Comprehensive DNA Testing FAQ Guide

FAQ's

We understand that choosing to have a DNA test done can be stressful, we have complied a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, we welcome you to contact our friendly knowledgeable staff by phone at 402-800-7161.

Yes, Do the people being tested live in different locations, do you want to confirm your relationship before you meet in person? Not a Problem! We can send DNA test kits to multiple locations for all tests we offer. DNA testing can be conducted effortlessly, even if the parties live in different cities, states, or countries. We can send DNA kits to different locations and then match samples up, using names, birth dates, and unique identification numbers for testing at our AABB accredited laboratory. Call us at 402-800-7161 for more details!
A. We recommend that you send the samples back to our laboratory for testing as soon as possible after sample collection. However, because samples are stable at room temperature for up to three months, you may send the samples back any time within three months of the sample collection. Use a paper envelope to return DNA samples to our lab. Never store or ship DNA samples in any type of plastic or Ziploc bag.
A. If your order is placed after 2 pm CST Monday – Friday, the kit will be shipped the next business day. Kits that are purchased on Saturday or Sunday will be shipped on Monday. We will ship your DNA test kit FedEx Express (2 Day Shipping). Tracking numbers will be emailed once your kit ships. For faster results, we will also provide a prepaid FedEx (2 Day Shipping) envelope to return your DNA samples to our lab for faster results.
A. Our tests are 99.99% accurate. We test the highest numbers of DNA markers in the industry! Most other DNA labs test 16 or 21 markers. We test 24 DNA (genetic) markers for paternity and maternity tests and 46 DNA (genetic) markers for sibling, grandparent, and aunt/uncle tests. Our lab is located in the United States and is AABB accredited, meaning it is held to the highest standards of accuracy and proficiency in DNA testing. In fact, our home DNA tests are performed in the same laboratory as our legal DNA tests, ensuring that all tests include the same level of accuracy.
A. Yes. FASTER RESULTS! When you order directly from My Forever DNA via our website or by phone, you will have the ability to customize your kit. We will also keep you updated every step of the way, from shipping the kit to receiving your results. Here are a few other benefits of ordering directly: We can ship to multiple locations. We offer testing for several people to be tested at one time. We provide 2-Day FedEx shipping to you. We also include FedEx shipping back to our lab. (Amazon kits include standard USPS prepaid envelopes, which can take up to 10 business days to be received at our lab and do not include the ability to track your package). Once your order has been shipped, the tracking numbers are emailed to you.
A. Our kits include everything you need to collect and return your DNA samples to our laboratory, including: Easy-to-Understand, Step-by-Step Instructions for DNA Sample Collection STERILE Buccal/Cheek Swabs (2 swabs per packet) DNA Sample Envelopes Result Notification Form FedEx (Prepaid/Addressed) Envelope
A. Yes! With discreet DNA testing, you may choose to secretly test someone by collecting and sending samples such as hair, fingernail clippings, ear wax swabs, a toothbrush, cigarette butts, chewing gum, and much more. We can’t guarantee that DNA will be found on the sample that you provide to us, but if it does contain DNA, we can compare it to your or your loved one’s DNA to determine paternity, maternity, sibling, grandparent, or aunt/uncle.
A. If a buccal cell sample (cheek swab) cannot be taken because the individual is unavailable, DNA testing can be performed on a wide range of forensic samples. Examples of samples that can be tested include: a toothbrush, dried blood stains, a Kleenex with mucus, hair and/or a hairbrush, or a razor.
A. Yes. My Forever DNA Kits can be sent to any country worldwide. Please note that there is an additional fee to ship internationally. Call our office for details at 1-402-800-7161.
A. Yes. It is very easy to collect cheek swabs from a newborn.
A. Yes. If the mother does not want or cannot be tested, we are still able to perform the test on the alleged father and child. These results are just as accurate as if the mother participated.
A. No. Our DNA testing kits are easy to use and are done with a simple buccal cheek swab. Think of rubbing a large Q-tip on the inside of your cheeks – that’s not painful at all. During buccal swab testing, a special swab is used to collect cells by rubbing vigorously on the inside of the cheek for 30 seconds. Those samples are sent to a lab where they are inspected for any signs of tampering or contamination. Then, the DNA samples are analyzed for a match between the child and the potential father (or grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling).
A. You can expect results within 1-3 business days after we have received all samples. We will notify you when the samples arrive at our lab via the contact information listed on the Result Notification Form you will return with your DNA samples. There is no online portal to register for. Instead, you’ll get the confidential results in the way you choose: by email, phone, or US mail.
No! That’s what makes My Forever DNA unique; you never have to worry about your information or DNA data being put out in the world for others to view or to use to find you. Unlike other DNA testing companies, we DO NOT share, sell, or distribute your information.
A. DNA testing is not as complicated as you might think. Understanding how the collection process and testing works may help you decide if this is the right option for you. DNA is almost identical between all people. We all share 99.99% of the same DNA; however, portions of the genetic makeup can vary from person to person (like a fingerprint). Everyone receives half of their genetic makeup from their mother and half from their father. During DNA testing, the unique characteristics of DNA from the child and mother are compared. Those characteristics that do not overlap from child to mother must have been inherited from the father. When comparing DNA between the child and potential father, if these characteristics match up, analysts can determine the likelihood that the man is the child’s biological father. Our DNA testing kits are easy to use, done with a simple cheek swab, and guarantee 99.99% accuracy. We test 24 or 46 DNA (genetic) markers, depending on the type of test, which is the highest in the industry! Most other DNA labs test only 16 or 21 markers. Our lab is located in the United States and is AABB accredited, meaning it is held to the highest standards of accuracy and proficiency in DNA testing. In fact, our home DNA tests are performed in the same laboratory as our legal DNA tests, ensuring that all tests include the same level of accuracy. My Forever DNA test results are fast and can be returned via email, mail, or by phone within 1-3 business days of samples being received in our lab. You choose how you’d like your results.
1. A paternity test establishes the biological father of a child. 2. A maternity test establishes the biological mother of a child.
A. Yes! Paternity can be established before the baby is born by having a non-invasive prenatal paternity test. This test cannot be done with a home test kit and is only offered at our Omaha, Nebraska office.
A. Yes. There are several options available if the father is missing, not available, or deceased. Grandparent Test Sibling Test Aunt or Uncle Test (Avuncular) Other alternatives that can be discussed by calling our office at 1-402-800-7161.
A. No. anyone can have a paternity test performed for legal or informational reasons. No court order or physician order is required. Due to New York state laws, My Forever DNA is not authorized to sell, ship, or perform testing for New York State residents.
A. No. Paternity/DNA Testing is not considered “medically necessary.” This is why health insurance and Medicaid will not cover the cost of testing.
A. The My Forever DNA Collection Kit will be shipped 100% confidentially in a FedEx envelope. We do not list the name of our company on the envelope; instead, it reads “Confidential.” We also include a prepaid/addressed FedEx envelope for you to send the samples back to our laboratory for faster results.
A. No. There is no minimum age for DNA testing. In fact, newborns, children, and teens can be tested.
A. No. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or food will NOT affect the DNA or the results.
A. Yes. We always keep your results 100% confidential. We only provide results to the individuals who have been listed on the Result Notification Form. Unlike other DNA testing companies, we DO NOT share, sell, or distribute your information.
A. We offer home paternity testing and legal paternity testing. Our home paternity test results are done for peace of mind and are informational only. However, we also offer legally binding and court admissible DNA tests at our Omaha, Nebraska office.
A. No. Due to New York state laws, My Forever DNA is not authorized to sell, ship, or perform testing for New York State residents.
A. No. There are no specific laws prohibiting an at home DNA test from being performed without the consent of a legal guardian.
A. Yes. The results are very straight forward. We understand that for many clients, this will be their first experience with any kind of DNA testing. My Forever DNA has compiled a comprehensive guide to assist you in better understanding what your DNA test results mean.
A. No. There is no online portal to register for. Instead, you’ll get the confidential results in the way you choose: by email, phone, or mail. We have many safety measures in place to ensure your data and information are always kept private and confidential.
The key difference between a legal paternity DNA test and an at-home DNA test kit lies in their intended uses, particularly regarding legal validity and the way the samples are collected and handled:

