What Happens at a Paternity Test Appointment

If your attorney has asked you to take a legal paternity test, you may be nervous about what happens at the appointment. The good news is that it’s quick and painless. Most visits take about 15 minutes.

Before you go

• Bring a current government photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID.
• If a child is being tested, the child’s parent or legal guardian comes along and brings the child’s birth certificate.
• Avoid eating, drinking or smoking for about 30 minutes before the swab.
• Arrive a few minutes early.
• Check the address and hours of the collection site the day before.

Check-in and identification

The collector checks your ID and records the details. You’ll have your photograph taken. This is a normal part of a legal test. It proves you are the person who gave the sample.

If your ID is expired or the name doesn’t match the name on the order, tell the collector right away. Some sites can’t proceed without a matching, valid ID, so it’s best to check this before you leave home.

The cheek swab

The collector rubs a soft swab, similar to a large cotton swab, on the inside of your cheek for several seconds. Usually several swabs are taken. It doesn’t hurt, and there are no needles. Children usually handle it easily.

The collector wears gloves and opens each swab in front of you. You won’t need to do anything except open your mouth and hold still for a few seconds.

Sealing and paperwork

Your swabs are labeled, placed in a tamper-evident envelope and sealed in front of you. You’ll be asked to review and sign the chain-of-custody form, which confirms the samples are yours and were sealed properly.

Take a moment to check that your name and date of birth are correct on the form before you sign. A small mistake is easy to fix in the room and much harder to fix later.

After the appointment

You’re free to go. The samples are sent to the laboratory, and the result goes directly to the attorney’s office that ordered the test. You won’t receive the result from the collection site, so contact your attorney about it.

Do the other people need to come at the same time?

No. Each person can go to a collection site near them at a time that works for them. The lab matches the samples. This also means you won’t have to see the other party at the appointment if you’d rather not.

Bringing a child

If a child is being tested, a few simple steps make the visit easier:

• Bring a favorite toy or snack for after the swab.
• Avoid feeding a baby right before the appointment if you can.
• Explain to an older child that it’s like brushing teeth, but quicker.

The parent or legal guardian who brings the child will sign on the child’s behalf.

There may be a collection fee

Some collection sites charge a small collection fee at the time of your visit, typically around $25 per person. It’s paid at the site and isn’t included in any online payment. If it applies, it’s shown on your secure page before you go.

Common questions

• Can I bring someone with me? Usually yes, though only the people being tested take part in the collection.
• What if I’m sick? A cold doesn’t affect a cheek swab. If you can’t attend, reschedule rather than skipping.
• Will anyone else see my information? Your information is used only for your test and the result goes to the ordering attorney.

Read more on our For clients page, or start your test if you have a case code.

This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. Testing requirements vary by court and agency.