Disputed biological relationships are generally resolved by DNA testing, and while paternity testing is by far the most common form of relationship proved by DNA analysis it is not the only one. This, and several other factors that explain the difference in cost between individual tests, are explained here.
1. The Quality of the Testing Procedure
Testing procedures vary according to requirements and to the needs of those ordering them. It is a general rule that the more basic the test requested, the lower the price will be. A standard test will normally involve the analysis of 16 genetic loci, although cheaper tests can be carried out using fewer than that. The standard of the test kit will also have an implication on the cost: a laboratory-prepared kit will cost less than a Promega validated kit for example. As the price is reduced, the quality of the test reduces accordingly, as does the certainty of the result.
2. Number of Participating Subjects
Testing is not necessarily carried out on only one person, and there are cases where others have to be tested. Where siblings or even twins are involved, the cost will be higher, and the same is true where more than one potential father has to be tested in a paternity dispute. It is not uncommon for the mother's test to be carried out free of charge, but otherwise the more people that are tested the higher the cost.
3. The Time Factor Involved
DNA testing takes time, particularly when there is more than one sample involved. If the time factor is important and the results are required within 48 hours, or even the next day, the price will be higher. This additional cost can, in many cases, double the overall cost of the test.
4. The Location of the DNA Test
Like any other product the costing of DNA Paternity Testing is influenced by market forces. The prices charged in the USA are relatively low compared to those elsewhere because such testing is fairly common with Americans. Not only does the sheer volume of tests drive the price down through economy of scale, but this popularity breeds competition which in itself leads to highly competitive pricing policies.
5. The Nature of the Sample Analyzed and the Complexity of the Test
The samples used for testing can take many forms, and some are more difficult to analyze than others. Blood samples, hair, skin and oral or Buccal swabs are common forms of sample, and because hair, for example, involves more sample preparation and analysis that an oral swab wipe, it will consequently cost more to analyze. The type of test also presents significant cost implications. Hence, a paternity test, that is easier to carry out than a sibling test, will be priced the lower of the two, assuming other factors being equal.
6. The Legal Standing of the Test
If the results of the test have to stand up in court it has to be carried out under strictly controlled conditions. A private test, carried out with the objective of setting people's minds at rest, need not be strictly controlled. Some of the requirements of a legal test include the need for the sampling to be notarized by a third party to ensure that the sample is that of the person identified, and that the test kit be transported to the lab by secure courier. Not only has that, but the testing kit itself had to be of a higher quality and more comprehensive than that for an ordinary or regular test. All of this has cost implications.
As should now be obvious, the prices charged for DNA Paternity Testing can vary widely according to a number of variables. It is very important, therefore, that you are aware of the cost beforehand, and that prior to arranging a test you get a firm indication of the price you will have to pay.
homeDNAdirect UK specializes in the provision of a wide range of DNA Testing and DNA Paternity Testing services to assist in the determination of a range of familial relationships for both legal and private cases.
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