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SALT LAKE CITY — While the coming of the new year leads many people to formulate resolutions, it spurs some others to resolve an important issue — paternity, according to a survey commissioned by Identigene.
The maker of the Identigene DNA Paternity Test, available at drug stores, said Tuesday that according to the online poll of over 1,000 adult men and women, 11% indicated that they have personally been in a situation where a paternity test was appropriate, and 18% said they or a close friend or family member have questioned paternity.
Identigene, which said it’s the largest direct-to-consumer DNA paternity testing laboratory, noted that the survey results reveal the prevalence of paternity questions in the United States, as well as adults’ intentions to identify biological fathers in the new year.
Fifty-one percent of adults with paternity questions plan to address their question in 2012 or would like to but are not sure where to start, according to the survey, conducted by Impulse Research. Men with paternity questions are twice as likely (51%) than women (25%) to address paternity in 2012.
Overall, 77% of respondents said they think it’s important for a child to know his or her biological father.
Identigene said the research helps confirm a trend it has seen since launching the Identigene DNA Paternity Test in retail pharmacies in 2007. Each year, the company experiences a spike in first-quarter sales, which it attributes in part to New Year’s resolutions.
"The new year definitely seems to trigger many adults with paternity questions to take steps to address their question," stated Steven Smith, executive director at Identigene. "We want adults with paternity issues to know they are not alone and there are many others looking for answers, too. But most importantly, it’s vital for them to know that addressing a paternity question is not only a responsible step to take, but a thoughtful and caring decision, as determining paternity can provide many valuable benefits for all involved."
Identigene said its DNA Paternity Test provides a simple, straightforward way to test paternity. After customers buy the test kit from the drug store, they provide a sample of cheek cells collected from the child, the mother and the alleged father. The sample swabs, consent forms and a lab fee are then sent to Identigene for processing in its AABB- and LAB-accredited testing facility. Results are made available online to customers within two business days.
"We encourage those with questions to utilize these resources to help get them the information they need to make an informed decision," added Smith. "We know the importance of paternity answers, and we are here to help our customers through each step of the testing process."
Chain drug retailers carrying the Identigene DNA Paternity Test include Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Fruth Pharmacy and Meijer.
