Things to Keep in Mind Before Taking a Paternity Test

Updated on May 27, 2020

If you are planning on taking a DNA paternity test in the near future, you certainly want to know that taking a paternity test that is private, safe and accurate can be as easy as simply heading to your local drugstore. With that being said, while the actual act of taking the test itself has never been easier, the implications that a DNA paternity test holds remain as serious and as life changing as ever. 

For that very reason, there would be very little surprise if you are talking about taking your test and learning about the results. One important way that you can ease the anxiety and nervousness of yourself – and everyone else who will be implicated by the results – is to learn as much as possible about the process before you go in.

So, without any further delay, here is what you should be keeping in mind before you take a DNA paternity test.

The price 

One of the very first things that you should know about a DNA paternity test is the cost that you are going to have to pay to get the answer to this very big question. Usually, people can expect a paternity test cost to be somewhere between $300 and $500. While there are very cheap options, that can come in at approximately $30, it is usually best to go with the more expensive options because they come with added levels of security because they are considered legally valid tests.

Think about how the results will impact you and your family

The results of a DNA paternity test can – and will – be life changing. Finding out that someone is or is not the father of a child will not only impact the life of the child, but the life of the father as well. If it is possible, both adult parties involved should make sure to have a serious conversation about what will take place in the event that the male being tested is the father, as well as what will happen if it is discovered that he is indeed not the father. 

Make sure there is supervision present when the test is being administered

The last thing anyone wants to happen is for the actual results of the test to be brought into question once the DNA paternity test has been taken. The best way to avoid anything like that taking place is to make sure that there is someone supervising the male who is the subject of the test when they are performing the test. While privacy and comfort are obviously important, it is more important for everyone to know that the test is valid and that the results are genuine. 

Follow the kit instructions incredibly carefully 

The final thing to keep in mind when taking a DNA paternity test is that the instructions of how to take the test need to be following step-by-step, perfectly. That is the only way to make sure that the results are valid.

Good luck! 

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.