OTC paternity test kit available at Rite Aid

SALT LAKE CITY Identigene on Tuesday announced that its Identigene DNA Paternity Test Collection Kit is now available for over-the-counter purchase at all Rite Aid drug stores throughout the U.S., with the exception of stores in New York.

The Identigene DNA Paternity Test Collection Kit was the first DNA test ever sold in retail stores when it was offered on a trial basis beginning November 2007 in California, Washington and Oregon. According to the company, initial demand has been very strong.

“Over-the-counter sales offers a completely new marketing channel for DNA testing,” stated Doug Fogg, chief operating officer of Identigene. “We learned that people are extremely receptive to the idea of purchasing a DNA paternity test kit while shopping at one of the nation’s leading drug store chains.”

Outside New York state, Rite Aid has 4,363 stores in 30 states and the District of Columbia. Fogg said he anticipates the Identigene DNA Paternity Test Collection Kits will be sold in New York state at a later date.

Suggested retail price for an Identigene DNA Paternity Test Collection Kit is $29.99, and the laboratory processing fee is $119.