity results for my child support paternity tests? and if so, would the courts email be the email connected to getting the results?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Rachel. When we test on behalf of courts, they are the ones responsible for providing all information to tested parties. We cannot provide any information whatsoever directly to tested parties.

      Reply
  10. Ace

    I sent my test off on Monday 18th and today the tracking is saying that my samples are in Cincinnati OH but my delivery still says you guys won’t receive them until Saturday 23rd. Is there any way you guys may receive them sooner than that?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ace. Unfortunately, timing of USPS delivery is out of our control. But they often deliver early, yes.

      Reply
  11. angela

    I WAS TOLD RESULTS WOULD BE SENT BY EMAIL AND ALSO SENT IN THE MAIL. IS THAT TRUE OR IS IT JUST EMAIL?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Angela. I think you must have misunderstood. You get notifications about your test via email but results are never sent via email. They are posted to your secure online account with the access credentials you chose. If you requested mailed results and paid the extra fee, then you’ll also receive a hard copy.

      Reply
  12. Ariana

    Does testing take place the same day the lab receives or the next day?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Ariana. It depends on the test and what time of day it arrives.

      Reply
  13. Shelia

    How will I know if you all received the samples?

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Shelia. A notification email is sent to the address connected with the case.

      Reply
  14. Nae

    hey , mailed my test off today to be received by you guys tomorrow morning how long will i have to wait to check my results if it arrives at the OH facility tomorrow morning

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hi, Nae. You didn’t mention what type of test it is, so I’ll assume it’s paternity. Once samples go into testing, your report is posted in 1-2 business days (so not counting weekends).

      Reply
  15. Quentin

    I took the DNA test on September 7. I tracked the package and it says that the package was received on September 8. I still haven’t received any results or communication. I thought it would be 2-3 day turnaround.

    Reply
    • DDC

      Hello, Quentin. That is the turnaround window, yes. Please DM us on our Facebook page so that we can help you directly. Thanks! It’s: https://www.facebook.com/DDCPaternity

      Reply
  16. Tiffany

    I took an at home dna paternity (purchased at Walgreens) test on September 26, 2021. We overnighted it on Monday the 27th. It said 2 business days, but we expedited everything to get the results as soon as possible.
    I’m just curious as to when we might have results? I’ve waited almost 41 years to find out who my dad is. I found a close relative through AncestryDNA & went from there. I’m so anxious to know if this man is my biological father. Please message me back. Thank you.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Legal Paternity Test vs. At-Home Paternity Test

Legal Paternity Test vs. At-Home Paternity Test

If you are considering paternity testing in the near future, it can be extremely helpful to understand the differences between a legal paternity test and a home paternity test. While both tests determine paternity with at least 99.999% confidence, there are some key...

Do Hospitals Do Paternity Tests at Birth?

Do Hospitals Do Paternity Tests at Birth?

Paternity testing can be an emotionally charged experience for everyone involved. For many, obtaining the results as quickly as possible alleviates uncertainty and provides much-needed peace of mind.

Kelly and Sargon’s Story: Paternity Testing with DDC

Kelly and Sargon’s Story: Paternity Testing with DDC

Are you curious about what to expect when you choose to take a paternity test with DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)? Kelly Wilson, from Lincolnshire, England, shares her story about working with the DDC team to verify the relationship between herself and her biological father, Sargon Isaac.

Getting a Paternity Test? Learn More About the Process

Getting a Paternity Test? Learn More About the Process

Getting a paternity test is an important decision, and DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) can guide you through the process. A DNA paternity test is highly accurate and can determine the biological father of a child if doubt arises regarding parentage.

Reach Us

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our team.

DNA Technology Park
1 DDC Way
Fairfield, OH 45014

Leave A Message