Cost of DNA Test in Nigeria (July, 2024)

The word ‘DNA’ stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and is considered to be the blueprint or the foundation which holds the information required for encoding the proteins and other cell components. DNA refers to the element that exists  in human cells which carries genetic instructions that are used for growth, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms. The examination of these DNA’s or genes can be referred to as genetic testing or DNA testing.

DNA testing is a comparative testing that allows two DNA samples to be compared to verify if two people are biologically related. DNA paternity testing is the use of DNA profiles to check whether an individual is the biological parent of another individual.

DNA paternity testing is useful when the paternity of an individual is uncertain and can also be used to trace the family geneology. The test can be performed while the baby is in the womb. DNA tests in Nigeria are done long after childbirth to avoid complications that may arise while the faetus is still forming which may lead to miscarriage.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR DNA TEST

Having known that DNA test result is unique to an individual, some situations may prompt men to think of DNA test, especially when there has been traces of infidelity in marriages.

In recent times, some men have doubt about the paternity of their children. No woman would welcome the idea of paternity testing whole heartedly. However, some women lie about the paternity of their children which could possibly lead to divorce when their spouses find out.

Devastated Mike divorced his wife after Pennsylvanian court declared that his 4 year old daughter was not his biological daughter. As seen in this report on Eucarl.com, it is heart breaking for a man to love and raise his child for some years and later find out that he had just been a foster father to his supposed biological child all the years.

DNA testing is not only done to prove paternity but also to prove the overall biological identity of a child. Some children have been swapped in the hospital, leaving the parents in dilemma on finding out. A DNA test, if done accurately, can be used in court to ascertain the biological relationship between parents and children.

DNA testing is a forensic technique used in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspects’ profiles to DNA evidence so to determine if the supposed individual was involved in the crime. Criminal cases can be solved by taking samples from the crime scenes to the laboratory to ascertain the identity of the person involved in the crime. The result of a DNA test is generally accepted when presented in court. The judge and police will rely on the credibility and power of DNA fingerprinting from the result to obtain a verdict.

It is also used to establish immigration eligibility, DNA test results are proofs of the claimed relationship between two relatives. If one family member is already a citizen of a country, the country may allow the migration the other family members on the grounds sufficient evidence exists to prove the relationship. DNA testing ensures that accurate evidence is provided. Although applicants are not compelled to undergo DNA testing when they apply to migrate to a particular country but it is in their best interests to do so, assuming they have been truthful about a claimed familial relationship.

Paternity testing is used to verify family genealogy. It is an important tool used in tracing and identifying family ancestors and relations. The genes are located in the DNA and the more genes an individual shares with someone, the closer they are related to them. If an individual has concerns about his/her biological relationship with another, a DNA test could be done on the both of them to confirm their relationship. For example, direct siblings share about 50% of their genes. Step-siblings share only about 25%. An individual also shares about 25% with your aunts and uncles. First cousins share around 12%, second cousins share around 3%, and so on down the ancestral line

DNA testing is used in genetic research to determine the potential condition of a newborn baby, fetus and embryo. It is a very useful to tool to know if a person has certain diseases in his or her body. In a family in which a genetic disease such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension are known to exist, DNA testing could be used to detect which family member that may get the disease.

In some cases, genetic testing may be conducted on every member of the family to prevent the disease from the onset through change in lifestyle, medication, or surgery. The test can also identify individuals whose children could be affected. A disease carrier is likely to show no sign of the disease and may pass it on to his/her children. DNA carrier testing enables the individusls involved to understand these risks and make informed decisions.

HOW MUCH DOES DNA TEST COST IN NIGERIA (2024)

DNA test is quite expensive leaving people who cannot afford with the choice of agreeing to the paternity of the child as disclosed by the mother. Most clinics do not disclose their prices in order not to scare interested individuals that wants to do a paternity test.

However to have a DNA test done in Nigeria, the price ranges from ₦85,000 to ₦100,000 depending on the clinic doing the paternity test. You will be charged an extra ₦50,000 for an additional child. The cost could be ₦50,000 if the individual wants the DNA testing done at home, it is advisable to have it done in the hospital for it to be a solid proof for the paternity test in the court.

HOW MUCH IS DNA TEST IN LUTH, LAGOS

As seen in this report, LUTH now possess a centre to determine the paternity of a child. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is one of the best centres to do a paternity DNA test in Lagos. In fact, the average DNA test price in LUTH costs ₦100,000 to ₦250,000. The conventional test involves swabbing the child and alleged father’s mouths.

WHERE TO DO A DNA TEST IN NIGERIA

If are in need of where to have your DNA test done, I have some good news for you. Here are the list of places you can have your DNA test done in Nigeria with their contacts.

1. DNA LABS

DNA Labs have proven to be one of the best places to carry out DNA test in the country. They have the facilities and what it takes to undergo even the most complicated paternity test cases. Below is their contact details:

Website – dnalabs.com.ng
Tel – 08099282985, 07087257965, 08037880765
E-mail – research@dnalabs.com.ng, info@dnalabs.com.ng
Head office – Q5 Danja Road, Unguwar Sarki, Kaduna

2. DNA NIGERIA

This is another laboratory that you can do paternity test in Nigeria. Their prices are nearly affordable and they deliver on time as at when due.

Website – dnanigeria.com
Tel- 07059999333, 07059999444
E-mail – doctors@dnanigeria.com
Contact address – 73 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos

3. LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (LUTH)

Website – luthnigeria.org
Tel – 08125753107
E- mail – info@luthnigeria.org
Contacr address – Akodu St, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria

4. PATHCARE LABORATORIES

Website – pathcarenigeria.com
Tel – 0700PATHCARE
E-mail – enquiries@pathcarenigeria.com
Contact address – 9A/B Egbeyemi Street, Ilupeju, Lagos

5. BODE DU LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Tel – 0803 946 1596, 0803 546 6923, 01 270 4789
Contact address – Plot 45 Oyibo Adjarho Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.

6. ME CURE HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Website – mecure.com.ng
Tel – 070-00MECURE
Contact address – 79 Bamgbose Street, Lagos

7. PATHCARE LABORATORIES

Website – pathcarenigeria.com
Tel – 0700PATHCARE
E-mail – enquiries@pathcarenigeria.com
Contact address – 9A/B Egbeyemi Street, Ilupeju, Lagos