Maternity Test

Yes. A maternity DNA test can be accepted in an immigration procedure when the country concerned allows the use of private laboratories for legal tests. It is essential to check the exact requirements in advance with the embassy or consulate, as they are generally the ones who organise the DNA sample collection for the beneficiary.

Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory can send the results of the maternity DNA test directly to the relevant immigration authorities. To find out more, visit our dedicated page on legal DNA tests.

Yes. The father's consent is not required to perform a maternity DNA test for informative use. Laboratories authorize the mother to assume alone the responsibility for using the child's genetic data, which allows performing the test in complete confidentiality and simplicity.

It is not possible to buy a maternity DNA test at a pharmacy. This type of genetic analysis is not marketed in pharmacies, because it requires a specialized process: obtaining biological samples, sending them to a certified laboratory, and DNA analysis carried out by qualified experts.

To perform a maternity test, it is therefore necessary to order an analysis kit directly from an accredited laboratory specializing in DNA testing.

Yes, it is possible to carry out a maternity DNA test without the presence of the presumed mother. Two options exist:

• Carry out an analysis with other family members to reconstruct the maternal lineage (see our dedicated guide to maternity research).

• Use a discreet sample belonging to the presumed mother (hair, nails, toothbrush…). This method is explained in detail in our article on non-standard samples.

The reliability of a DNA maternity test depends mainly on three elements: the quality of the DNA samples, the accreditation of the laboratory and the type of analysis chosen according to the family situation. To guarantee a correct result, it is essential to follow the sampling instructions correctly, as the quality of DNA depends on proper preservation and good use of samples.

Laboratories accredited particularly according to the ISO 17025 standard, essential for maternity tests, respect strict requirements concerning genetic analysis, equipment management, impartiality and confidentiality.

Reliability also depends on the number of genetic markers (STR loci) compared. Most laboratories analyze between 15 and 22 loci, but it is possible to request an extended comparison for even more precision.