Maternity Testing

A maternity DNA test determines whether a woman is the biological mother of a child by comparing DNA samples taken from a mouth swab on the inside of the cheek. This scientific process analyzes specific genetic markers shared between the child and the alleged mother, providing results with over 99.999% accuracy when maternity is confirmed..

A maternity DNA test is often useful in cases where:

There are two types of DNA tests available: legal maternity testing and private maternity testing. Our fully accredited laboratory follows the same rigorous high-quality standards when processing both legal DNA tests and private DNA testing cases.

If the mother is alive but unavailable for a mouth swab, a sample can be submitted for forensic testing analysis from material containing her DNA such as finger nail clippings, blood on a tissue or hair with the roots.

If the mother has passed away, we can help you determine maternity by testing her relatives, potential aunts and uncles or grandparents. See our Avuncular test or Grandparentage test to learn more.

Private DNA tests are treated the same as legal DNA tests in the laboratory, and they’re just as accurate. The difference is you can collect the DNA samples yourself in the comfort of your own home. You will receive your kit in the mail along with easy-to-follow instructions, collection envelopes, mouth swabs and a client ID form. We also include a self-addressed envelope so you can send back your samples for testing.

✔ No court involvement
✔ Confidential and private
✔ Fast results

Once received at our laboratory, your results will be ready and sent via email within 5 to 7 business days, or for an additional $100.00 you can add a rush analysis which ensures your results are completed within 3 to 5 business days.

A legal maternity DNA test is required when results must be used for official or legal purposes. This type of testing follows a strict chain-of-custody process and is accepted by Canadian courts and government agencies.
Common reasons clients request court-admissible maternity testing include:
• Family court proceedings
• Child support or custody disputes
• Immigration and sponsorship applications
• Birth certificate amendments
If you need a legal DNA test done, you can choose to come into one of our convenient testing locations across Canada or have a mobile unit (available in select areas) come to your home. During the collection process, the individuals tested are positively identified through photographs and government-issued identification. Certified DNA specialists collect the DNA by doing a simple and painless mouth swab from the inside of the cheek.

Once received at our laboratory, your results will be ready within 5 to 7 business days, or for an additional $100.00 you can add a rush analysis which ensures your results are completed within 3 to 5 business days.

If you have further questions, please view the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact a Certified DNA Specialist toll-free at 1-877-477-5661.