Most people start searching for DNA test prices when they’re dealing with something urgent. Maybe you need a paternity test for legal reasons, or you’re curious about ancestry and health markers. Clicks is one of the first places South Africans think of for health services, so it makes sense to check if they offer DNA testing and what the DNA test price at Clicks actually looks like.
Here’s the thing though: Clicks doesn’t actually offer DNA testing services directly in their stores. This catches a lot of people off guard because they do offer various health screening tests and have clinics attached to some locations. But DNA testing is handled differently.
The quick answer
Clicks pharmacies don’t provide DNA testing kits or services at their retail locations. If you’re looking for DNA tests in South Africa, you’ll need to go through private pathology labs like Lancet, PathCare, or Ampath, or use home testing kits from specialized DNA testing companies. Prices typically range from around R1,200 for basic paternity tests to R3,500 or more for comprehensive genetic health screenings, depending on what you need.
Why people search for DNA test price at Clicks
It’s a reasonable assumption. Clicks has a massive footprint across South Africa, they offer flu shots, blood pressure checks, and various screening services. They’ve positioned themselves as a one-stop health destination. So when you need something medical, checking Clicks first feels logical.
The confusion also comes from the fact that some Clicks stores have clinics or partner with medical practitioners who operate from their locations. But DNA testing requires specialized lab equipment and chain-of-custody procedures that go beyond what a retail pharmacy typically handles.
What types of DNA tests people actually need
Before we get into costs and where to actually get these tests, it helps to understand what you’re looking for. Most people searching for DNA tests fall into one of these categories:
Paternity tests are probably the most common. These determine biological parenthood and can be used for legal purposes like custody cases, inheritance claims, or immigration applications. You need the legal version if it’s going to court. Home tests exist but won’t hold up legally.
Ancestry and genealogy tests have become popular thanks to companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA. These tell you about your ethnic background and can connect you with relatives. They’re mostly for curiosity rather than legal purposes.
Health and genetic screening tests look for genetic markers that indicate risk for certain conditions like cancer, heart disease, or inherited disorders. Some people get these done proactively, others need them because of family history.
Actual DNA test prices in South Africa
Since Clicks isn’t in the DNA testing business, here’s what you’ll actually pay at places that do offer these services.
Legal paternity tests at pathology labs typically cost between R1,800 and R2,500 for a standard test with one child and alleged father. If you need to add the mother or test multiple children, add roughly R600 to R800 per additional person. The higher-end labs charge more but process results faster.
PathCare and Lancet both offer paternity testing. You’ll pay around R2,200 on average. That’s usually where confusion starts because people expect it to be cheaper, maybe R500 or R800. But the lab work is complex and the chain of custody requirements for legal tests add to the cost.
Home ancestry kits from international companies range from about R1,500 to R3,000 depending on how detailed the analysis is. You order online, spit in a tube, mail it back, and wait 4 to 8 weeks for results. These are purely informational and can’t be used for legal purposes.
Genetic health screenings are the expensive option, often running R3,500 to R15,000 depending on how many genetic markers they’re checking. If you’re testing for specific conditions like BRCA genes (breast cancer risk), you might pay R5,000 to R8,000. Comprehensive panels that look at hundreds of genetic markers can exceed R10,000.
Where to actually get DNA tests done in South Africa
Private pathology labs are your main option for legally recognized tests. Lancet, PathCare, and Ampath all offer DNA testing services. You’ll need to make an appointment, bring proper identification, and have samples collected at their facilities. They photograph you as part of the chain of custody process.
The advantage here is that results are legally defensible. If you need the test for court, immigration, or any official purpose, this is your only option. Results typically take 5 to 10 working days, though some labs offer express services for an additional fee.
Online DNA testing companies work well for ancestry and health curiosity tests. You order a kit online, it arrives by courier, you collect your own sample at home, and send it back. Companies like AfricanAncestry or international services like 23andMe ship to South Africa, though you’ll pay for international shipping and wait longer for results.
Specialized DNA testing services exist for more niche purposes. Some private clinics offer prenatal paternity testing or forensic DNA analysis. These are significantly more expensive, often R8,000 or more, because the procedures are more complex.
The actual process of getting a DNA test
For legal paternity tests, you can’t just show up. You need to book an appointment at the pathology lab, and everyone being tested must be present at the same time. You’ll need IDs for adults and birth certificates for children. The lab will photograph each person, collect cheek swabs or blood samples, and document everything.
This is probably the most annoying part for people. You can’t send someone else with your child, and you can’t do it at separate times. Everyone has to be there together, which becomes a logistical nightmare if you’re dealing with an uncooperative ex-partner or if people live in different cities.
Home tests are simpler but limited in use. You swab your cheek, put the sample in the provided container, and mail it back. No one verifies your identity, which is why these aren’t acceptable for legal purposes. But if you just want answers for yourself, they work fine and are more convenient.
Common mistakes people make
Assuming home tests are legally valid is probably the biggest error. People buy cheap kits online thinking they’ll use the results in court, only to find out later they’ve wasted money and time. If there’s any chance you’ll need legal proof, pay for the proper test from the start.
