Survey Reveals Paternity Questions Loom for More Than One in 10 Americans

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- While many Americans are resolving to address financial issues or lose weight in 2012, a new survey shows that some adults are looking to find answers to an important question – who is the child's father?  

The survey, which was commissioned by Identigene, the largest direct-to-consumer DNA paternity testing laboratory and makers of the Identigene DNA Paternity Test, the only paternity test available at the drug store, reveals that more than one in 10 (11 percent) adults ages 18 years and older said they have personally been in a situation where a paternity test was appropriate; and nearly one in five (18 percent) said that they or a close friend or family member have questioned paternity. 

The results of the survey help to uncover the prevalence of paternity questions in the U.S., as well as adults' intentions to identify biological fathers in the new year. Fifty-one percent of adults with paternity questions either plan to address their question in 2012 or would like to but are not sure where to start. Men with paternity questions are twice as likely (51 percent) than women (25 percent) to address paternity in 2012.

New Year Prompts Action

The research helps to confirm a trend Identigene has noticed since it launched the Identigene DNA Paternity Test in retail pharmacies in 2007. Each year the company experiences a spike in first quarter sales, something 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," said Steven Smith, executive director for 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." 

Why Knowing Is Important

Although the specific reasoning for paternity testing varies from person to person, the benefits of confirming paternity are multifaceted and far reaching. In the survey, three in four adults (77 percent) said they believe it's important for a child to know his or her biological father. From emotional and health benefits to financial welfare, paternity answers can have many important and positive impacts for children. 

"Knowledge is empowering," said Smith. "It's important for children and families to know the truth about paternity, as it can impact a child's health as well as their emotional health and well-being for years to come." 

A Fast, Reliable and Accurate Solution

The Identigene DNA Paternity Test provides consumers with a simple and straightforward way to test paternity. After customers purchase the test kit from their local 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 their AABB and LAB accredited testing facility. Results are made available online to customers within two business days for fast, confidential and affordable answers. 

Identigene provides information and many resources for those with paternity questions on its website, www.identigene.com, and through its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/identigene, and Twitter handle @Identigene. It also provides a toll-free customer service line to help customers and answer questions regarding the test kit or the testing process. 

"We encourage those with questions to utilize these resources to help get them the information they need to make an informed decision," said Smith. "We know the importance of paternity answers, and we are here to help our customers through each step of the testing process." 

About Identigene

Identigene, a Sorenson Genomics company, is the world's largest provider of direct-access DNA paternity testing. Founded in 1993, Identigene was the first DNA testing laboratory in the world to commercially use modern STR technology and is the only DNA Paternity test kit trusted by America's pharmacies. Identigene offers a full range of DNA testing services, including tests used to determine paternity, siblingship and other familial relationships, as well as DNA tests for purposes of immigration, child custody, settling estates and other family situations. Visit www.identigene.com for more information about Identigene, and to access its Genetipedia® resource. Additional information related to DNA paternity testing and Identigene can be found by visiting the Identigene Facebook page at www.facebook.com/identigene or following the company on Twitter at @Identigene.

About the Identigene Paternity Survey

The Identigene Paternity Survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1039 men and women aged 18+ -- all members of the Impulse Research proprietary online panel. The Impulse Research proprietary online panel closely matches US population demographics and the respondents are representative of men and women aged 18+. Research was conducted in December 2011. The overall sampling error rate for this survey is +/-3% at the 95% rate of confidence.

Media contact: Joe Zydlo
314-552-6764
[email protected]

SOURCE Identigene