Frequently asked questions

The paternity test performed by the German and British laboratories we represent is 100% reliable. In scientific terms, the result of a DNA test is a probability value which, above 99%, confirms that a biological relationship exists. In scientific terms, a DNA test result can 100% detect when a biological relationship does not exist — this is called exclusion.

• Under legal regulations, the following consents are required:
• In the case of an adult, the consent of the adult is required.
• In the case of a person under 18, the consent of a parent or guardian (legal representative) is required.
• The sample accompanying sheet included in the DNA collection kit sent upon request also serves as a consent form. It simply needs to be signed, at minimum, by the person who initiated the test (the person placing the order). DNS Központ will use the DNA sample solely and exclusively for the purposes of the ordered test. The results can never be seen by anyone else, unless a court orders otherwise.

A prenatal paternity test can be performed using a blood sample taken from the mother and a saliva sample taken from the father. The test can be carried out from the seventh week of pregnancy onwards, up until the moment of birth. A test performed on a child who has already been born is significantly less expensive than a prenatal test. Sample collection can be carried out immediately after birth. A DNA test can be performed at any age.

DNS Központ stores DNA samples only until the test has been completed, after which they are destroyed. We do not use them for any other purpose, and we do not store clients' samples or data on a long-term basis.

Yes, all packages and sample collection kits are sent in discreet, unmarked envelopes or boxes, so the contents of the package are not apparent to an outside observer.

Yes, but for this purpose the certified DNA test must be chosen, which complies with official legal requirements and can be used as evidence in court or official proceedings.

Yes, it is possible to request an express test, in which case the results are delivered in a shorter timeframe. This service is available for an additional fee, and you can enquire about it through our customer service.

For data protection reasons, we are unable to return submitted samples. If you change your mind, the samples will be destroyed immediately.

Yes, upon request we can post the results to an address abroad or send them securely to the client by electronic means.

Yes, a prior appointment is required in all cases for in-person sample collection, which can be booked by phone or online.

The results of a DNA test for a standard paternity/maternity test are sent to the provided email address, posted, or made available for personal collection at our office, no later than 14 working days (on average 8–10 working days) after the samples are received. The results are presented in a detailed report which provides a clear answer as to whether a biological relationship exists or not.
In the case of tests involving special samples, the laboratory analysis time may differ significantly, as the analysis of special samples generally takes 2 weeks, and the actual comparative testing can only begin after this, meaning that results for such tests require an average of 3 weeks to complete.

NO BLOOD IS NEEDED! DNA is obtained from mucosal cells collected from the oral cavity using a swab. However, the prenatal paternity test can only be performed from blood, so in this case a blood sample is taken from the expectant mother. Even in this case, no blood is taken from the alleged father.

There is no need to worry about potential sample collection errors. The only important thing is that there are sufficient cells on the swabs. The key point is that the sample is clearly labelled to indicate who it came from. It is difficult to make any other mistake.
If a sample turns out to be unsuitable, the laboratory will notify us and the sample collection can be repeated free of charge.
Sample collection is not affected by eating, smoking, or drinking, although it is not recommended to eat immediately before taking the sample.
Important: in the case of breastfed infants, at least half an hour must pass between breastfeeding and sample collection, as breast milk entering the collection swab from the child's oral cavity will prevent the analysis from being carried out.

It is beneficial to include the mother, as the genetic information from her simplifies the analysis, but paternity can be conclusively confirmed or excluded even without a maternal sample.

The full price of the ordered tests is payable in a single amount at the time of sample submission. Payment can be made using the postal payment slip ("yellow cheque") enclosed with the sample collection kit, or by bank transfer to the bank account number indicated in the cover letter sent with the sample collection kit. Upon completion of the test, the final invoice — issued in the name of the payer, the sender's name as indicated on the payment slip, or the account holder's name of the transferring bank account — will be sent or delivered together with the test results.

You can find the current price of the paternity test in our webshop. More complex family relationship tests are generally more expensive, but in most cases the standard test is sufficient.

Yes, this is a common situation and causes no problem whatsoever, provided it is indicated in advance. We send sample collection kits with the same serial number to both addresses.

