Informational Paternity Testing
Private paternity testing between an alleged father and a child. Mother's participation is optional.
Schedule This TestInformational / Peace-of-Mind DNA
Private DNA Answers — Same Accredited Laboratory.
Informational tests use the same AABB-accredited partner-laboratory analysis as our legal tests, with specimens collected in person by NorthStar personnel. Results are intended for personal knowledge only and are not admissible in court.
AABB-Accredited Partner Lab
USCIS / IRCC Case Support
Appointments in 2–3 Business Days
Saginaw Chamber Member
Important: Although specimens are collected in person by NorthStar personnel, informational testing does not include the formal identity-verification and documented chain-of-custody process used for legal DNA testing. Informational results are not intended for court, USCIS, child support, or birth certificate amendments. If you may need the result legally, choose legal DNA testing instead.
Tests Offered
Choose the informational test you need.
Each test includes the participants listed at checkout. Additional participants can be added during ordering.
Informational Maternity Testing
Private maternity testing between an alleged mother and a child.
Schedule This TestInformational Sibling Testing
Private siblingship testing to evaluate whether individuals share one or both biological parents.
Schedule This TestInformational Grandparentage Testing
Private grandparent-to-grandchild testing when the alleged parent is unavailable.
Schedule This TestInformational Avuncular Testing
Private aunt/uncle-to-niece/nephew testing when the alleged parent is unavailable.
Schedule This TestInformational Twin Zygosity Testing
Determine whether twins are identical or fraternal.
Schedule This TestWhat's Included
Same science, simpler process.
Informational testing removes the legal documentation layer, not the laboratory rigor.
- In-person buccal specimen collection by trained NorthStar personnel.
- Analysis by the same AABB-accredited partner laboratory used for legal cases.
- Typical results in 3–5 business days after the laboratory receives specimens.
- Confidential release to the authorized participants listed on the order.
- Optional mailed paper copy of the report.
- No mail-in or self-collected kits — collection is always in person.
Informational DNA testing questions
Can I use an informational DNA result in court?
No. Informational testing does not include the formal identity-verification and documented chain-of-custody process required for legal use. It is not intended for court, USCIS, child support, or birth certificate amendments. If you may need the result legally, choose legal DNA testing instead.
Is the laboratory analysis the same as legal testing?
Yes. Informational tests are analyzed by the same AABB-accredited partner laboratory using the same testing process. The difference is the documentation around the collection, not the science.
Do I collect the samples myself at home?
No. All informational specimens are collected in person by trained NorthStar personnel at an approved Michigan location. We do not offer mail-in or self-collected kits.
How long do informational results take?
Informational results are typically available in 3–5 business days after the partner laboratory receives the specimens.
Who receives the results?
Results are released only to the authorized participants listed on the order. A mailed paper copy is available as an add-on at checkout.
Ready for a private answer?
Order online in a few minutes, or call a coordinator to confirm the right test before you pay anything.