LEGAL PATERNITY DNA TEST
•Purpose: These tests are used for legal purposes such as child custody, child support, immigration, inheritance claims, and other legal matters.
•Chain of Custody: The collection process follows a strict chain of custody to ensure that the samples are handled properly. This involves having the DNA collection witnessed and documented by a neutral third party.
•Identification Verification: The individuals being tested are required to provide identification, and their photographs are often taken during sample collection.
•Sample Collection: The DNA samples are collected by a non-bias 3rd party a trained professional, typically in a medical office or a designated testing center.
•Legal Admissibility: The results of a legal paternity test are admissible in court due to the stringent procedures followed throughout the testing process.

AT-HOME DNA TEST KIT
•Purpose: These kits are primarily used for personal knowledge and curiosity, such as confirming biological relationships or exploring ancestry.
•Chain of Custody: There is no formal chain of custody in the collection process, which means these tests do not hold up legally in court.
•Identification Verification: No formal identification verification is required, and the individuals can collect the samples themselves.
•Sample Collection: The individuals involved collect their own DNA samples, usually via cheek swabs, and mail them back to the lab in provided packaging.
•Legal Inadmissibility: Due to the lack of a strict chain of custody and professional oversight, the results of an at-home DNA test are not typically accepted in legal proceedings.

In summary, while both types of tests can provide accurate genetic information regarding paternity, a legal paternity DNA test is designed for use in legal matters and follows specific procedures to maintain the integrity and legal admissibility of the results. In contrast, an at-home DNA test kit offers a more informal and personal way to explore genetic relationships without the legal standing.