How to Submit a DNA Sample to PTC Laboratories

Updated

PTC Laboratories does not ask most clients to ship a sample on their own. The lab handles DNA cases through more than 2,000 collection locations across the United States, so the usual path is to have your sample drawn at a nearby collection site and let that site forward it to the lab. PTC also performs DNA paternity testing worldwide through contracts with private entities, government agencies, and individuals internationally. If you are outside the U.S. or arranging a legal or agency case, confirm the specific collection route with PTC before you pay for anything.

The standard U.S. route: use a collection location

PTC Laboratories was formed in 1996 and operates internationally out of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Its stated model for U.S. cases is a network of over 2,000 collection locations. That means the sample is typically collected by a third-party site, not by the client at home.

The general flow looks like this:

  1. Contact PTC first. Use the website to start the case and find out which collection option applies to your test type (relationship, forensic, medication metabolism, or other).
  2. Get directed to a collection site. PTC coordinates the case across its collection network, so the site should be one that works with the lab.
  3. Attend the appointment. A trained collector takes the sample — for relationship and forensic work this is normally a cheek swab or a blood draw, and the collector handles chain-of-custody paperwork.
  4. The site sends the sample to the lab. You generally do not mail it yourself; the collection location forwards it.
  5. Results come back through PTC. The lab reports the result according to the case type.

The exact steps, accepted sample types, and ID requirements depend on whether the test is for personal knowledge, legal use, or a government/agency contract. PTC's site is the authoritative source for those details.

International and contract cases

PTC states that it performs DNA paternity testing worldwide through contracts with private entities, government agencies, and individuals internationally. If your case falls into one of these categories, the submission path is set by the contract or agency rather than by the general U.S. collection network. In practice that means:

  • Agency or government cases: the agency tells you where and how to be sampled, and PTC receives the sample through that channel.
  • Private international cases: you arrange the collection through PTC or its local partner; do not assume a U.S. collection site applies.
  • Individuals abroad: confirm with PTC which collection option is available in your country before scheduling.

What to confirm before you book

Because the collection process varies by test type and location, verify these points with PTC directly:

Question Why it matters
Which test do I need? Relationship, forensic, medication metabolism, and disaster management work use different collection and paperwork rules.
Is my case legal or personal? Legal cases usually require verified identity and chain-of-custody; personal cases may be simpler.
Where is my nearest collection site? PTC's network covers the U.S., but availability depends on your location and test type.
What ID or forms do I bring? Missing documents can void a legal collection.
How is the sample shipped? In most U.S. cases the collection site handles shipping, not the client.

Common sticking points

  • Assuming you mail a kit yourself. PTC's stated model is collection-site based for U.S. cases, so a self-collected kit may not be accepted for your test type.
  • Booking a site that isn't in PTC's network. Use a location PTC directs you to, or the sample may not reach the lab correctly.
  • Skipping the ID check on legal cases. Chain-of-custody depends on it.
  • Guessing at international options. Worldwide testing exists, but it runs through contracts and agencies — confirm your specific route.

For current pricing, turnaround times, and the exact collection procedure for your case, go to ptclabs.com and use the contact or pricing pages rather than relying on general assumptions.