Not checking what the test actually includes is another issue. Some paternity tests only compare two people. If you need to test multiple children or want the mother included for more accuracy, that costs extra. People often don’t realize this until they’re already at the appointment.
Underestimating waiting times catches people off guard. Standard processing is typically 7 to 10 working days, but delays happen. Labs can be backed up, especially after holiday periods. If you need results urgently for a court date or deadline, you’re looking at express fees of R500 to R1,000 extra.
Not bringing proper documentation means wasted trips. You need original IDs and birth certificates, not copies. Some labs are strict about this, and if you show up without the right documents, they’ll turn you away and you’ll need to rebook.
Things most people overlook
The collection method matters. Cheek swabs are standard and painless, but some labs still use blood draws for certain tests. If you’re bringing a nervous child, it helps to call ahead and confirm they use swabs. That’s usually where parents struggle unnecessarily.
Medical aid doesn’t cover this. DNA tests for paternity or ancestry are considered elective, not medical necessities. Even genetic health screenings are only partially covered by some medical aids if there’s documented family history and a doctor’s referral. Don’t expect your scheme to pay for it.
Results aren’t always instant clarity. Paternity tests give you a clear yes or no, but ancestry tests can be vague, and genetic health screenings show probability risks, not certainties. People often misinterpret what the results actually mean.
Legal tests require consent. You can’t secretly test a child without the other parent’s permission if they have parental rights. The lab will refuse to proceed without proper consent documentation. This surprises people who thought they could just bring the child in quietly.
How long does everything actually take
From booking to receiving results, the full process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You’ll wait a few days for an available appointment, then 5 to 10 working days for processing. Express services can cut this to 3 to 5 working days but cost significantly more.
For home ancestry kits, you’re looking at 6 to 10 weeks total. Shipping to South Africa takes time, then the lab processes your sample, then results come back. International DNA companies don’t prioritize South African samples the way they do domestic ones.
What affects the price
Sample type is one factor. Cheek swabs are standard pricing. Non-standard samples like hair, nails, or toothbrushes cost more because they’re harder to extract DNA from. Some labs charge R1,000 to R1,500 extra for difficult samples.
Number of people tested obviously increases cost. Each additional person adds R600 to R1,000 depending on the lab.
Turnaround speed has a big impact. Express processing typically costs 30% to 50% more than standard timing.
Type of test matters significantly. A basic paternity test is much cheaper than a comprehensive genetic health panel that analyzes hundreds of markers.
Is it worth the cost
This depends entirely on why you need it. For legal purposes, you don’t have a choice. If it’s for peace of mind about paternity, R2,000 is reasonable to end uncertainty. For ancestry curiosity, you need to decide if ethnic percentages are worth R2,000 to R3,000 to you.
Genetic health screening is trickier. If you have significant family history of cancer or inherited conditions, it can be valuable for proactive health planning. But if you’re doing it out of general curiosity with no specific concerns, the information might just create anxiety without actionable value.
Practical tips that actually help
Shop around between labs. PathCare, Lancet, and Ampath have different pricing and turnaround times. Call all three before booking. Price differences can be R300 to R500.
Check if a home test actually meets your needs before paying for a legal test. If you genuinely just want personal confirmation and have zero legal concerns, home tests are cheaper and more convenient.
Get proper consent documentation sorted first if you’re testing a child. Dealing with legal consent issues after you’ve already paid for the test is frustrating and potentially wastes your money.
Factor in extra costs like taking time off work for appointments, transport to the lab, and potential express fees if you’re on a deadline. The test fee itself isn’t the only expense.
Read the fine print on what results include. Some tests only give you raw genetic data unless you pay extra for interpretation or counseling.
What happens if Clicks eventually offers DNA testing
Realistically, it’s unlikely. DNA testing requires specialized equipment, trained genetic counselors, strict chain-of-custody protocols for legal tests, and significant liability management. It doesn’t fit neatly into Clicks’ retail pharmacy model.
If they did add DNA services, it would probably be through partnerships with existing pathology labs rather than in-house testing. You might book through Clicks but still go to a Lancet or PathCare facility for sample collection.
The advantage would be convenient booking and possibly package deals with other Clicks services. Pricing would likely be similar to what labs currently charge since the actual testing costs don’t change.
Read more: How much is DNA test at Dischem
DNA testing in South Africa means working with pathology labs or online services rather than retail pharmacies like Clicks. In terms of DNA test price at Clicks, expect to pay between R1,800 and R3,500 for most common tests, with legal paternity tests falling in the R2,000 to R2,500 range. The process takes 2 to 3 weeks from booking to results, requires proper documentation, and isn’t as straightforward as people expect.
If you need legally defensible results, there’s no shortcut. Pay for the proper lab test and follow their protocols exactly. For personal curiosity tests, home kits work fine and save you the appointment hassle. Either way, factor in more time and cost than you initially expect, and don’t assume your medical aid will cover any of it.
