DNA Paternity Tests

Paternity testing is widely available these days. Today it is easier than ever to perform paternity test. Home test are widely available now through mail order and Internet sites. They are completely confidential and some of them can even be used for legal purposes. Every living being has a unique DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). It is a unique blueprint according to which we are all built. Since half of our DNA comes from our mother, and the other half comes from our biological father, paternity testing is a conclusive way to determine biological relationships.
 

The collection of DNA is painless and quick. In the past blood samples wore needed but today a simple painless buccal swab technique is adequate. A buccal swab is like a long cotton wool swab you can find in everyone’s bathroom. Swab is rubbed from inside of person’s cheek to collects loose cheek cells from the mouth, which are then analyzed.

In paternity testing child’s DNA is compared to potential fathers and if possibly to mothers DNA. Considering that child’s DNA is combination of mothers and fathers, the most conclusive results are achieved when mother’s DNA is submitted to conclude paternity. In cases when mother’s DNA is available, it is first compared to child’s to determine her half from child’s DNA profile and then lab compares the potential father’s DNA. This type of analysis is known as trio. If mother’s DNA is not available for testing, paternity can still be determined. The testing in this case is more extensive and analysis is more detailed to achieve the conclusive results. This type of paternity testing when only potential fathers and child DNA is tested is known as motherless paternity test.

There are two possible results of paternity test. Each is represented by probability of paternity. Probability of paternity can be 99% and higher which means that male tested DNA is not excluded as father, and 0% which means that tested samples are not in biological relationship. DNA labs do not like to say that male tested sample is father, even if they get 99, 99% and higher probability of paternity, because of possibility that man with similar DNA then tested could be the father, like a potential father’s brother.

In any case it is not for the lab to decide paternity. This is up to the courts. If you are in the paternity suit choose your lab carefully. Choose one acceptable to court, that follows DNA samples chain of custody precisely and its experts can testify. Whether you are performing DNA paternity test for your peace of mind or as a part of a law suit remember your child and that he or she is more important than any result. For them your love and attention is most important.