DNA Hub Africa provides a sample collection kit for both legal and home testing. The kit allows for cheek cell collection using sterile oral swabs, which are painless and simple to use. Forensic DNA testing services for alternative samples are available if oral swabs cannot be used.

A paternity test compares the DNA of the child and the alleged father. The child’s DNA is inherited from both parents, and the test determines if the man is the biological father. DNA collection kits include instructions and a DNA Sample Collection Guide.

The home DNA test includes the collection kit, sample analysis, and delivery of results electronically.

In many paternity tests, the mother of the child is known. A common question is: what is the benefit of testing the mother when a conclusive result can be obtained with only the father's sample? Including the mother’s sample in a paternity test (and other DNA tests) strengthens the accuracy of the final result. When is testing the mother important? Testing the mother is particularly important in DNA relationship tests, such as those for siblings, aunts/uncles, and grandparents. The mother’s sample significantly increases the chances of obtaining a conclusive result. In a paternity test, 20 genetic markers from the alleged father are compared to those of the child. If the alleged father is the biological father, all 20 markers will match. If any markers do not match, the alleged father is excluded as the paternal father. However, in some cases, a possible mutation may occur at one of the loci, leading to an inconclusive result. In such cases, the mother’s sample can help clarify whether a mutation is present or not. Note: The lab extracts 21 genetic markers, not 20. The 21st marker is the amelogenin gene, which determines whether the DNA sample belongs to a male or female. This marker is a safeguard, as clients sometimes mistakenly label samples or place the wrong swabs in the incorrect envelope. What about relationship testing cases? In DNA relationship testing, the mother’s sample is highly valuable. For example, in a full siblings test, the mother’s sample allows for the exclusion of certain genetic data, leaving the markers inherited from the biological father. This makes the comparison more accurate. At DNA Hub Africa, we recommend including the mother’s sample, if available, when submitting your DNA test for more reliable results.

The price depends on the test, the number of people tested, and the sample type. Contact us for more information.

DNA Hub Africa provides highly accurate paternity tests with results you can trust.

Yes, legal DNA tests from DNA Hub Africa can be used in court if the correct procedures and chain of custody are followed.

Our DNA test results section offers you some examples of what to expect in your DNA paternity test report. Furthermore, we have given you comprehensive information on the interpretation of results.

Yes, alternatives like testing other relatives or forensic samples are available if the alleged father’s sample is unavailable.

Expect results in 7-10 business days after the lab receives the samples. Timelines may vary by test type, so check individual test pages or contact customer service for details.

The Chain of Custody ensures the identity of samples through strict procedures, making it vital for legal DNA tests.

Both tests are carried out in the same way and cost the same. Maternity tests prove the mother-child relationship, while paternity tests prove the father-child relationship.

If you intend to send a forensic DNA sample for testing, we recommend reading the following information for guidance. Contact us directly to discuss your case. Forensic DNA Samples – Guidelines and Terms The following guidelines and terms should be read before sending your forensic DNA samples for testing. Contact us in advance to discuss your case with our technical experts. Once DNA is successfully extracted from the sample, it can be used for any of our DNA tests. The type of sample submitted does not affect the accuracy of the results, as DNA is the same regardless of the sample it is obtained from. DNA testing using forensic samples is generally used for curiosity purposes since verifying the source of the sample is not always possible. However, if the source of the sample can be verified and a strict chain of custody procedure is followed, the sample may be admissible in a court of law. While every attempt is made to provide results based on the experience of the ISO laboratory, successful analysis of forensic samples cannot be guaranteed unconditionally. Payment is required even if a DNA profile cannot be obtained. Discounts for sending multiple forensic samples may apply, reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Forensic testing results are typically available quickly, but turnaround times depend on the specifics of the case. We cannot test any samples without informed consent from the test participants. A consent form must be signed by the individual providing the DNA sample. For minors, legal guardians or parents may sign on their behalf. The person from whom the DNA sample is collected must be fully aware of how their DNA will be used. The absence of refusal, comment, or assent does not imply consent. In accordance with the Human Tissue Act, DNA testing using forensic samples CANNOT be performed unless the person whose sample is tested provides consent. In the case of minors, you can consent on their behalf if you have parental responsibility. If you are considering sending a discreet DNA sample, contact us in advance to confirm any technical issues related to your case. IMPORTANT NOTE: Consent and photographic ID from all parties are required for testing with non-swab samples. It is a criminal offence to test a person’s DNA without their informed consent. We cannot process samples submitted without full consent and ID from all participants.

Relationship tests, like sibling or grandparentage testing, are more complex than paternity tests. While testing the alleged father is preferable, relationship tests can provide insight when that is not possible.

The Chain of Custody is a legal process that ensures sample integrity from collection to result issuance, ensuring the results can be used in court.

Twins are either identical or fraternal and always share the same pregnancy. The difference between these two types is based on the similarity or difference in their DNA. Identical twins, medically known as monozygotic twins, occur when a single sperm fertilizes a single ovum, and the zygote later divides to form two fetuses. In contrast, fraternal twins, or dizygotic twins, happen when two sperm cells fertilize two ova in close succession, even during different mating sessions. Identical twins, coming from the same fertilized egg, will have identical DNA, while fraternal twins, formed from the fertilization of two separate ova by two different sperm cells, will not. The presence of twins can put the womb under significant pressure, and many twins are born two to three weeks earlier than single-born babies. Twins make up only about 2% of the global population. A twins DNA test is useful in determining whether twins are monozygotic or dizygotic, which can be helpful for various reasons, including donor organ compatibility.