DNA Testing With Hair
Is an alleged father or child unavailable to participate in a standard cheek swab DNA test? Hair follicle samples may provide an alternative way to help determine whether a biological relationship exists when a standard cheek swab collection is no longer possible.
Hair DNA testing is an alternative relationship testing option used to help determine whether a parent and child, siblings, or grandparents and grandchildren are biologically related. At-home hair DNA testing is commonly performed for peace-of-mind purposes and cannot be used for legal matters. Under certain circumstances, such as post-mortem cases, hair samples may be used for legal purposes when a proper chain of custody can be maintained.
IDTO DNA has more than 22 years of experience providing relationship DNA testing services nationwide. Our focus is to provide accurate and reliable relationship DNA testing while maintaining professional communication throughout the process. We help clients avoid confusion, unnecessary delays, and weeks of uncertainty by providing clear guidance before, during, and after the DNA testing process.
What are the common reason Hair DNA Testing is performed?
In our experience coordinating DNA testing cases since 2004, hair DNA testing is most commonly requested under the following circumstances:
- The alleged father is deceased.
- One of the participants is unavailable for a cheek swab collection.
- A participant refuses to cooperate with testing.
- Hair samples were preserved before death.
- Standard DNA sample collection is no longer possible.
How much does DNA Testing with hair cost?
Pricing starts at $299.99. Learn more about our hair testing options here.
How Does At-Home DNA Testing Process Work:
Step 1.
Click here to purchase a kit online or contact our office at 888-204-0583 to purchase an IDTO Home Hair DNA test kit.
Step 2.
After you purchase your kit, the kit will be shipped within 24 hours of purchase.
Step 3.
Once you receive your Home DNA test kit. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.
Step 4.
After you collect your samples and complete the consent form. Place all of the items inside your prepaid return shipping envelope going back to the lab.
Step 5.
When all samples arrive at the laboratory testing will begin. The average turnaround for your results will be 2 to 3 days.
Step 6.
Upon the completion of your results, a copy of your results will sent to your home and a copy will be sent to your email.
What is included inside of my DNA Hair Test kit?
When you purchase a home test kit from IDTO DNA Testing Center, the following items will be included:
- Consent Form: This form allows you to list the names of the parties involved in your DNA paternity test.
- Cheek Swab Packet: Includes one cheek swab packet for collecting DNA samples for the participant not submitting a hair follicle sample.
- Sample Collection Envelopes: For securely storing and sending your samples.
- Sample Collection Instructions: Detailed steps on how to collect your samples properly.
- Pre-Paid Return Envelope: For shipping your samples back to the lab at no additional cost.
How many hair follicle samples do I need to perform a DNA Test?
For successful DNA extraction, all hair samples must meet these criteria:
- Each strand must have a root (visible as a white spec at the bottom)
- 8-10 hair strands are required per person
- Samples should be collected using tweezers from the scalp or body
- Hair samples can also be acquired from a hair brush or comb.
- Hair must be pulled, not cut (cut hair lacks the necessary follicle)
- Samples can be collected from brushes or combs if necessary.
- Proper sample collection is important. Learn more about common reasons hair DNA tests fail.
Important Note:
Due to the New York State Dept of Health guidelines residents of New York State are unable to purchase this or any Home DNA Test.
Can a hair DNA test be used for legal purposes?
Yes. A hair DNA test can be performed for legal situations under the following circumstance listed below.
- Post-Mortem: When an alleged father is deceased, hair specimens maintained by a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral home may be used under certain circumstances to establish a proper chain of custody.Please note, If for any reason the hair follicle samples are not collected and stored by a medical facility or funeral home. The hair samples cannot be used for legal purposes only for peace of mind use only.
In addition, all legal DNA tests will be performed under the strict supervision of our partner AABB accredited laboratory. The accreditation ensures a proper chain of custody will be established, DNA samples will be collected by unbiased Third-Party DNA specimen collector and your results will be recognized by family courts nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to receive my DNA results?
The average turnaround for results to be completed within 2 to 3 business day from the date the lab receives all DNA samples.
Are At-Home DNA Hair Test results accurate?
Yes. When a usable DNA profile can be recovered from the hair follicle samples, the same genetic analysis methods used for cheek swab testing are applied by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory.
However, the ability to obtain a DNA profile depends largely on the condition of the hair specimens submitted. Hair samples must contain the root and should be properly stored to minimize degradation.
Whenever possible, we recommend cheek swab DNA testing because it remains the preferred specimen type for relationship DNA testing.
Can a DNA Test Kit be shipped to different locations?
Yes. Home DNA test kits can be shipped to different locations. After selecting the option for shipping to multiple locations during checkout, we will contact you via email to request the secondary address.
Please note: Residents of New York State are not eligible to purchase this testing option, as the sale of At-Home DNA Test kits is prohibited under New York State Department of Health guidelines.
Are my DNA results kept private?
Yes. IDTO DNA and its partner laboratory do not share any personal or genetic information with third-party companies.
All information provided to our partner laboratory is kept secure and will only be released to third parties with the explicit consent of the participants involved or by court order. Specimen samples on file are kept for an average of 3 months, then destroyed.
Why Choose Us IDTO DNA
IDTO DNA has helped thousands of families with their At-Home Hair DNA Testing needs. Since 2004, we have been a trusted source for both legal and medical professionals seeking reliable DNA testing for their clients.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you in selecting the right type of genetic test for your specific situation. This careful attention to detail helps prevent ordering the wrong relationship test and avoids the need to pay for additional testing.