The sample collection device is essentially an oversized cotton swab. Its tip is slightly firmer than that of a regular cotton swab, so that it can collect cells more effectively. The sample collection device is included in the sample collection kit that we send out.

YES. The DNA sample collection kit contains four collection swabs. These are used to rub the inside of the oral cavity against the mucous membrane in order to collect cells. The DNA is contained within these cells. There are no needles involved; the entire process is painless and external.

It makes no difference whatsoever. DNA is identical in every cell of the body, so there is no difference in the result or accuracy of the test, regardless of what type of sample is used.

Yes. You may also use a DNA collection swab obtained from another laboratory or any other source to submit your sample - this does not incur any additional cost.

Once the swab has dried, everything is fine. A sample taken in this way has no expiry date. If the swab is sealed too early while still wet, it may develop mould, which would make the analysis impossible.

A genetic profile is the complete set of genetic information belonging to a person. Everyone receives half of their genetic information from their mother and half from their father. In a paternity test, half of the child's genetic information is matched against the mother's genetic profile. The other half comes from the biological father. By comparing the child's DNA pattern with that of the alleged father, we can determine whether he is the child's biological father.

Before the test, it is assumed that every alleged father has a 50% probability of being the biological father of the child (either yes or no). The Paternity Index (PI) is a ratio; it represents the probability that the child's DNA originates from the alleged father, divided by the probability that a randomly selected man was the biological father. The paternity indices of all samples are multiplied together to produce a so-called Combined Paternity Index (CPI). The probability of paternity for an alleged donor is 1 / (1 + 1/CPI), which is multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage (POP). If the DNA pattern of an alleged father does not match that of the child, in his case the PI = 0.

The Paternity Index (PI) indicates the likelihood that an alleged father carrying a matching DNA segment (allele) is the true biological father of the child. In the human population, the frequency of each individual DNA segment (allele) varies depending on the length of the allele. The frequency of allele lengths varies by race, which is why it is important to know which racial group the alleged father belongs to. Databases are available for the so-called Caucasian (white), Black, Hispanic, and Asian racial groups. If the race is not established, the lowest PI across all racial groups will be used; this is the conservative approach. The allele frequency is determined by how many people in the database have that particular allele, divided by the total number of people in the database. This frequency is used in the calculation of the PI.

In the case of individuals of mixed racial heritage, the databases of both parental racial groups are used.

Genes are made up of four building blocks (nucleotides): adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine. The genetic sequence is determined by the order of these nucleotides. In the case of a mutation, one or more of the nucleotides is missing or has been replaced by another. Such a mutation can occur in anyone. If the mutation occurs in an area of the DNA that we wish to use in the DNA test, the child's DNA will not match that of the mother, nor that of the father. With this particular marker, paternity would be excluded, but the result remains reliable based on the other markers used. Therefore, if a mutation is suspected, additional markers are employed to determine whether a mutation has indeed occurred or whether paternity can be excluded. The questionable marker will also be included in the PI and POP calculations. If two non-matching alleles are observed, the decision is made in favour of exclusion. The standard turnaround time is generally 14 working days, but if a mutation is found, clarifying this requires an additional four working days.

Yes. A paternity test can be carried out without the mother's involvement, provided that DNA samples from the child and the alleged father are available. The mother's participation increases the statistical power of the test and can speed up the analysis, but it is not a prerequisite for carrying out the test. In the vast majority of cases, a conclusive result is obtained even without the mother.

DNS Központ only accepts samples for which the consent required by law is available. In the case of a minor, the consent of the legal representative is required. The laboratory accepts no responsibility for samples obtained unlawfully, and results obtained in such cases cannot be used in legal proceedings.

Only a paternity test carried out with certified, identified sample collection can be used in official proceedings. Tests performed with home sample collection are for informational purposes only and have no legal effect.

In certain cases yes, but this always requires individual assessment. In such situations, indirect relationship tests may be carried out (e.g. involving grandparents or siblings). The feasibility and interpretability of the test depends greatly on the available samples and the legal background.

In the case of exclusion, the test establishes with 100% certainty that the man tested cannot be the biological father of the child. This is a scientifically definitive result and cannot be refuted by further testing.

