1. Are my paternity test results private and confidential?
Paternity testing companies must keep your records confidential and are allowed to release test results only to people that you have authorized. Please also read the terms and agreements that accompany testing carefully.

2. Can I have more than one father-in-question tested at a time? What if theyre biologically related?
Yes. More than one father-in-question can be tested at any given time. If the fathers-in-question are biologically related, such as two brothers, they share more DNA than two non-related people. For the best results, it is important to tell the paternity testing company about this relationship so they can take it into account during DNA analysis.

3. What are my options if the father-in-question is unable or unwilling to provide a cheek swab sample? What if he doesn't live near me?
Many paternity tests can be run on cheek swab samples only. It is important that DNA testing is conducted willingly, and with a person's true consent. Other companies may accept samples from other sources, such as stored blood. If the father-in-question is not physically accessible, a cheek-swab DNA collection kit can be mailed to and from him.

4. Does the mother have to submit her sample?
No. A paternity test can be done with just the DNA from the child and father-in-question unless there are unexpected results. Test results are equally accurate with or without the mothers DNA. However, having the mothers DNA makes the analysis easier for the lab.

5. Can I submit a sample from the child without informing his or her guardian?
If you are not the childs guardian, a responsible testing company requires that the child's legal guardian provides permission to collect a DNA sample for any reason.

6. Do test results change depending on the childs age?
No. The DNA markers that are analyzed for paternity testing are inherited they do not change as the child grows. They will remain the same throughout his or her life.

7. What should I do if I choose home paternity testing, then need legal testing later?
The DNA samples and analysis you use for a home paternity test cannot be used again for legal, chain-of-custody paternity testing. This is because all steps of the sample collection process need to be documented by an official third-party for results to be legally admissible. If you need paternity testing for legal purposes, such as child support or immigration, you will need to have DNA samples collected by a sample collection representative. The DNA analysis will also have to be performed again according to legal, chain-of-custody guidelines.

8. Will the paternity test tell me if I have any genes that can affect my health?
No. Paternity testing does not analyze DNA markers that are associated with any health conditions. Paternity testing only provides information about a biological relationship.