Maternity DNA Testing

Why Would I Need Maternity DNA Testing?

A Maternity DNA Test can be used to confirm a biological relationship between a mother and her children. Typically, the biological mother of a child is confirmed at birth. However, this may not always be possible and in some cases, mothers may wish to seek confirmation that they are in fact the biological mother of their children. Reasons people seek maternity DNA testing include:

• Children who were given up for adoption and have since reunited with their biological mother may seek confirmation that person is in fact their biological parent
• In the case of a suspected hospital mix up, to confirm the child they have left the hospital with is their child.
• Women undertaking IVF wanting to confirm their child was conceived with their embryo and that there was not a mix-up of embryos during implantation
• Where a child has been born through surrogacy, a maternity DNA test can confirm that the donor is the biological mother of the child, and not the surrogate

Non-legal maternity DNA tests are for peace of mind or reassurance purposes only. Due to the way the samples are collected, the results are not admissible in a court of law. This, however, does not affect the accuracy of your results. All home paternity DNA tests are performed by an ISO17025 accredited laboratory. You can rest assured knowing that your DNA test is performed in accordance with strict, international guidelines.

Collecting Your DNA Sample

For non-legal maternity DNA tests, samples can be collected by the individuals to be tested themselves at home. Paternity for Life uses mouth swabs, to simply and painlessly collect a DNA sample from the inside of your cheek. For DNA testing, we require a sample from the alleged mother and the child.

Upon receiving your application and payment, Paternity for Life will send a collection kit to your nominated address. This kit will contain everything you need to collect the samples, along with clear instructions on how to do so. Once the samples have been collected, they are then returned to us in the supplied return envelope.

Results

Results will be available within 5 working days, from when we receive your samples at our laboratory. Results will only be sent to the parties being tested (or their legal guardian), to the email addresses provided at time of sample collection. A hard copy of your results can also be arranged (additional fees apply).