A home DNA test kit is
exclusively used in the sampling stage of a home based DNA paternity test. The
key component in the kit is usually a pair of serrated cotton swabs, and some
DNA free sample tubes. These two components allow the obtaining of the source
material which will ultimately be used to determine the biological relationship
of a child to the putative parents. Using a home DNA test kit is very straightforward and requires so little expertise, that a child could carry out the procedure. In broad terms all that
is required, is the removal of some cheek cells from the inside of the mouth by
rubbing the cotton swabs on the inside of the mouth. A few gentle rubs of the
serrated cotton swab on the inside of both cheeks should result in sufficient
material being recovered to allow a full DNA paternity test to be carried out.
It is important that a single DNA kit is used only for one person, to ensure
there can be no possibility of a mix-up between samples. This will ensure the
reliability of the final result.
Once the samples have been taken
they should be placed in the sample tubes provided and the tubes sealed. This
will ensure preservation of the cellular material present on the swab heads, and
prevent any environmental contamination of the source cells. In general the
identity of the biological mother of the child is rarely questioned, and most
applications of this technology are in confirming the identity of the biological
father. If this is the case, a sample from the child and the putative father are
essential, with a sample from the mother being desirable but not essential.
Samples are generally mailed back to the testing company to carry out a full DNA
analysis, generally resulting in a report within a few weeks. The report should
provide a clear unambiguous outcome to answer the question as to the biological
relationship of the putative father to the child.
If the results of the DNA testing are to be used in a court of law, and require
a legal standing, a home DNA test is not usually admissible. A much more
rigorous approach in verifying the source of every sample is required. The
process of obtaining the samples is witnessed and fully documented, including
taking photographs of all the parties associated with each sample. This
continuity is maintained with the laboratory environment, and allows an expert
witness to provide an opinion in court, as to the relevance of the test results.
If you want to find out more about DNA paternity testing, or obtain a free home
DNA test kit, click on the link in the author section below.
About the Author
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of
Home-DNA-Test-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of a
Home DNA Test, which you can readily research on his website. Don’t forget to pick up
your Free Home DNA testing kit, while you’re at the site.
