pOSTMORTEM DNA Testing
Pricing Starts at $495.00 and Up
What is a Postmortem Paternity Test?
A postmortem paternity test is used to determine whether a deceased man is the biological father of a child. This type of testing is often requested to establish legal paternity for purposes such as securing survivor Social Security benefits or adding the deceased father’s name to the child’s birth certificate.
How can you get DNA from a deceased person?
There are several methods to acquire DNA from a deceased person. Below is a list of the most common and effective methods use to establish paternity legally.
- Bone samples: The femur bone is recommended bone to perform a DNA test, Femurs have tend to more DNA.
- Teeth: Molars are preferred.
- Hair Follicles: Hair samples with the root attached are the only viable hair samples that can be used for comparative DNA analysis.
- Blood samples: Blood samples are oftentimes collected by funeral homes and coroners office and are kept on file for specific period of time before being discarded
- Postmortem Tissue: Coroner Samples, Funeral Homes this must be stored on dry ice and preserved.
The above-mentioned forensic samples can be used for legal purposes. It is important to note that the establishment of strict legal chain of custody is required. Samples must be handled by a third-party DNA sample collectors and should not be in the possession of a family or individual associated with the deceased in order to maintain the integrity of sample collection process for legal use.
For legal admissible DNA results all samples will be tested and analyzed by our partner AABB accredited laboratory. The accreditation ensures your results will be recognized family courts nationwide.
It should be noted there is no guarantee the use of a forensic sample will produce a complete profile for genetic analysis. The storage and quality of the sample will determine will produce a complete profile the can compare.
Non-legal DNA samples:
DNA testing of a deceased alleged father (or individual) can sometimes be performed using the following types of forensic samples:
- Toothbrush
- Hair
- Earwax
Please note: The above sample types cannot be used for legal purposes. Hair samples may be accepted in legal cases only if they were collected by medical professionals, such as a coroner’s office or funeral home.
Hair samples collected or held by a family member cannot be used for legal DNA testing purposes.
How much does a postmortem DNA test cost?
Pricing for a postmortem paternity test starts $495.00. Sample collection fees, shipping from medical facilities and funerals are not included in the cost of your DNA test.
Call 888-204-0583 to speak with one of our DNA consultants to help you explore price for your specific circumstance and how the process works.
How long does it take to receive postmortem DNA test results?
The turnaround time for results vary depending on the sample being used for analysis. Below is a list of samples by cost.
Hair Follicles: turnaround time ranges from 2 to 3 business days.
Blood Samples – turnaround time ranges from 2 to 3 business days.
Toothbrush Samples – turnaround time ranges from 2 to 3 business days.
Bone and Teeth – turnaround time ranges from 5 to 10 business days
Postmortem Tissue – turnaround time ranges from 5 to 10 business days
Upon the completion of the analysis a copy of your results will mailed to your home and an additional copy will be emailed to you.
Where can I go to have my DNA appointment?
Call 888-204-0583 to speak with one of our DNA consultants and schedule your appointment today. With over 3000 collection sites nationwide, including all major U.S. cities, we’re ready to serve you wherever you are.
Can my results be used for legal purposes?
Yes. Depending on the type of forensic sample used and the establishment of chain of custody the results form your DNA paternity test can be used for legal purposes.
Are post mortem DNA test accurate?
Yes, postmortem DNA testing can be highly accurate. However, the accuracy largely depends on the quality and preservation of the sample. Properly stored and well-preserved samples significantly increase the likelihood that the laboratory can produce a complete DNA profile for comparative analysis.
Do Coroners keep DNA samples?
Yes. Many coroners collect and retain DNA samples from deceased individuals, particularly in cases involving car accidents, homicides, or suspicious deaths. These samples are typically collected during autopsies and may include blood cards, tissue, hair, or cheek swabs.
