There are many reasons why you may want to have a DNA test. Although we often see DNA testing being used on forensic television shows, one of the main reasons to get a DNA test is to determine paternity. DNA paternity tests conclusively determine whether a man is the father of a particular child. DNA maternity tests and sibling tests are also available. For those who are interested in genealogy or ethnic origins, many DNA labs now offer DNA ancestry testing.

If you are wondering how to get a DNA test, you can find quite a few DNA labs online. There are certainly walk-in DNA labs scattered across the country, but using an online DNA testing provider is one of the most convenient ways to get a DNA test. For DNA paternity testing, online labs will usually send you a free DNA sample collection kit. Once you have collected your DNA samples, you return them along with the payment to the DNA lab.

Most relationship tests, such as paternity, maternity and sisterhood, are also divided into DNA tests for your peace of mind and DNA tests for legal proceedings. You can get a DNA test for your peace of mind quite easily. The cost is usually lower, and you can collect your own DNA samples at home. But if the DNA test results are to be used in legal situations, then it is important to purchase legally admissible DNA tests in the laboratory. For DNA test results to be accepted by a court, DNA samples must be collected by a neutral third party. The third party is there to confirm the identity of the DNA donors and ensure that the chain of custody rules are observed.

Once the DNA samples are collected, they are returned to the laboratory for analysis. DNA test results can typically be received in as little as five business days. For an additional fee, some DNA labs offer a three-day window for test results. Test results are usually mailed to the recipient. Some online DNA labs offer results online.

What your results look like will depend on the DNA test requested. For example, in a DNA paternity test, the alleged father is either excluded or not. Paternity and maternity tests provide conclusive results. Sisterhood DNA tests are more complex and the results will be in the form of a relationship probability percentage. DNA ancestry test results vary by provider. In all cases, you need to do some research online ahead of time to find out that the test you requested provides the kind of results you need.