Lab Accreditation
Accredited DNA Testing You Can Trust
Whether you choose an informational or legal DNA test through PaternityUSA.com, your testing is performed by a fully accredited USA laboratory. Our partner laboratory is AABB-accredited meeting the new established standards (17th edition effective January 1, 2026) for accuracy, quality control, and laboratory oversight.
In addition, the laboratory holds multiple professional accreditations and is also Clia and CAP-certified, operating in accordance with their established standards for relational DNA testing.
All DNA collection kits are shipped directly from the laboratory, with free two-way shipping, reducing unnecessary handling and helping protect sample integrity from collection through analysis.
Why Accreditation Matters
Laboratory accreditation is critical because it confirms that testing procedures follow validated protocols and are subject to regular, unannounced inspections. These reviews help ensure that DNA analysis is performed consistently, accurately, and according to recognized professional standards. Accredited laboratories apply these higher laboratory protocol standards consistently for both informational (peace-of-mind) tests and legally admissible DNA tests ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Furthermore, for legal DNA testing, accreditation is not optional. Courts require that DNA samples be collected and processed by an AABB-accredited relationship testing laboratory using strict Chain of Custody (COC) procedures. This includes verified identification of all participants and documented handling of samples from collection to final results.
DNA tests performed by unaccredited laboratories—or tests that do not follow proper identification and collection procedures—may not be accepted for legal use and can introduce unnecessary risk for an important decision.
Before You Order a DNA Test, Consider the Following:
Testing is performed by a trusted, accredited U.S. laboratory
Free USPS expedited shipping is included with all DNA test kits
All testing is completed in the United States
Strict professional collection procedures are used for legal DNA tests
Legal paternity tests follow AABB-defined Chain of Custody requirements
DNA results used for legal matters must meet court-recognized standards
AABB Accreditation
Our partner laboratory is among a limited number of DNA testing laboratories accredited by the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). Accredited laboratories undergo comprehensive audits of their facilities, staff qualifications, testing procedures, and quality systems. They also participate in ongoing proficiency testing and are formally re-inspected on a regular basis.
Only DNA test results produced by an AABB-accredited laboratory meet the requirements for admissibility in U.S. courts.
ACLASS Accreditation Services (ISO/IEC 17025)
ACLASS is an international laboratory accreditation organization. Its rigorous inspection procedures are recognized by ILAC, APLAC, and IAAC through multilateral recognition agreements. ISO/IEC 17025 is the established international standard for ensuring the technical competence of laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 covers all aspects of laboratory management, from sample preparation and analytical testing competence to record keeping and reporting.
ASCLD/LAB- International
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/International Laboratory Accreditation Board (ACLASS) is the most rigorous accreditation program for forensic DNA laboratories. Our partner laboratory has the distinction of receiving accreditation after the first inspection, further evidence of our laboratory's unwavering commitment to excellence. ACLASS is an international laboratory accreditation organization. Its rigorous inspection procedures are recognized by ILAC, APLAC, and IAAC through the signing of multilateral recognition agreements. ISO/IEC 17025 is the established international standard for ensuring the technical competence of laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 covers all aspects of laboratory management, from sample preparation and analytical testing competence to record keeping and reporting.
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
The federal government recognizes that CAP's Laboratory Accreditation Program is as rigorous as, or more rigorous than, the government's laboratory inspection program. Our laboratory has maintained its CAP accreditation since 2004.
CAP accreditation also requires laboratories to participate in its Proficiency Testing Program, in which CAP sends samples to laboratories for DNA testing and evaluates the results. Many laboratories participate in this program but do not achieve accreditation, which necessitates a more rigorous on-site laboratory inspection. Our partner laboratory is one of the few participating laboratories and has successfully passed both the proficiency tests and the laboratory accreditation program.
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)NYSDOH certification allows laboratories to perform DNA testing in cases originating in New York. The NYSDOH rigorously inspects the entire testing service, including processes performed outside the laboratory, such as chain of custody and patient referrals.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
CLIA accreditation, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, guarantees that laboratory results are timely, accurate, and reliable. Our laboratory is CLIA accredited.
Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
The SCC is Canada's national accreditation body. Because SCC accreditation is based on internationally recognized criteria (ISO/IEC 17025:2005), it provides trust and credibility both in Canada and abroad. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) lists our partner laboratory as an approved laboratory and accepts results from SCC-accredited laboratories. Laboratories are not required to be physically present in Canada to be accredited by the SCC. Furthermore, some laboratories may perform DNA analysis and retain personal information outside of Canada.
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA)
NATA is a national organization that provides independent assurance of a laboratory's technical competence, verifying that it meets stringent international and Australian standards. NATA accreditation provides a foundation of confidence in our laboratory's ability to deliver consistently reliable and accurate tests.
Our partner laboratory adheres to both the Australian Family Act Regulations and the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 and is listed on www.nata.com.au/ as a laboratory accredited by WWW.NATAJUNTO.COM with our certificate and the scope of accredited testing.
Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is a ministerial department that works to protect the public. Its aim is to reduce recidivism while providing a more effective, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public in the UK.
Our partner laboratory is accredited by the Ministry of Justice as an organization that can carry out parentage testing directed by the civil courts of England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.
ISO 9001
Our partner laboratory is assessed by three different independent accreditation organizations. Our technical experts in the field meet the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 for the technical competence of calibration and testing laboratories. In addition to adhering to the stringent ISO/IEC 17025 standards, our quality management system also meets the requirements of ISO 9001.
Our partner lab is the largest and most trusted name in DNA testing across the U.S. and even the world. We truly offer the most accurate and highest-quality DNA tests in the industry at the lowest prices anywhere. Other labs simply hide the costs in extra shipping fees or provide cheap, unproven lab methods. If you'd like to compare what we offer with other quotes you've received, please call us at (877) 786-9543.