60 Lansdowne Place, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1FG 
info@endeavordna.co.uk 
Discreet Paternity Test
What is a discreet paternity test?
A discreet paternity test is used when parents do not wish their child, or children, to know they are being tested.
Usually DNA samples are collected using sterile mouth swabs, known as buccal swabs, which are rubbed on the inside of the cheeks to collect cells. DNA is then extracted from the cheek cells and the DNA profile compared against the other participant to verify if they are related.
This sample collection process could lead to questions, particularly from older children.
If parents want to do a paternity test without a child knowing then we are able to test a variety of more discreet sources of DNA such as nail clippings, hair (with roots) or a used toothbrush.
Please review the full list of discreet DNA samples below which includes collection instructions, the additional turnaround time for extracting a viable DNA profile and the extra cost for the forensic extraction required to extract DNA from the discreet sample.
Samples should be sealed in a clean paper envelope or paper bag unless otherwise stated.
How much does a discreet paternity test cost?
The price is in addition to the cost of your chosen paternity or relationship test.
For example, a paternity test for father and child using mouth swabs for both participants costs £99 and results are available within 3 working days of receipt at our laboratory.
A paternity test using mouth swabs for the alleged father and nail clippings for the child will cost £154 (£99 for the paternity test plus the £55 forensic extraction fee for the nail clippings) and results are available within 8 working days of receipt at our forensics laboratory.
Do I need consent for a discreet paternity test?
We require appropriate consent before performing any DNA test. For discreet DNA tests we also require copies of photographic ID from the participants and the person requesting the test.
A person with parental responsibility for a child under 16 years of age may provide consent.
Any participant over the age of 16 must provide their own consent for the DNA test to take place.
It is illegal to perform a DNA test without the appropriate consent. Please see our page about the Human Tissue Act 2004 for more information.
Is a discreet paternity test reliable?
Our accredited forensics laboratory will attempt to extract DNA from the discreet sample you submit for testing. If they are successful in extracting a viable DNA profile the test will continue by comparing the profile against those of the mouth swabs submitted for the other test participants.
Once a viable DNA profile has been extracted, the test results are no different than those performed using mouth swabs for all participants. The accuracy of the DNA test results is the same.
Different types of discreet DNA samples have varying success rates. If the laboratory is unable to extract a viable DNA profile then we will contact you to discuss your options. Additional samples can be tested at the prices shown below. If it is not possible to submit further samples then we will refund the cost of your test. The forensic fee for processing the discreet sample cannot be refunded once the work has been completed.
It is important to note that discreet samples are frequently destroyed during the process of extracting DNA. Please Contact Us before submitting samples if you wish to make arrangements to have them returned to your after testing.
Please Contact Us to discuss the viability of the samples you have available for testing.
Why Choose Endeavor DNA Laboratories?
As one of the UK Home Office approved DNA testing centres we also offer a comprehensive range of immigration DNA test services, legal DNA testing, DNA legal services, birth certificate DNA testing, court approved DNA tests including a court admissible paternity test, social services DNA testing and a DNA test for British passport.
We guarantee:
PERSONALISED SERVICE
Experienced Case Managers • No Obligation Consultations • Payment Plan Options
EXPERT DNA ANALYSIS
Ministry of Justice, ISO 17025, ANAB & AABB Accredited • Professionally Trained Analysts • Trusted Results
PREMIUM SUPPORT
Fast, On-Time Results • In-Depth Case Experience • 100% Confidential
Please Contact Us for a quotation or more information.
Blood DNA Test (Whole Blood) £75*, 5 working days**
Stored in lavender topped vacutainer tube.
Blood on Filter Paper DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Filter paper, matrix, or parchment, preferably less than 60 days old.
Bloodstain DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Bandages, gauze, facial tissues, napkins, or clothing.
Bone DNA Test £350*, 10 working days**
Femur, humerus, or metacarpal (thumb bone) preferred.
Bone Marrow DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Fresh or frozen - not on slides or in paraffin.
Chewed Chewing Gum DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Sugarless preferred.
Chewed Chewing Tobacco DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Contents in sealed plastic bag, preferably less than 3 days old.
Cigarette Butts DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Multiple butts preferred .
Clothing DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Hat, baseball cap, bandana.
Condom DNA Test £115*, 5 working days**
Send whole condom. Interior and Exterior tested.
Dental Floss DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Do not touch floss with fingers.
Diabetic Test Strips DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Multiple strips recommended.
Differential Extraction DNA Test £350*, 10 working days**
Male/Female mixed DNA sample containing semen separated into individual profiles. Recommended for condom or semen stain.
Drink Can DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Submission of can preferable over DIY swabbing.
Drinking Glass DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Submission of glass preferable over DIY swabbing.
Drinking Straw DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Air dry before packaging.
Ear Wax DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Cotton swab or Q-tip.
Foetal Demise DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Reference sample from mother required.
Hair DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Roots must be visibly present. 7-10 strands recommended.
Hair Comb DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Send entire comb with debris.
Hairbrush DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Send entire hairbrush with debris.
Jewellery DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Ring, Watch, Neckless, etc.
Licked Envelope DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Letter envelope that was licked before sealing.
Licked Postage Stamp DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Postage stamp that was licked before applying.
Mucus DNA Test (Sputum or Phlegm) £85*, 5 working days**
Typically facial tissue, napkin, or paper towel.
Muscle Tissue DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Non-embalmed specimens only.
Nail Clipping DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Fingernails or toenails. 5-10 clippings recommended.
Organ Tissue DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Non-embalmed specimens only.
Paraffin Embedded Tissue DNA Test £85*, 10 working days**
Paraffin block or slides.
Razor DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Electric or disposable. Send entire blade with debris.
Saliva DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Stored in tube, preferably with preservative.
Saliva on Filter Paper DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Filter paper, matrix, or parchment, preferably less than 60 days old.
Saliva Stain DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Typically gauze, facial tissue, fabric or clothing. Indicate area of stain.
Semen DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Frozen vial (sperm bank), fresh swab, or semen on fabric.
Serum DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
At least 200μl required. Send frozen.
Tampon DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Note: Feminine pads may not provide viable DNA.
Teeth DNA Test £350*, 10 working days**
Molars preferred.
Toothbrush DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Do not rinse after use. Air dry for 30 minutes before packaging.
Umbilical Cord DNA Test £75*, 5 working days**
Preferably dried. Reference sample from mother required.
Unknown Stain DNA Test £85*, 5 working days**
Biological stain of unknown origin. Typically gauze, facial tissue, fabric or clothing. Indicate area of stain.