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SALT LAKE CITY — Duane Reade is the first New York retail outlet to sell paternity testing with the rollout of the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit.
Identigene said Monday that New York has become the 50th state to allow the sale of a paternity test kit in retail stores and that its DNA Paternity Test Kit is now available in Duane Reade locations throughout the state.
According to Identigene, the kit provides a definitive answer to the paternity question quickly and conveniently, and at about one-third of the cost of the former process. And the company noted that because of the convenience, lower cost and fast results, purchase of the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit through a pharmacy has become the method consumers prefer.
Identigene said it created the new sales paradigm with the introduction of the paternity test kit into major pharmacy chains three years ago. The kit has been available in 49 states for over two years and is in more than 16,000 stores.
Unlike other states, New York requires a doctor or attorney’s authorization for a paternity test and that the sample collection process be witnessed. This policy has required people to undertake the individual steps in the testing process, often at different locations, and then to wait a prolonged period for results, which increased the amount of time and money people spent, Identigene explained.
"Now there is a solution for New Yorkers seeking a fast and certain answer to their paternity question, and it reduces the cost by about two-thirds," stated Steve Smith, executive director of Identigene. "Results are typically available in three days and can be viewed online by the physician and customer through a login ID and password."
The Identigene DNA Test Kit for New York can be purchased at Duane Reade drug stores or clinics for $29.99. The complete service, which includes the laboratory fee, physician authorization and collection witness fee, will cost customers about $300, hundreds of dollars less than the traditional paternity testing process, Identigene said.
Identigene noted that the New York state health department has audited and certified its laboratory and that it’s the only company to sell a paternity test through major retail outlets.
Chain drug retailers offering the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit in other states include CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Fruth, Meijer and Kmart.
