The cost of DNA testing varies widely depending on the purpose and application. In general, there is a difference in cost between DNA analysis performed for private purposes and DNA analysis performed for legal purposes (when a trial or official certification is required).Below is an overview of the costs for both private and legal DNA testing.
1.Private DNA testing fees
Private DNA testing is done primarily for personal reasons (e.g., to confirm parent-child relationships or to research ancestry) and when legal proof is not required. In this case, the evaluation is relatively easy to perform, and the cost is less expensive than a legal evaluation.
a. Confirmation of parent-child relationship
- Cost: approx. 20,000-50,000 yen
- Paternity testing is performed to confirm the biological parent-child relationship between a father or mother and a child. The most common method is to use a home DNA test kit and mail a sample to obtain the results. In this case, no legal certificate is issued, but reliable results can be obtained.
b. Sibling and grandparent appraisals
- Cost: approx. 30,000 – 60,000 yen
- DNA testing to determine relationships with siblings and grandparents can also be done privately. This can also be easily performed by mail using a home-use test kit.
c. Ancestral research and pedigree analysis
- Cost: approx. 10,000 – 30,000 yen
- DNA testing is also a relatively affordable way to find out your pet’s lineage and ancestry, or to learn about your own roots. Kits for genetic ancestry information and ethnic roots are offered, and results can be viewed online.
Features of Private Appraisals
- Ease of use: Results can be obtained simply by collecting a sample at home using saliva or an oral swab and mailing it to the laboratory.
- No Legal Proof: Appraisal results are for personal verification only and have no legal proof.
2. Legal DNA testing costs
A legal DNA test is an expert opinion that has validity as evidence to be submitted to the court. It is used in cases where legal proceedings are required, such as legal paternity, inheritance, divorce, and child support. Due to the need for official procedures and certifications, the cost is higher than for private appraisals.
a. Legal appraisal of the parent-child relationship
- Cost: approx. 70,000-150,000 yen
- DNA testing to legally prove parent-child relationships requires a formal procedure for submission to a court or administrative agency. In this case, sample collection is strictly controlled to ensure the reliability of identification and evidence. The appraisal results can be used as legally valid evidence and have probative value in court.
b. Appraisal of inheritance or recognition
- Cost: approx. 100,000-200,000 yen
- DNA appraisals related to inheritance and recognition tend to be more expensive because legal confirmation is required. In these appraisals, specialized agencies are involved and the handling of the evidence is strictly controlled.
c. Proof of immigration processing and child support
- Cost: approx. 100,000-200,000 yen
- DNA testing is also used in international legal proceedings, such as immigration procedures and international proof of parent-child relationships. In such cases, a certificate of authenticity is issued following the legal procedures for the test.
Legal Appraisal Features
- Legal proof is possible: the results can be submitted to courts and administrative agencies as legally valid evidence, and an official certificate can be issued.
- Rigorous Processes: Stringent collection and management of forensic samples, and thorough identification and evidence preservation processes.
3. Private appraisal vs. legal appraisal
| (data) item | Private identification | Identification of the law |
|---|---|---|
| cost | Approx. 20,000 – 50,000 yen | Approx. 70,000 – 200,000 yen |
| procedure | Take samples at home | Strict procedures and identification |
| ability to prove one’s case | No legal proof | Legally valid evidence |
| Main applications | Personal checks and surveys | Certification by a court or administrative agency |
| How to get results | By mail or online | Official certificates issued |
Cost of DNA Testing in Recognition Mediation
The cost of DNA testing in recognition mediation varies depending on the country or region, the requesting institution, and the circumstances. In Japan, the costs for DNA testing at a court or public institution, or at a private institution, generally range as follows.
1. The cost of DNA testing through the court
If a court orders a DNA test in a recognition mediation or lawsuit, the cost is usually borne by the client, although the cost is relatively inexpensive because it is done by a public institution. The cost is usually in the range of 50,000 to 100,000 yen. In some cases, the cost may be shared among the clients.
2. Cost of DNA testing at a private institution
When requesting a DNA analysis for out-of-court recognition at a private DNA testing organization, the cost varies depending on the organization you request.Basically, the market price ranges from 50,000 yen to 150,000 yen, but the price may vary depending on the services provided (e.g., the method of receiving the results and the level of detail of the analysis).It is important to choose a legal appraisal in this case.
3. Whether the results of the expert testimony can be used in a court of law
Whether the results of an appraisal by a private institution are admissible as evidence in court depends on the institution you choose.It is important to choose an institution that offers an official testimony that is recognized by the court.Therefore, when choosing a DNA analysis at a private institution, it is recommended to check whether the results are legally valid.
4. Additional costs
In addition to the normal DNA analysis, if you need the results in a hurry or if the type of sample used for the analysis is special, there may be an additional cost.This may include options such as special delivery or speedy delivery, and the amount may range from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen.
Because DNA testing in connection with recognition mediation is very important evidence, it is important to choose a reliable institution and to carefully consider the costs involved.
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Supervisor of the article
Dr. Hiroshi Oka
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Medical Doctor
