How much does DNA test cost in Kenya? If you’ve been wondering about the cost of DNA in Kenya, you’ve come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know.
DNA testing is the most precise (99.99% accurate) and sophisticated technology for determining parentage.
In most cases, DNA tests in Kenya are associated with legal proceedings. However, it can also be a personal choice.
Please keep the following points in mind before taking a DNA test:
- Consider whether you truly want to discover the truth.
- Learn about what it entails.
- Understand what Kenyan law says about DNA testing (if it’s a legal process).
- Be aware that there will be emotional consequences.
- Prepare to have your privacy violated.
That being said, another important factor to consider before taking a DNA test is the cost.
So, how much does DNA test cost in Kenya?
Well, this article will guide you on everything you need to know about the DNA test cost in Kenya.
Let’s get started…
How much does DNA test cost in Kenya?
There were mixed reactions recently when it was announced that the Kenyan market had allowed DNA paternity testing kits for only Kshs. 800 that could be used at home.
Most Kenyans, however, were unaware that the DNA home test kits are only used to collect samples and that the results cannot be processed at home but must be processed at licensed laboratories.
So, this raises the question; how much does DNA test cost in Kenya?
In Kenya, the average DNA test costs between Kshs. 20,000 and Kshs. 30,000 (for both the child and the alleged father), whereas at private hospitals, the test is usually more expensive and the pay can be as much as double the cost.
It should be noted that any other parties interested in the DNA test will be charged additional fees. This is, however, affected by several factors, including the hospital where you take the DNA test, with private hospitals being significantly more expensive than public hospitals.
How is DNA done?
A standard paternity test requires only DNA samples from the mother, child, and the child’s alleged father. However, if maternity is not in doubt, the results can still be conclusive without the mother’s participation (but her participation is recommended).
Saliva, blood, or buccal or oral swabs are used in DNA testing, and if the test is performed without the father’s consent, plucked hairs or fingernails will play a significant role.
The good news is that the process of conducting a DNA test is extremely simple and convenient for everyone, and it consists of the following steps:
- Participants can go to the lab and have their samples taken there; no appointment is necessary.
- Contact a DNA lab, schedule an appointment, and have them send qualified personnel to your location to collect your samples.
- You can collect your own DNA samples at home (using a DNA home test kit), then deliver the samples to your preferred DNA lab.
- If the DNA test is required for legal reasons, the participants must go physically to a registered laboratory for sample collection. Furthermore, in order for the DNA test result to be accepted by a court, the DNA samples must be supervised by an approved, disinterested third party. The presence of a third party is required to confirm the uniqueness of the DNA donors and to ensure that the chain-of-custody rules are followed.
Once the samples are collected, they are labeled and packaged before being delivered to registered laboratories for analysis.
How long does DNA results take in Kenya?
The length of time it takes to perform DNA testing varies depending on the type of testing and the number of items tested.
This period also varies depending on the laboratory. Because of the high volume of testing requests, some laboratories may experience delays.
However, it usually takes three to ten working days for DNA test results to be available. In some cases, some DNA labs can expedite results in less than three days for an additional fee.
Although, court cases may take a little longer or even faster, depending on the urgency of the results.
How long does DNA testing take in criminal cases?
Forensic DNA testing is one of the more important types of DNA testing, as it aids in determining missing information in a crime scene investigation.
It is commonly used to compare deposited materials at a crime scene to known samples taken from a victim or suspect.
The majority of these DNA samples are then sent to a lab to be extracted.
DNA testing in criminal cases takes between 24 and 72 hours, but collecting DNA from a crime scene can take up to 14 days. This means that suspects may have been released by the time the results are available.
In addition, depending on the laboratory, results can be obtained in as little as two working days. Other laboratories may take up to ten working days to provide results; this varies by lab.
How much does DNA test cost in Kenya? – FAQs
Is the DNA test accurate?
It most certainly is. The test entails biological match-making, which confirms the biological configuration of both the father and the child.
Furthermore, as previously stated, courts accept witnessed paternity tests performed by an accredited lab as proof of paternity.
Wrapping up on: How much does DNA test cost in Kenya?
It’s also worth noting that a DNA paternity test can be obtained while pregnant.
Yes! It is possible to determine a child’s paternity prior to birth, and the best way to do so is with a non-invasive DNA prenatal paternity test (NIPPT).
This test, which can be performed as early as seven weeks into the pregnancy, requires only a blood sample from the mother and a simple cheek swab from the possible father.
Isn’t that fantastic?
Also, aside from the standard DNA paternity test, there are several other types of DNA tests, which are listed below:
- A prenatal DNA test determines whether a man is the biological father of a child who is still conceived.
- A sibling DNA test is used to determine whether two people are biological siblings. It is usually used when testing the alleged father is impossible.
- An ancestry DNA test can assist you in determining your ancestors’ origins.
- DNA testing for infidelity (infidelity DNA test) is common among partners who suspect each other. It is used to determine whether or not someone is cheating.
- To solve crimes, forensic DNA tests are used. Typically, samples from the crime scene are tested in a laboratory to identify the criminal.
Until next time…
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