Frequently Asked Questions
What types of paternity tests do you offer?
Legal Paternity Testing
Our Legal Paternity Test is recommended when results may be needed for official or court-related purposes. If the child is under 18 years old, this option is strongly advised.
Legal paternity test results can be used for:
-
Child support cases
-
Birth certificate amendments
-
Custody and visitation matters
-
Social Security or survivor benefit claims
-
Other legal proceedings requiring proof of paternity
All legal testing follows a strict chain-of-custody process to ensure court admissibility.
Deceased Alleged Father Testing
If the alleged father has recently passed away, DNA testing may still be possible using an approved biological sample, such as:
-
FTA blood card samples
-
Preserved DNA samples collected by a coroner or funeral home
Additional fees may apply for deceased-sample testing. Results may be used for legal purposes, including Social Security and survivor benefit claims.
If the alleged father is deceased and no direct sample is available, but one or both of his parents are living, a Grandparentage DNA Test may be an alternative option. This test can help establish biological relationships and support legal determinations of paternity.
Non-Legal (Peace of Mind) Paternity Testing
If you simply want answers for personal knowledge and do not require court-admissible results, our Peace of Mind Paternity Test is an affordable and confidential option.
This test provides the same level of laboratory accuracy but does not follow legal chain-of-custody procedures and cannot be used in court.
What if the alleged father refuses testing?
In some cases, DNA testing may be performed using personal items that may contain the alleged father's DNA, such as:
-
Toothbrushes
-
Eating utensils
-
Toothpicks
-
Fingernail or toenail clippings
Please contact our office at 305-909-7070 for pricing, eligibility requirements, and instructions on preserving and submitting samples for testing.
What is the process for getting a DNA test?
Getting tested is simple:
-
Schedule your appointment online or by phone.
-
Receive your confirmation and welcome email.
-
Arrive at your appointment with a valid government-issued photo ID (required for all participants age 18 and older).
-
DNA samples are collected using a quick and painless cheek swab.
-
Samples are shipped to our accredited laboratory for analysis.
-
Results are typically available within 2 business days.
-
Results are delivered securely by email or reviewed in person at our office.
What if the alleged father is a minor?
If the alleged father is under 18 years old, consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before testing can be performed.
The legal guardian must be present at the appointment to provide authorization for testing.
Can I receive my test results by phone?
No. To protect your privacy and maintain confidentiality, test results are not provided over the phone.
Results may be:
-
Sent securely by email
-
Picked up in person by an authorized party
-
Reviewed during a scheduled in-office appointment
In situations where mediation or counseling may be beneficial, arrangements can be made for all parties to receive results together in a private setting.
Will my privacy be protected?
Absolutely.
Unity Diagnostics is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. We will never release information about your case without your authorization.
We also honor any special instructions regarding communication preferences and contact methods whenever possible.
Rescheduling & Refund Policy
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact us at 305-909-7070 at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. A cancellation will not result in a refund for any reason. However, you may reschedule your appointment as long as it is at least 48 hours before your appointment. If it is not at least 48 hours before your appointment, you will be charged a $50.00 reschedule fee. No call, no show will result in you having to pay for another test.
Important Policy Information
-
Appointments may be rescheduled with proper notice.
-
All payments are non-refundable.
-
No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
If you have questions regarding scheduling, testing options, or required documentation, our team is available to assist you.
