Frequently Asked Questions

The information you provide during the purchase process is protected during transmission by using a 256-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption software, which encrypts all the information you input. In fact we use a GODADDY certificate.

In addition, we reveal only the last four digits of your credit card numbers when confirming an order. Of course, we securely transmit the entire credit card number to the appropriate credit card company during order processing. easyDNA does not retain any credit card information itself. Therefore if there is any need to make an additional payment, we cannot process it ourselves but will require you to go through the ordering process again

Yes, a paternity test can be done with just the child and the alleged Father. It is still extremely accurate and 90% of our cases are done without. However if the mother’s sample is available we recommend to include it as it reinforces the result.

Yes, it is also possible to have separate kits sent to individuals residing at different addresses, both within the same country as well as in different countries. We handle many cases where the participants don’t live together. Since we operate internationally with many offices worldwide, we are able to post additional kits to international participants, from within their own country. The extra kit will incur an administration charge which will depend on the destination of the extra kit. Kits sent out to remote locations are sent by courier. An additional charge will be calculated and you will be advised by email.

Every kit will be assigned its own special reference code so that we can properly track it within our system. Testing will commence only once all samples are received and logged into our system. We will not commence testing on in

Yes, it is possible to do DNA testing if through a relative of the alleged father. There are a variety of tests (e.g. avuncular, grandparent, etc.) - this type of test will determine a probability of biological relationship between the relative and the child. Some tests might not provide conclusive results and might require the inclusion of additional persons. The inclusion of the mother is recommended. We would greatly advise you to first contact our customer service team in order to discuss your case and obtain qualified recommendations. Please refer to our DNA relationship testing section for more information on relationship testing.

The DNA found in cells in your saliva could maintain its integrity for a couple of weeks. This is provided that the samples are collected correctly (Following the guide on our website and in our kit Click Here). Obviously the DNA sample has to be stored properly. If saliva swabs are used, it's important to leave swabs to dry completely before being placed in an envelope. They also need to be placed in a dark and dry place. Other types of samples can keep for different periods of time. We have had many successful cases where we were able to extract DNA from samples that are years old. We are unable to guarantee the success of this extraction in advance and testing is at your own risk. The fresher the sample is the higher the chance of successful extraction.

We offer the possibility of receiving your kit at your home or work address by courier. Our DNA testing kits are sent out from our local offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Alternatively you can arrange to collect your testing kit in person from our office, by prior appointment only. If you are unable to receive or collect your kit we are able to provide you with full instructions on how to make your own by emailing you all the documentation. Since testing kits are uniquely sent through a courier service, we do not accept PO BOX addresses. Courier services do not deliver to this type of address. A physical address is necessary.

Genetic testing identifies the unique genetic profile of an individual. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child's genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a DNA paternity test determines whether this person is the real biological father or can be excluded. The test is very easily done with the use of our DNA testing kit, which we send to you by courier when you order. The samples are taken according to the sample collection guide provided in the kit and on our website. We use the most modern technology available, in fact testing is not even done with blood anymore but with saliva samples. Saliva guarantees the most precise test.

Prices depend on the test you require, please refer to the pricing information on our Order DNA test page

There are some circumstances where it is possible to determine suspected unfaithfulness of a partner or spouse through DNA testing. We are able to analyse any type of garment, sheet or item that has a suspicious biological stain or substance. We are able to run a DNA extraction and determine the presence of both male and female DNA within the same stain. We are even able to compare the DNA found against a reference sample (usually being your own oral swab) to determine if the unknown DNA is your own or somebody else’s

In contrary to what most people think human DNA cannot be extracted from any body fluid or tissue. There are specific samples that we accept (e.g. saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc.) These samples have the possibility of containing the DNA required to proceed with testing. DNA can also be extracted from any item that is contaminated with certain body fluids (chewing gum, cigarette butts, sanitary towels etc.) Please refer to our forensic DNA Samples section and review our non-standard sample price list to see what is acceptable for DNA testing. It is important to consider the success rate of each forensic sample, samples with the highest success rate (e.g. used Kleenex tissue) are have a much better chance of working. Submission of more than one sample might be required in order to obtain the required amount of DNA. Please note that there is an additional charge, displayed beside each sample, for this type of testing.

For a DNA extraction from a hair sample it is best if the hair is freshly pulled out/ taken from the head and that the hair follicle is still intact to the hair strand to get the best extraction results. In contrary to what most people think, hair strands DO NOT contain DNA. It is actually inside the hair follicle that DNA is found. We usually require around 6 – 10 hairs for successful extraction. Submitting around 6 – 10 hairs with the root attached gives you a 60% chance of successful extraction. Once the extraction is successful then we can proceed with the DNA test requested (e.g. paternity etc)

In our sample DNA test results section we have provided some examples of what our DNA paternity test result looks like. In addition, we have also provided comprehensive information on how to interpret the results.

The peace of mind paternity test and the legal test give you the exact same outcome. The difference between them is that one can be used in Court and the other cannot. This is because of the way the samples are collected. The sample collection must follow the strict chain-of-custody and must be done in front of a third person who can witness and confirm the identities of the participants. This person is usually a doctor or a qualified nurse. The peace-of-mind/Curiosity paternity test is not legally admissible since the sampling process does not follow these procedures. This test is therefore valid for informative purposes only.

In order to follow the chain-of-custody you must find a neutral third party to verify the identity of the individuals being tested and collect their DNA samples. We usually recommend setting an appointment with the Doctor or Nurse before ordering the test to ensure that they are willing to do. You will not at anytime handle the testing kit not the samples, in fact the kit is sent directly to the Doctor you have chosen and samples are sent back to us by the Doctor himself. Finally, results will be issued by the laboratory after being viewed and signed by a notary. The original version of your results will be sent to you by courier.

Extracting a DNA profile out of a saliva sample rather than a blood sample does not alter or affect the accuracy or quality of the test in any way. DNA extraction out of saliva is a more modern method. The cheek cells in which DNA is present in saliva are actually preserved for a longer time than in blood. Testing on blood is old fashioned and more expensive. Blood is also very impractical when being sent through the post as it carries far more diseases and has a higher chance of arriving to the lab in a degraded state. Testing on blood is much more expensive than on saliva. Sample collection is also a lot easier and less invasive with saliva than with blood.

You should expect to receive your DNA test results within 3-5 working days after we receive the samples. Paternity test results can be expedited if you select the express DNA testing option. With this service, you will get your results in 3-4 working days as opposed to getting them in the standard 3-5.

As we offer a wide range of DNA tests, the turnaround times for different tests will vary. We recommend checking individual test pages for more information or contacting our customer service team if the information is not readily available.

A Laboratory with an ISO17025 accreditation uses criteria and procedures specifically developed to determine technical competence. Specialist technical assessors conduct a thorough evaluation of all factors in a laboratory that affect the test analysis or calibration of the data. Laboratory accreditation bodies use this standard specifically to assess factors relevant to a laboratory's ability to produce precise and accurate data calibration and results. This ensures that your test result is the most precise and accurate one you could obtain.