In the case of close relatives (e.g. brothers), the test may become more complex, but with a sufficient number of genetic markers, paternity can still be reliably determined. In such cases, it is advisable to include the mother and to opt for the 31-marker test.

No. The structure of DNA is not altered by illness, medication, alcohol or drug use. These factors do not affect the result of a paternity test.

Yes. A child's DNA sample can be compared with multiple alleged fathers. Each additional person tested is considered an additional participant in the test; the fee for this is available in the test details.

If the sample does not contain sufficient DNA or is contaminated, the laboratory will notify the client and a new sample collection will be required. In such cases, the test will not be processed.

Results are archived for the period required by applicable data protection regulations. The report can be reissued at a later date upon the client's request, however the DNA samples themselves are not retained.

From the time of arrival at the laboratory:

• Standard paternity test: 4–10 working days from the sample's arrival at the laboratory;
• Express NIPP test: 4 working days;
• Standard NIPP test: 7 working days + 1–3 days for transport of the blood sample to the laboratory.

To this must be added the dispatch time (generally 1–3 working days) and your return postage time. The total turnaround is typically 2–3 weeks. You will receive the results by email, and upon request also in original printed form by post.

In the case of a live-born child, the test can be performed as early as the first days after birth - oral mucosa swabbing is completely painless and safe even for newborns. In the case of a foetus, the non-invasive (NIPP) test can be performed from the completed 8th week of pregnancy, working from the mother's blood sample, and therefore poses no risk to either the foetus or the pregnancy.

Under the Hungarian Civil Code, if a person comes into possession of information suggesting that the presumption of paternity affecting them may be called into question, they may challenge the presumption of paternity in court within one year of becoming aware of such information. However, for the analysis of a specific case, the involvement of a family law attorney is necessary — we assist by providing the DNA test report.

Yes, but a special sample is required (e.g. stored hair sample, toothbrush, biopsy). The test result can be reproduced even decades later if a DNA profile is available. Individual consultation is required — please call our colleague on +36-20/373-5580.

The difference lies solely in the documentation of the sample collection — the laboratory procedure, the markers tested, and the accuracy of the result are identical.

• Home sample collection: You take the sample yourself, all participants may remain anonymous, and the result is for informational purposes, or may also be used in court proceedings by mutual agreement of the parties.
• Certified sample collection: carried out at our Expert Office, with photo ID verification and a formal protocol. The forensic expert opinion issued in this way is fully admissible before courts, prosecution services, and guardianship authorities.

Our forensic expert opinions based on certified sample collection are regularly accepted by Hungarian courts. A report based on home sample collection may be accepted at the court's discretion - if contested by either party, the court may order a new, certified test. Important: the result of a DNA-based test is a scientifically established fact - it yields the same result upon repetition.

In court proceedings, the cost is borne by the presiding authority or the losing party. The price of a certified expert opinion ordered as a private party is based on an individual quote - please contact us.

Yes - our partner laboratories (Eurofins, AlphaBiolabs) are internationally accredited, and our Eurofins Medigenomix laboratory also holds accreditation from the UK Ministry of Justice, meaning the report can be used in civil court proceedings in the United Kingdom as well. In other countries, the local regulations determine admissibility; in general, the apostilled (authenticated) version is accepted without difficulty.

Yes. For tests with home sample collection, any participant — or indeed all participants — may remain anonymous: it is not necessary to provide a name, address, or date of birth. The results are sent to a discreet email address of your choosing.

No. The sample collection kit is sent in discreet, unmarked packaging — neither the sender's name nor any indication of the contents appears on the envelope or package. You may choose postal or courier delivery, or collect it in person at our Expert Office.

The laboratory sample is destroyed in accordance with statutory requirements following the completion of the test — it is not stored for any longer period. Your digital data is handled in accordance with the level of service you have chosen; your data is never used for marketing purposes and is never passed on to third parties. Detailed information is available in the Privacy Policy.

No - unless you share it with them. With home sample collection, the other parent, child, or relative will only know that they have provided a DNA sample if you tell them, or if you share the results. Note: in the case of a minor child, under Hungarian law the consent of the parent holding parental custody is required for the test - except where there is a legitimate interest in clarifying one's own presumption of paternity.