Post-Mortem paternity DNA testing 

What If the Alleged Father Is Deceased or Missing?

When the alleged father is unavailable for testing—whether due to passing away, disappearance, or other circumstances—you still have reliable options to establish biological relationships. At MedLab Exams, we specialize in post-mortem DNA testing and indirect paternity testing at Calimesa and nearby areas including Yucaipa, Redlands, Moreno Valley, and throughout  the Inland Empire.

Our experienced team can guide you through the most appropriate testing method based on your situation, ensuring accurate and legally admissible results when needed.

Available Post-Mortem DNA Testing Options

1. DNA Testing Using Samples from the Deceased

The most direct method is testing DNA from biological samples that may have been collected before or after death. These can include:

• Stored blood samples

• Tissue samples

• Medical or pathology specimens

• Samples held by a coroner or medical examiner

If viable DNA can be extracted, we can perform a standard paternity test using this material as the alleged father’s sample.

👉 This option provides the most conclusive results when available.

Important Step: DNA Viability Testing

Before any paternity analysis can begin, the laboratory must first determine whether usable DNA can be extracted from the available sample.

Not all samples are suitable for testing. DNA quality can be affected by:

• Time since collection

• Storage conditions

• Type of biological material

• Environmental exposure or degradation

👉 In some cases, the DNA may be too degraded or insufficient for accurate analysis.

If viable DNA is successfully extracted, the lab proceed with a legal paternity test using the deceased individual’s sample.

If the sample is not suitable, we will guide you to alternative options such as grandparentage or family reconstruction testing.

Get Help With Your Case, call 909-795-4259   

2. Grandparent DNA Testing (Grandparentage Test)

If no biological samples from the alleged father are available, grandparent DNA testing is the next best option.

This test compares the child’s DNA with the alleged father’s parents to determine biological relationships.

• Can include one or both paternal grandparents

• Provides strong indirect evidence of paternity

• Often accepted by courts and government agencies

👉 While it does not directly test the father, it can establish a high probability of relationship.

3. Extended Family DNA Testing Options

When grandparents are unavailable, we can still help reconstruct the paternal line using other relatives.

Available options include:

• Siblingship testing (testing alleged father’s children)

• Single grandparent testing

• Aunt/uncle testing

These advanced methods use combined DNA profiles to determine the likelihood of paternity with a high degree of accuracy. 

Is Post-Mortem DNA Testing Legal?

Yes — post-mortem DNA testing is typically performed as a legal, court-admissible test, especially when biological samples are obtained from a coroner, medical examiner, hospital, or other official source.

Because these samples are collected, stored, and released under controlled conditions, the testing process follows strict chain-of-custody procedures, including:

• Verified source of the biological sample

• Proper documentation and handling

• Secure transfer to an accredited laboratory

• Identity verification of all tested participants

👉 As a result, post-mortem DNA test results are generally accepted by courts, government agencies, and for legal matters such as:

• Birth certificate amendments

• Social Security benefits

• Immigration cases

• Inheritance and estate claims

Can Post-Mortem DNA Testing Be Done for Personal Reasons?

In most cases, true post-mortem testing involving official samples is conducted as a legal test due to the way the samples are obtained and documented.

However, if testing is performed using family members (such as grandparents or siblings), it may be possible to choose between:

• Legal testing (with chain of custody)

• Personal testing (for informational purposes only)

Our team will help determine the appropriate testing type based on your situation and goals.

Why Choose MedLab Exams?

• Local testing in Calimesa, Yucaipa, Moreno Valley, and Inland Empire

• Certified collectors

• Fast and confidential service

• Accredited laboratory partners

• Expert guidance for complex cases

• Appointment-based scheduling for your convenience

We understand that post-mortem DNA testing can be a sensitive matter. Our staff ensures a respectful, discreet, and professional experience from start to finish.