In a Nutshell
pros
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Each test run twice for accuracy
- Results delivered through secure online portal
cons
- Prices not listed on website
Best For
Identifying biological family members
Why Go With Rapid DNA Testing
Over the last 13 years Rapid DNA Testing has proved itself to be a reliable, fully accredited source for family-relationship DNA testing. The company has laboratories staffed by DNA scientists who operate dual-process technology and perform advanced genetic analysis on every test. Its staff runs every test twice for accuracy by 2 teams and submits the results to a trained PhD for sign-off before releasing them.
In addition to its scientific methods, Rapid DNA meets high standards for privacy and confidentiality. Paternity, ancestry, forensic, and infidelity tests are easy to use and treated with the utmost discretion. Clients are kept informed every step of the way, and are able to access their results via a secure online portal that provides security and peace of mind for them moving forward.
What’s on Offer
Rapid DNA’s test kits cover a lot of ground, though the commonality is family relationships. Here’s a look at some of the trademark products:
Paternity kits
Two paternity kits are available: a personal DNA kit and a legal DNA kit. The science behind both are the same—analysts test the DNA sample of 2 people, the child and alleged father, for 16 or 21 genetic markers, which help them determine with 99.99% accuracy whether they are related biologically.
Legal paternity tests differ in that they can be used in a court of law, and are most frequently sought out in child custody and child support disputes. Unlike at-home DNA paternity test, legal paternity kits require a third-party witness at a collection center. Rapid DNA has more than 9,000 certified collection facilities across North America, which removes much of the legwork and difficulty of legal paternity tests.
Ancestry
Rapid DNA’s patented DNA Fingerprint Test uses autosomal testing to breakdown the history of your entire family line, not just the maternal or paternal lineages. The name itself refers to the breakdown of your results, not the collection method—this test, like the paternity test, requires cheek swab samples. The DNA Fingerprint traces your lineage back to any Native American, African, or Asian ancestry by calculating probabilities through modern day populations.
Aunt/Uncle tests
Aunt/uncle tests are used primarily to identify a biological parent when the alleged parent is deceased or otherwise unavailable to submit a DNA sample. You can submit a DNA sample along with an alleged aunt or uncle in order to determine whether they are biologically related, which then sheds insight into the alleged parent in question.
Other specialized kits include:
- Adoption and reunion testing
- Immigration testing
- Infidelity testing
- Forensic testing
Ease of Use
To order a test kit, the following information is required:
- Name of test subject(s)
- Date of birth
- Case/FCO numbers (if applicable)
- Address where report should be sent
Each kit will include:
- Instructional pamphlet and step-by-step collection instructions
- Cotton swabs
- Envelopes for samples
- Mailing envelope
Speed of Kit Delivery and Results
All kits are delivered quickly and confidentiality with a barcode and mailing envelope for returning your collection samples. After receiving your kit, you will have to register it online through a secure page where you’ll be asked to type in your kit’s serial number and complete an informational form.
You’ll be updated via text and email alerts at every step of the process. You can expect your results in as little as 2 days after the lab receives samples from all parties tested. You’ll be notified when your results are ready, and you can view them through the secure online portal.
DNA Test Type
Paternity
Autosomal (family DNA)
Avuncular
Report Features
Locus PI values and parentage indexes (paternity tests)
Ethnic makeup estimate, simple (ancestry)
Deep ancestry (ancestry)
Customer Support
Potential customers can reach Rapid DNA by online submission or telephone during working business hours. Unfortunately there is no live chat on the website, and customer service seems limited at least until you have purchased and registered your kit. However, once users have registered and logged onto the secure online portal, they will be privy to more communications as well as email and phone notifications updating them on the progress of their test.
Pricing
Paternity test (1 father and 1 child): $78.87
Rapid DNA doesn’t list its prices on its website. The at-home paternity test is sold through Amazon for around $79, but for all other products the website says to contact them for a price list either through the website or by phone 1-866-873-0879.
Data privacy
Rapid DNA Testing understands the sensitive nature of its products and guarantees confidentiality to all customers using services including paternity, forensics, immigration, and infidelity. Test results are shared through a secure online portal for maximum privacy, and all orders are completed with 256-bit encryption to protect each person’s personal information.
Bottom Line
Rapid DNA’s worldwide network of laboratories makes ordering, receiving, and submitting DNA tests quick and as stress-free as possible. That goes for standard paternity tests as well as its more sensitive test kits, which are what distinguishes this company from others. Its medical screening labs are staffed by technicians who specialize in DNA analysis as well as other fields, such as toxicology and forensics, that allow them to offer niche and specialized testing that exceeds the capabilities of competitors.
Rapid DNA’s an especially good choice for customers seeking legal paternity tests and other discreet services. While its at-home paternity kits compare favorably to others on the market, the company stands out for its speciality kits that focus on adoption, infidelity, and other sensitive needs. This makes it a solid choice for anyone seeking accurate, science-based DNA testing with extra measures for privacy and confidentiality.
About Rapid DNA Testing
Rapid Testing has been in DNA testing for almost 15 years and boasts a network of certified laboratories accredited by the AABB, CAP, and ANSI-ASQ. The company utilizes cutting-edge science to help customers identify their biological families.
Contact Details
Phone: 1-866-873-0879 or 1-800-242-4193