Table of Contents
SALT LAKE CITY — Identigene has expanded retail distribution of its DNA Paternity Test Kit in New York to drug stores throughout the state.
The company said Tuesday that the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit is now available more than 1,600 chain drug stores and independent pharmacies in New York. The test made its retail debut in the state at 260 Duane Reade and other New York pharmacies in February.
Unlike other states, New York requires paternity tests to have a doctor’s or attorney’s authorization, as well as a witness to the sample collection process, according to Identigene. The company said its process of direct-access DNA paternity testing in New York follows the same process used for court-admissible testing in New York and other states.
After customers buy the collection kit from their pharmacy, they take the provided authorization form to a doctor or attorney to get an authorization signature. A third party witnesses the sample collection process, verifying the patient’s identity and completing the included forms. The witness then sends the sample and paperwork directly to Identigene, where it’s processed and results are made available to the customer within two business days. Members of the Identigene client support team are also available to direct customers to a doctor or attorney who can help in the process.
Identigene first rolled out the DNA paternity test kit at retail on a pilot basis in November 2007 and launched over-the-counter sales of the kit in March 2008 at Rite Aid drug stores. Since then, availability of the DNA paternity test kit has been expanded to all 50 states, including at over 18,000 retail locations nationwide. Other chain drug retailers offering the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit include CVS, Walgreens, Fruth Pharmacy, Meijer and Kmart.
"Since the launch three and a half years ago, we have seen remarkable interest in the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit from customers nationwide, and we are extremely pleased that this paternity test is now available on retail shelves throughout New York," stated Steve Smith, executive director of Identigene. "Many consumers prefer buying test kits directly from their pharmacy because of the convenience, lower cost and quick results."
The Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit carries a suggested retail price of $29.99. The complete service, including the laboratory fee of $149, the authorization and collection witness fee, will cost New York customers about $300, the company said, adding that the cost is hundreds of dollars less than the traditional paternity testing process.
