DNA Testing Labs:
Choosing the Right One

If you’re planning to do a DNA test, hundreds of DNA testing labs are eager to take your money. Some of them are worth every penny they charge for their services. But many more are not.

In my adoption search quest I used several types of DNA testing labs. So I learned a lot during that time. And I’ve acquired even more knowledge since I decided to create this web site.

Except for some introductory and concluding topics, I have organized the balance of this page by DNA test type. If you’re not interested in some types, just scroll down until you find the type you need.

Sample Collection Methods

Today, most DNA testing labs use DNA samples from your mouth. Methods include DNA swabs to collect cells from inside your cheek, and spit tubes or mouthwash to collect saliva. Blood testing is no longer necessary.

For many tests, you don’t even have to come into a lab. Home DNA tests are widely used, except as noted below.

Paternity Testing

The parent-child relationship is the closest one possible. As a result, paternity testing can tell you that a man is a child’s father with 99.99% certainty. If DNA testing shows that a man is not the father, you can be 100% certain of that fact.

Situations involving child custody, child support, inheritance and immigration require legal paternity tests. In those cases the courts require all parties to show up in person at the DNA testing labs. Then lab personnel will confirm each person’s identity, collect the samples, and follow a legal chain of custody process through analysis and reporting.

Home DNA test kits for paternity testing are available. But you should only use them when the test is solely for personal knowledge. Tests done at home are not legal paternity tests.

For paternity tests (and the less common maternity tests) you should choose an AABB-accredited laboratory. AABB is the American Association of Blood Banks. Even though DNA testing labs rarely use blood anymore, this organization still ensures laboratory quality.

Another certification to look for is ISO 17025. This is the global standard for the technical competence of calibration and testing labs.

Recommended Labs for Paternity Testing

You can search for a lab that does paternity tests and meets these standards. Be sure to check out the following two labs that I know well enough to personally recommend:

Test Country

DNA Findings

If you need a legal test, then the location of a convenient testing site can be an important factor. If the tested parties are in different locations, choosing a company like those above, which have a large network of sampling sites, can minimize travel expenses.

Close Relationship Testing

If the parents are not available for paternity/maternity testing, you may still be able to determine whether or not two people are related. For example, I knew my father was one of five brothers. By comparing my DNA with that of a child from each brother, I was able to determine which man was my father. To learn how I did this see my DNA Sibling Test page.

In addition to siblings and half siblings, you can often apply this type of close relationship testing to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. But you need to check carefully with the DNA testing labs that offer such tests. And results cannot be as certain as paternity testing.

See the Relationship Testing page of this web site for two methods and my recommended labs for getting this done.

Family Tree DNA Testing

If you’re looking to DNA for genealogy or adoption search purposes, I recommend you use Family Tree DNA. To learn why I recommend this lab, see my FTDNA Review page.

Ethnic or Ancient Ancestry Testing

Testing with Family Tree DNA will also tell you something about your ancient ancestry by predicting your haplogroup. But if you want a finer breakdown, i.e. to place your ancestors in a specific country, ethnic group or tribe, you will need additional tests.

Some companies specialize in analyzing certain populations, such as Native Americans or African Americans. You can also order autosomal testing to measure the collective backgrounds of all your ancestors.

To learn more about these tests and the DNA testing labs that offer them, see my Ethnic DNA Testing page. Be sure to read all the points I make about the limitations of such testing.

Finally…Customer Service Matters

No matter what type of DNA testing you are considering, look closely at each company’s ability to provide personal customer service. They must have a published telephone number where you can reach real people to answer your questions before and after you order a test.

Most companies allow you to order and pay for a DNA test online. But I suggest you find a phone number and test it before you place the order.

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