DNA Comparison Test
Comparing DNA recovered from an item against a known reference sample — for personal information
- Participants:
- Recovered sample + one known reference
- Lab processing:
- 3 business days after the lab receives your samples
Quantity
Order with these add-ons (optional)
Overview
Once usable DNA has been recovered from an item (see DNA Detection on Fabric), this test compares it against a known reference sample — for example, a cheek swab from a specific person — to estimate whether they could be the same source.
This is a private, peace-of-mind service. Because samples are self-collected and submitted without identity verification, the result is for personal information only. It is not forensic, not chain-of-custody, and not admissible in court.
What detection means
A comparison tells you whether the recovered sample and the reference are consistent with sharing a source. A consistent result means the two samples could come from the same person; an inconclusive result means the lab could not reach a confident conclusion, often because of a degraded or partial sample.
Even a consistent result does not, on its own, establish when or how the DNA was deposited on the original item, and it does not prove that any particular event occurred. Because samples are self-collected without identity verification, the result is for personal information only.
What you get
- Submission instructions for the recovered sample and a reference swab
- Pre-addressed return mailer or FedEx label
- A private comparison report by email
How it works
- 1
Order your kit
Choose your test and check out online. No appointment or doctor's order needed.
- 2
We ship within 1 business day
Your collection kit ships free with cheek swabs, step-by-step instructions, and a return mailer.
- 3
Collect samples at home
Each participant gently swabs the inside of their cheek. Painless and takes about a minute per person.
- 4
Mail samples to the lab
Drop your samples in the mail using the supplied envelope. Prepaid Return Mailer or FedEx Overnight Label Provided. Lab processing time starts when the lab receives your samples.
- 5
Receive results securely
The lab sends your report to us and we forward it to you privately by email.
Turnaround timeline
- 1Kit ships — Within 1 business day of your order.
- 2In transit to you — A few days, depending on your location.
- 3You collect & mail back — At your own pace. The clock for lab processing has not started yet.
- 4Lab processing — 3 business days after the lab receives your samples.
- 5Results delivered — Sent to you privately by email.
Accuracy & methodology
When sufficient, good-quality DNA is available from both the recovered sample and the reference, the lab can report whether they are consistent with the same source. A consistent result indicates the two samples could share a source; it does not, on its own, establish when or how the DNA was deposited on the original item. Degraded or partial samples may produce an inconclusive result. Testing is performed by our accredited partner laboratory.
Testing is performed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory.
Your privacy & trust
Your privacy matters to us, and DNA information is among the most sensitive personal data there is.
- Samples are used only to perform the test you ordered and are destroyed after testing is complete. <!-- TODO: confirm exact sample-retention window with fulfillment lab before publishing -->
- Results are delivered privately by email and are never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing.
- Your DNA data is treated as sensitive personal information. While at-home, informational tests are generally not covered by HIPAA, we handle your results with comparable care.
- You can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting us.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to recover DNA first?
- Yes. This test compares an already-recovered sample against a reference. If you're starting from an item, order DNA Detection on Fabric first.
- Can this prove who an item belongs to in court?
- No. It is for personal information only. Because there's no verified chain of custody, it cannot be used as legal evidence.
Related tests
DNA Detection on Fabric Test
Anyone wanting to recover DNA from a fabric item — for personal information
- Participants:
- One submitted fabric item
- Lab time:
- 10 business days
Semen / Sperm Detection Test
Anyone wanting to know whether a sample contains semen — for personal information
- Participants:
- One submitted item or sample
- Lab time:
- 10 business days
Need a legal DNA test?
Need results for a custody case, child support, immigration, or any other legal matter? An at-home test cannot be used for those purposes. You'll need a court-approved, chain-of-custody DNA test performed through an accredited laboratory, where a neutral third party verifies every participant's identity and handles the samples.