DNA Sample Viability Checker
Before submitting a DNA sample for testing and analysis, one of the biggest questions families have is: “Will this sample actually work?” Whether you are considering a toothbrush, hair, nail clippings, clothing, blood stains, a used condom, or semen-stained fabric, the answer depends on several factors, including sample condition, contamination risk, collection method, and state-specific legal restrictions. Some forensic and non-standard samples are also restricted in certain states, including New York.
Our DNA Sample Viability Tool helps you quickly determine whether your sample may be suitable for paternity testing, maternity testing, sibling DNA testing, grandparent testing, post-mortem DNA analysis, or other family DNA relationship cases. By answering a few guided questions, the tool will identify whether your sample is potentially usable, legally compliant, and the right option for your specific situation before you spend money on unnecessary testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Self-collected DNA test results are for personal knowledge only. Legal DNA testing requires an established chain of custody samples must be collected by a neutral third-party DNA sample collector and analyzed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory. AABB accreditation ensures your results will be recognized by courts, state agencies, and government agencies nationwide. This is a standard home DNA test kits ate re not required to meet.
The most reliable way to ensure sample viability is to have it collected by a unbiased certified third-party collector from our network who adhere to industry chain-of-custody protocols. Professionally collected samples eliminate the handling and storage variables that most commonly cause a sample to fail at the laboratory.
If you are submitting a sample you collected yourself, use our DNA Sample Viability Checker above to assess whether your sample is likely to yield usable DNA before you submit. The tool evaluates your specific sample type, age, storage conditions, and handling — and tells you what to do next.
Several factors determine whether a DNA sample can produce a usable profile. The type of sample matters most some items carry significantly more genetic material than others. How the sample was handled and stored after collection is equally important. Exposure to heat, humidity, or contaminating substances accelerates DNA degradation and can make a sample unusable even if it was viable when first collected. Whether you are submitting a cheek swab, a blood sample, hair, or another item each has specific handling requirements. Our DNA Sample Viability Checker above walks through these factors for your specific sample and gives you a viability assessment before you incur testing costs.
If a submitted sample is unable to produce a DNA profile, you will be notified and given the opportunity to provide a second sample for analysis. The will generate a report detailing their findings if opt not to submit another sample. To avoid this outcome, we strongly recommend speaking with an IDTO DNA Consultant before submitting any sample. Depending on your situation, your consultant will advise on the best collection and storage methods for your specific sample or confirm whether your sample is viable for testing before you proceed.
k State has specific requirements for all DNA testing services performed within the state. Before a DNA testing appointment can be scheduled, participants must obtain one of the following three documents in order to comply with New York State Department of Health guidelines:
A prescription or referral from a New York State-licensed physician
A letter from a New York State-licensed family law attorney requesting DNA testing, with all participants’ names listed
A court order from a judge directing the participants to submit to DNA testing
All DNA testing for New York State residents must be performed by one of our unbiased DNA sample collectors. Sample eligibility in New York is more restricted than in other states we recommend contacting our office before moving forward so we can review your specific situation and confirm what is required.
Call us today at 888-204-0583 to get started.
