CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNER

Note: We can only guarantee standard result turnaround time when testing takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a forensic sample for your test may lead to an increase in turnaround time.

Forensic samples can be used for our standard DNA paternity testing, as well as for our other range of DNA tests such as relationship testing or DNA profiling. A full list is shown below including the additional cost for each sample, how to send the samples and the DNA extraction success rate.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

We can only guarantee standard result turnaround time when testing takes place solely using oral swab samples. Using a forensic sample for your test may lead to an increase in turnaround time of up to 8 to 10 working days.

Consent and photographic ID from all parties is required in order to perform a test with a non-swab sample. If in doubt about issues of consent we recommend that you contact our team to discuss your case.

Type of Sample
PriceSuccess Rate
Blood on Filter Paper
$8090% or higher

Also called Whatman, Matrix or Parchment; less than 60 days old. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Semen
$80 90% or higher

Frozen vial (Sperm bank) or fresh swab; Semen on fabric. Ship in paper envelope.

Fingernail or Nail Clippings
$8060% to 90%

Includes bandages, gauze and facial tissues (Kleenex) or napkins. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Tissue (Muscles, Organs); Non-Embalmed
$8060% to 90%

Need 5-10 clippings. Ship in paper envelope.

Ear Swab
$8060% to 90%

Depends on age and storage conditions; CHAIN ONLY. Request consultation.

Umbilical Cord
$8060% or less

Ship in paper envelope.

Semen Stain on Fabric
$8060% or less

Dried, must have a reference sample from mother. Ship in paper envelope or as preserved.

Hair with Roots
$8060% or less

Area should be indicated on fabric; incl bandages, gauze & tissues or napkins. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Razor (Electric, Disposable)
$8060% or less

Ensure roots are present (7-10 hairs) - shed or cut hair will not work. Ship in paper envelope

Cigarette Butts
$8060% or less

Send entire blade or disposable razor, debris can be sent in envelope. Ship in paper envelope.

Chewing Gum
$8060% or less

Depends on type/brand. Ship in paper envelope.

Mucus
$8060% or less

Sugarless preferred. Ship in plastic Zip-Lock bag.

Condom
$8060% or less

Facial tissue (Kleenex), napkin or paper towel. Ship in paper envelope.

Toothbrush
$8060% or less

Depends on storage condition / swab inside of condom. Ship in paper envelope.

Soda Can, Drinking Glass or Plastic Container
$8060% or less

Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Tampon or Feminine Pad
$8060% or less

Swab well w/ cotton swab or send in article with area clearly marked. Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Drinking Straw
$8060% or less

Air-dry and ship in paper envelope.

Bones from Exhumed Body
POANot Available

For forensic cases only. Request consultation.

Tooth
POANot Available

Molar, premolar or canine preferred. Ship in paper envelope.

Bone
POANot Available

Femur or humorus bone, 3-4 inches in length use clean blade. Request consultation.

About the above table

Ensure to read our recommendations about collecting and packaging the samples. This will help preserve the DNA and work towards increasing the chances of successful DNA extraction. We strongly suggest you follow our guidelines hereunder provided.

The success rate: this is a very important parameter when we consider the validity of a DNA sample. What we first need to do is estimate how likely it is that the sample in question will yield a DNA profile. If you are carrying out a paternity test or a relationship test, failure to extract a DNA profile from the sample will mean that we are unable to proceed and determine whether the people tested are biological related.

The most important thing to note is that the success rate refers to the statistical probability of extracting a DNA profile from the sample – it does not in any way affect the accuracy of the test result. For example, a paternity test result will show a probability of paternity of 99.99% if the tested man is the biological father and 0% if the tested man is not the biological father. These percentages will not change whatever sample is used for the test.

Forensic samples are often used for infidelity testing, a DNA test targeted at discovering whether partners have cheated or two-timed their other half. Click here for more about infidelity testing.

What other factors determine the cost?

The prices you see on our order page or web pages are the standard test prices for analysis using saliva samples (collected with buccal swabs), see our sample collection procedure for more information about this aspect of your test. The prices in the table above need to be added to the cost of the test as seen on our order page. A standard paternity in South Africa for alleged father and child is R2495. If you use one forensic sample, you will need to add the cost taken from the above table to the R2495.

Factors affecting the test’s success rate

Given our years of experience in the field, we have a very good track record and consistently achieve the best results in all our tests. In some cases however, samples may fail to produce the genetic markers required (the sample may be too old, there may be too little genetic material etc). Prior to the test, our guidance will give you a fair idea of the success rate. In the rare cases samples may fail, in this case we offer the client a chance to retest at a discounted price.

Forensic extraction of DNA from samples provided is done using an advanced DNA replication and amplification system known as PCR (or polymerase chain reaction). We use this method for all our extractions in forensic tests.

We strongly suggest reading our Terms and Conditions by visiting this page.