What a post mortem DNA test answers

A post mortem (or "postmortem") test directly analyzes the DNA of a deceased individual and compares it to another participant, usually a child claiming biological relationship to that person. It's used to confirm or rule out paternity, maternity, or other family connections when the central person has passed away.

It's a rare service. Most paternity questions can be resolved with the living. But when the person at the center of the question is no longer available, post mortem testing is sometimes the only direct way to get an answer.

When you'd need a post mortem test

The most common situations we see:

  • Inheritance and probate disputes. A child needs to prove biological connection to a deceased parent to claim inheritance, especially when there's no will or the will is contested.
  • Birth certificate amendments. Adding a deceased father's name to a child's birth certificate often requires DNA evidence.
  • Social Security survivor benefits. Children may need to prove biological relationship to claim a deceased parent's benefits.
  • Veterans benefits and military pensions. The VA may require DNA evidence for dependent claims after a service member's passing.
  • Wrongful death claims. Establishing legal heirs in wrongful death lawsuits.
  • Closure for the family. Some families simply want to know, especially when paternity was contested during the person's lifetime.

How we collect a post mortem DNA sample

For post mortem cases, we coordinate directly with the coroner's office or mortuary to perform the collection at their facility. Our certified collector goes to the location, completes the collection, and brings the sample back for transfer to the AABB-accredited laboratory. The two sample types we collect:

Fingernail clippings

Fingernail clippings are one of the most reliable post mortem DNA sources. The nails contain epithelial cells from the skin underneath, which carry the same DNA as any other cell in the body. A few clippings from one hand are usually enough for a successful test.

Fingernails remain viable for DNA extraction longer than many other sample types, which is part of why we use them when possible. Even in cases where the person passed away days or weeks ago, fingernail clippings can yield usable DNA when collected carefully and stored properly.

Earwax (cerumen)

Earwax also contains genetic material from the cells lining the ear canal. It's collected with a small swab in much the same way a standard buccal swab is performed for a living participant. The technique is slightly different (the swab is gentler and more thorough), but the principle is the same.

Earwax is a good option when fingernail samples are not available or when the coroner or mortuary's protocols make earwax collection simpler than alternatives.

Where the collection happens

Our collector travels to either:

  • The coroner's office, if the deceased is still in the coroner's custody. This is common when the death occurred recently or there's a coroner's investigation ongoing.
  • The mortuary or funeral home, if the deceased has been transferred there. This is more common when the family has begun making funeral arrangements.

We do not collect samples at private homes, even when the deceased is being prepared for a home funeral. The collection needs to happen at a regulated facility for chain-of-custody reasons.

What we need before scheduling

Post mortem collections involve more coordination than a standard appointment. Before we can schedule, we need:

  • The name and location of the facility (which coroner's office or mortuary)
  • Authorization to perform the collection. The next of kin typically has the authority to authorize, but the facility may require additional documentation. We help you understand what each facility needs.
  • The facility's cooperation. Most coroners and mortuaries are familiar with this kind of request and will accommodate it, but we usually call ahead to coordinate the timing.
  • Information about the living participant(s). Usually the child claiming the biological relationship, and sometimes additional relatives.

Time matters

Post mortem testing is the most time-sensitive type of DNA collection. If you're considering this, the sooner you contact us, the more options you have:

  • First days to weeks: Best window. The deceased is likely still in the coroner's office or mortuary. Sample quality is at its highest.
  • Before final disposition: Once the body is buried or cremated, direct sampling is no longer possible. Cremation in particular ends the option for any post mortem DNA collection from the body.
  • After final disposition: If the body is already cremated or buried and exhumation is not pursued, post mortem testing of the deceased is no longer an option. The alternatives (described below) are the path forward.

If the person passed recently and you think you might need this test, call us right away. We can often coordinate the collection within a few days, but only if the deceased is still at a facility we can access.

When direct testing isn't possible

If the deceased has already been cremated, the body is no longer accessible, or for any other reason a sample can't be obtained, you may still be able to confirm a biological relationship through close relatives:

  • Grandparentage test: Test the deceased's parents (the child's grandparents) if they're alive.
  • Avuncular test: Test the deceased's siblings (the child's aunts or uncles).
  • Siblingship test: Test the deceased's other known children (the child's half-siblings or full siblings).

These alternative tests are less precise than direct post mortem testing, but they can still produce defensible results for legal, inheritance, and benefits purposes.

Legal and emotional considerations

Post mortem tests happen in difficult contexts. A few things to know:

  • Family dynamics. Surviving relatives may object to testing a deceased person's DNA. Legally, the next of kin typically controls access. If there's family disagreement, work with a probate or family law attorney before proceeding.
  • Inheritance timelines. Estates often have strict deadlines for claims. If you're considering a post mortem test for inheritance reasons, contact a probate attorney quickly. Don't let the testing timeline become the reason a claim is denied.
  • Coroner and mortuary policies. Each facility has its own protocols. Some require court orders. Most do not, as long as the next of kin authorizes the collection. We work with each facility on their terms.

Legal vs. peace of mind

Post mortem collections are almost always done with full chain of custody, since the typical reason for the test is a court, government, or benefits proceeding. Chain of custody for a post mortem case includes:

  • Documented authority to obtain the sample (next of kin authorization or court order)
  • Sealed, witnessed sample collection at the facility
  • Tamper-evident handling from the facility to the lab
  • Complete documentation of who collected, when, and where

We can perform peace-of-mind post mortem testing as well, when the result is for personal information only. But because most reasons for ordering this test involve legal or financial decisions, the legal version is what we usually recommend.

Key Takeaway

Paternity Verified offers post mortem DNA collection at the coroner's office or mortuary. We collect fingernail clippings or earwax samples and process them through the same AABB-accredited lab used for our standard tests. It's a rare service, and timing matters. If you're considering this, call us as soon as possible so we can coordinate with the facility before final disposition.