DNA test prices in Johannesburg are not uniform. Just like in any other city in south Africa, and most countries in the world, there are different prices quoted by different hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
DNA testing is not cheap, it is also not very popular as there is not much cause for it among most people. However, for those who need to it to clarify legal, or social matters, or just to put an end to doubts of fidelity; the price is well worth it.
It is important to keep other factors in mind; privacy and authority are just as important as the prices.
How Much Is DNA Test In Johannesburg
DNA paternity tests in Johannesburg usually start from R1,400 to R3,350 per person. The price can vary depending on the type of test (e.g., legal vs. non-legal, relationship test) and the provider. Non legal is typically cheaper – around R2,695.
Types Of DNA Test
Legal Paternity/Maternity Test: usually start from R2,900 per person, with results taking 3-4 weeks.
Relationship Test (Siblings, etc.): typically range from R2,800 to R3,200 per person, with results taking 3-4 weeks.
Non-Legal Paternity Test: Some providers, like EasyDNA, offer these starting at R2,695.
Prenatal Paternity Test: This usually costs around R18495.
The following is a proper breakdown of each type of test, and an analysis of the cost.
Legal Maternity/Paternity Tests
This is a DNA test that is designed to answer definitively questions about biological connections between parents and their supposed children. This involves blood or tissue samples from both parents, as well as from the child.
It can also be between one parent and one child; which is usually the father and the child. This is usually what obtains in situations where either the father or child suspects that they are not really related by blood.
Legal paternity/maternity tests can also be done to settle questions about all the children and one parent; again, usually the father versus several children.
Please note that the prices quoted are usually for one individual, and that the same prices typically apply to all those who get tested. Therefore, the amount to be paid usually increases with every person being tested.
Relationship Tests
It is not common for siblings to feel the need to undergo testing to prove their relationship or otherwise, but it is also not unheard-of.
As with other DNA tests the results may take up to 3 weeks to become available. In order to facilitate the tests, genetic materials have to be obtained from each of the individuals concerned. This means hair, blood, or other bodily tissues.
The pricing suggested above will generally apply to one person, which means every individual {sibling} will have to pay separately, even though the results may be released together.
Nonlegal Paternity Tests
These are relatively simple tests. The actual meaning of ‘simple’ in this context is debatable. One probable meaning of this is: the people who perform the tests will not be liable for any legal action if it turns out that the results are wrong.
Nevertheless, in cases where there is no pending or ongoing legal action, maybe the test is just being done for personal satisfaction, then the results are usually accepted by those involved in the testing.
However, as the name already implies, this kind of testing will not be accepted in a legal setting.
Prenatal Paternity Test
These can be the most expensive type of test; and rightly so. It involves testing the genetic material of the father against that of the child, while the child is still in the mother’s womb. It involves some very complex procedures, which includes obtaining the material from the child, and ensuring that it is not contaminated with the mother’s genetic material.
However, this complex procedure is largely agreed to be quite safe; it does not pose any danger to the unborn child, or the mother.
But can be emotionally draining; the mother may feel like she does not have the trust of the father. This kind of information will of course have to be kept way from the child as it can have damaging effects.
Popular DNA Testing Centers In Johannesburg
Experts in these centers are familiar with all they should do to get to the goal of the test. Since everyone was created with DNA, then anyone can always carry out the test for whatever reason.
You can do so in any of these centers:
1. DNA Test – Toga Lab
This is a prominent paternity testing service in Germiston.
2. Lancet Laboratories
Located in Richmond, you can always visit these guys any day from Monday to Saturday.
3. easyDNA South Africa
This is a prominent one with a big reputation, plus they are located in Sandton. They offer reasonable prices and you can also order your stuff online with great ease (the process is straightforward).
4. National Health Laboratory Service – Braamfontein
There are several experts working at this famous medical laboratory in Johannesburg, and you can always get your DNA test done there.
5. DNAlysis Biotechnology
DNAlysis Biotechnology is another prominent medical laboratory where you can carry out these tests in Johannesburg.
These centers receive many clients and are used to being patronized for DNA stuff. It is a known fact that there are different reasons why people are interested in doing these things.
Summary
DNA tests of the same category may differ in price from facility to facility even in the same city. The prices in Johannesburg may range from R1,400 to R18,495; depending on the type of test.
Please make sure to choose a reputable facility when going for a DNA test; this is because the result can have far reaching effects, and wrong results can have particularly damaging consequences.
Unless absolutely necessary, it may even be wiser not to carry out the tests at all. This is because the psychological wounds are likely to increase with the test; even when the test results show that you are related, it may still cause more pain because of the decision to carry out the tests in the first place.