How Long Does It Take for a DNA Test to Come Back? Processing Times Explained

What Is the Turnaround Time on a Dna Test?

At AssureDNA, we've streamlined our DNA testing process to ensure fast, discreet results are delivered directly to you when you need them. That said, the time it takes to receive your results can vary depending on several factors. To help you better understand the process, we've created a guide that explains the order process and how long you can expect to wait to receive your at-home DNA test results.

How Long Does an At-Home DNA Test Take to Come Back? 

At AssureDNA, your results are typically ready and sent by email the next working day after our laboratories receive your samples. We also offer express services for an additional fee, meaning you receive your results on the same day our laboratories receive your sample.

Order and Postage Times

The time of day that you order can also impact delivery times. For example, if you order with AssureDNA before 3 pm, we can get it to teh post office that day in order to catch the post.

And to speed things up, whether you order before 3 pm or not, all our at-home DNA testing kits come with free and discreet first class return delivery via Royal Mail. Including first class postage is our way of ensuring we receive your test sample as quickly as possible. 

To protect your privacy and, again, deliver fast turnarounds, we send results via email with a link to our secure online portal. There, the results are waiting for you.

The Type of At-Home DNA Test

Finally, the type of at-home DNA test also influences how quickly you get your results. We can often deliver paternity and maternity test results faster. They're more straightforward and conclusive. 

Sometimes, if a test is inconclusive, results will take longer. This is more common for tests confirming the biological relationship of half-siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. If a result is inconclusive, they require more complex statistical analysis and comparison of shared DNA segments.

To prevent any delays, especially if you need the results promptly, we recommend you complete the test and return it to us as soon as possible.

How Long Does It Take For a Paternity DNA Test to Come Back

We understand that waiting for paternity test results is a sensitive time. Individuals who ask us for a paternity test are waiting to see if they're the biological father of the child, and with that can come a rollercoaster of emotions.

Luckily, it's straightforward for us to either 99.99% accurately confirm – or 100% exclude – a paternal relationship using at-home DNA cheek swab samples. You shouldn't have to wait long for your results.

As we stated, at-home paternity DNA tests are one of our most rapid services. For this service, results should arrive within 1 working day from receipt of your samples.

Our at-home paternity DNA testing kits come with a cheek swab for the father, the child, and a third for the optional DNA sample of the mother. Even without the mother's DNA, we can accurately and rapidly confirm whether there's a biological relationship because the child in question should contain no less than 50% of the DNA from their father, which makes our job straightforward.

So, how long does a DNA test take to come back? That ultimately depends more on how long it takes you to complete the test and return it to us.

Court-Ordered DNA Tests: How Long Does the DNA Testing Process Take?

How long does it take for DNA tests to come back for court-ordered purposes? A court-ordered DNA test follows a different process. It depends on the court and when the sample is requested and received. AssureDNA doesn't sell court-ordered tests; for those you would need need to head over to AttoLife, our parent company. The lab part of the process is the same and won't take longer.

The different protocols for court-ordered DNA tests

Court-ordered DNA tests need to be conducted by a trained professional in order to maintain the chain of custody. It's usually the case that you and the child, grandparent, or whoever the court requests, will be met at a location to have the DNA sample collected by a trained professional. By doing that, the court can ensure the validity of the test. This adds an additional admin time to the process, extending the overall timeline.

Summary: What to Expect

To summarise, here are the delivery times to expect. When needed, the additional time is required to prevent inconclusive results.

• Paternity biological confirmation test: Results are typically delivered within 1 working day of our labs receiving your DNA sample.

• Maternity biological confirmation test: Results are typically delivered within 1 working day of our labs receiving your DNA sample.

• Grandparent biological confirmation test: Results are typically delivered within 1 working day of our labs receiving your DNA sample. Sometimes, test results can take between 3 and 5 working days.

• Aunt and uncle (avuncular) biological confirmation test: Results are typically delivered within 1 working day of our labs receiving your DNA sample. As this test isn't definitive, test results can take between 3 and 5 working days.

• Cousin biological confirmation test: Results are typically delivered within 1 working day of our labs receiving your DNA sample. As this test isn't definitive, test results can take between 3 and 5 working days.

With AssureDNA, you can expect a quick and seamless process that removes some of the potential stress out of at-home DNA testing. We pride ourselves on rapid turnarounds, but advise anyone who wants to ensure the quickest delivery time for their results to purchase express delivery at checkout.

What to expect inside your at-home DNA testing kit: 

For any of our at-home DNA tests, the first thing you can expect is a prompt delivery in confidential packaging to the address you requested during the checkout process. Inside the AssureDNA at-home kits, you'll find the following:

• Labelled self-sampling swab packs

• Complete, easy-to-read, and simple to follow instructions for collecting your DNA sample using the buccal swab in the kit.

• A pre-paid return envelope

• Consent documents that you must fill out before returning your DNA sample/s

• Access to support services

If you have any questions or feel unsure about the steps for collecting your at-home DNA sample or when to expect your results, contact our experts at info@assuredna.co.uk. For a more rapid response, don't hesitate to call +44 01603 358169 to speak to a member of our team.

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