What types of DNA testing does PTC Laboratories offer?

PTC Laboratories offers four main categories of genetic testing: relationship testing (including paternity), forensic DNA testing, medication metabolism testing, and disaster management DNA testing. It was formed in 1996 and operates internationally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. If you need a paternity or family relationship test, a forensic case, a medication metabolism panel, or victim identification after a mass disaster, PTC is one of the labs that handles that work — and it processes DNA cases through more than 2,000 collection locations across the United States.

Relationship testing

This is the category most people are looking for when they search for a DNA lab: tests that establish or confirm a biological relationship between people.

• Paternity testing — confirming whether a man is the biological father of a child.
• Other relationship questions — the site groups these under "Relationship Testing," which covers the broader family-relationship category rather than paternity alone.

PTC states it performs DNA paternity testing worldwide through contracts with private entities, government agencies, and individuals internationally. That matters if you are outside the US or need a test that will be accepted by an agency rather than only for personal knowledge.

Practical point: the collection location matters as much as the lab. With over 2,000 collection sites in the US, you generally do not travel to New Mexico — you get sampled near you and the lab runs the analysis.

Forensic DNA testing

PTC lists forensic DNA testing as a separate service line. This is testing used in investigative or evidentiary contexts rather than for personal family questions. If your need is casework-related — rather than "am I the father" — this is the relevant category.

Medication metabolism testing

PTC also offers medication metabolism testing, which looks at how an individual's genetics affect the way their body processes certain medications. This is a distinct use case from identity or relationship testing: the question is not "who is related to whom" but "how might this person's genetics influence drug response."

Because this touches on clinical decision-making, treat the lab result as one input your prescribing clinician interprets — not as a standalone instruction to change or stop a medication.

Disaster management DNA testing

The fourth area is disaster management, which in a DNA lab context means identification work after mass-casualty events. PTC describes this as one of its areas of expertise alongside the others. This is typically commissioned by agencies rather than by individuals.

Quick comparison

How to decide whether PTC fits your case

• If you need a paternity or family relationship test: PTC is set up for this, including international cases and a large US collection network.
• If you need a test for a legal or agency purpose: confirm with PTC in advance which test type and chain-of-custody process your receiving agency requires, since "relationship testing" and "forensic testing" are not interchangeable.
• If you need medication metabolism insight: this is offered, but route the result through your prescriber.
• If you are an agency handling a disaster or forensic case: these are listed service areas, so contact the lab directly to scope the work.

PTC publishes a pricing page at ptclabs.com/pricing/, so cost and ordering details are best checked there rather than assumed.