Which DNA Testing Service Are You Looking For?
Peace of Mind Father and Child DNA Test
Court Admissible Father and Child DNA Test
USCIS, Embassy & Passport Accepted Results
Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing
Alternative Family Relationship DNA Testing Options
Peace of Mind Father and Child DNA Test
Uncle/Aunt with Niece/Nephew DNA Test
Grandparent DNA Test Grandparent w/Grandchild
Sibling DNA Test – Two People
Forensic DNA Testing Options
At Home Hair DNA Test
At Home Toothbrush Test
Home Ear Wax DNA Test
Post Mortem DNA Test
Need a reliable DNA test for San Diego, CA residents?
Since 2004, we have coordinated hundreds of DNA testing appointments throughout San Diego diverse White Americans, Hispanics, Asian, and African American communities, helping individuals avoid ordering the wrong DNA test. Some require a legal chain-of-custody DNA test accepted by the courts, while others only need private peace-of-mind results. Before scheduling any appointment in San Diego, we first determine the purpose of your DNA test because that decision affects the entire testing process.
Our role is to help clients determine which DNA testing option best fits their circumstances before testing begins. Whether your goal is establishing paternity for child support, custody, birth certificate amendments, immigration matters, or personal peace of mind, we help guide you through the process from start to finish.
All DNA samples are tested and analyzed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory. This accreditation requires a documented chain of custody for legal DNA testing and helps ensure the results are recognized by California family courts, government agencies, and immigration authorities nationwide.
According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, approximately 31% to 33% of live births in San Diego are to unmarried parents. In these situations, parents may need to establish legal paternity for matters involving child support, custody, inheritance rights, birth certificate changes, and other legal purposes.
How The DNA Testing Process Works
What are the common reasons people perform a DNA relationship test?
In our experience over the years, many of our clients use a DNA test for the following reasons listed below.
- Adding an unmarried father’s name to a child’s birth certificate
- Child Support cases
- Child Custody cases
- Inheritance for Estate cases
- Immigration – U.S. visa evidence submission
- Peace of mind purposes
Not sure which DNA testing option you need? Call us at 888-204-0583 to speak with one of DNA consultants today to schedule an appointment
How much does DNA Test cost?
Pricing starts at $199.99. Learn more about our DNA Testing prices here.
What method is used to collect my DNA samples?
A buccal (cheek) swab is the most common method used to collect DNA samples. The collector gently rubs the inside of each cheek with a sterile swab to collect epithelial cells. When collected properly, the sample provides sufficient DNA for the laboratory to develop a DNA profile for comparative analysis. Buccal swab collection is non-invasive, painless, and the preferred method for most DNA relationship tests.
Blood is an effective alternative and provides comparable accuracy when a cheek swab cannot be collected.
How can I schedule my DNA sample collection appointment?
Before scheduling an appointment, we determine the purpose of your DNA test. That conversation helps us ensure that you are performing the correct DNA test based on your specific use case. Because legal and non-legal testing processes have different requirements.
Call 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment at one of the collection sites near 30th St San Diego, CA 92116. All appointments are by appointment only (No-walk-ins)
Office Hours: Monday Thru Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Are At Home DNA Test Results legally admissible?
No. At-Home DNA Test results are not legally admissible. Home tests do not require the establishment of chain of custody or third party DNA sample collection which is required to when performing legal DNA test.
All legal DNA Testing services we provide are performed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory. The accreditation is required when submitting results to family courts or an immigration agency.
Can a DNA Test be performed at my home?
Yes. We provide mobile DNA testing services to clients who are unable to come in-office to have their DNA samples collected. Mobile services are provide for both legal and non-legal DNA testing services.
While our collectors can meet you anywhere you deem private, we proudly service the entire San Diego community including neighborhoods near:
- Carlsbad
- Columbia
- Coronado
- Cortez Hill
- Del Mar
- East Village
- Gaslamp Quarter
- La Jolla
- Little Italy
- Marina
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Serving the entire city of San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my DNA test results?
The turnaround time to receive your results within 2 to 3 business days from the date the lab receives all DNA samples. Upon the completion of your results a copy will be mailed to your home and another copy will be mailed to you.
Are my DNA results legally admissible?
Home DNA tests are not legally admissible because no independent collector verifies the participant’s identity or maintains the chain of custody. Without those safeguards, neither the laboratory nor the court can confirm who actually submitted the sample. Below are uses of this legal testing option.
- Adding a father’s name to child’s birth certificate.
- Inheritance
- Social Security Benefits
- Immigration visa acceptance
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Please note, our Home DNA Tests cannot be used for any legal purposes. To learn more about legal DNA Testing San Diego, CA services call 888-204-0583.
Is DNA Testing accurate?
DNA testing is highly accurate when proper chain-of-custody and accredited laboratory procedures are followed. All DNA samples undergo a strict dual-analysis process to help ensure reliable and accurate results for claimed biological relationships.
In exclusion cases, additional extended testing may be performed using up to 27 genetic markers to help confirm whether the tested individuals are biologically unrelated.
Important Note: One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is that blood testing is more accurate than a cheek swab. In reality, both specimen types provide comparable DNA testing accuracy because the laboratory analyzes the DNA itself rather than the specimen source. As a result, a cheek swab remains the preferred collection method for most DNA testing cases.
What is the difference between a same‑day DNA test and a same‑day appointment DNA appointment?
A same-day DNA test result means your DNA sample is given expedited laboratory processing after collection. Your DNA sample is collected at your appointment and shipped to the laboratory to arrive the next business morning. Once the laboratory receives the sample, it is processed on a priority basis, and your DNA test results are typically available by the end of that business day.
A same-day DNA testing appointment means you contact IDTO to request an appointment on the same day you call. If an appointment is available, we will coordinate your DNA sample collection that day. A same-day appointment allows your DNA sample to be collected immediately, but it does not mean your DNA test results will be available that day.
The difference is simple: a same-day appointment refers to when your DNA sample is collected, while same-day DNA test results refer to expedited laboratory processing after your sample reaches the laboratory.
Is walk-in DNA testing available in San Diego?
No. All appointments are by appointment only, this maintains that your case receives the attention to detail it deserves for proper chain of custody establishment.
Why Choose IDTO DNA?
Most DNA testing delays occur before samples are ever collected not because of the laboratory, but because the wrong test was ordered, required documentation was missing, or participants weren’t properly prepared. Our role is to coordinate each step before your appointment, helping ensure the appropriate DNA test is selected, the correct collection process is followed, and your samples are submitted according to the requirements of your case.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you in selecting the right type of genetic test for your specific situation. This careful attention helps prevent ordering the wrong relationship test and avoids the need to pay for additional testing.
IDTO DNA is a dedicated DNA testing service. Every consultant, every case, and every result is focused exclusively on relationship testing, not a secondary service offered alongside drug screens and DOT physicals.
