Identigene announces availability of DNA paternity test kit in New York drug stores

Identigene today announced that the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Kit is now available in chain drug stores and independent pharmacies throughout the state of New York, expanding sales from 260 retail locations in the New York City area to more than 1,600 stores across the state.

Identigene is the largest provider of direct-access paternity tests, first introducing the DNA paternity test kit to the retail setting in November 2007. Since then, availability of the DNA paternity test kit has expanded to all 50 states, with New York City added in February 2011. With this expansion throughout New York, the Identigene DNA paternity test kit is now available in more than 18,000 retail locations nationwide.

"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," said 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."

In New York, unlike other states, paternity tests are required to have a doctor's or attorney's authorization, as well as a witness to the sample collection process. Identigene's 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 purchase the collection kit from their local pharmacy, they take the provided authorization form to a doctor or attorney to receive an authorization signature. Then, a third party witnesses the sample collection process, verifying patient identity and completing the appropriate forms that are included in each test kit. The witness then sends the sample and paperwork directly to Identigene, where the sample is 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 this process.

Source: Identigene