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DNA Paternity Test

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A DNA paternity test is a scientific test that is done to establish if the person in question is the biological parent of the said child. There are various available tests available that are meant for the same purpose, however, they are said to deliver certain levels of inaccuracies. Some of these are based on blood group, eye color, and other similar parameters. DNA paternity test determines paternity based on the analysis of the DNA. This is so far, the most accurate test available.

Analyzing the DNA from both the alleged parent and the child by using advanced DNA testing procedures, it is possible to make a clear judgment about the alleged parent being the biological parent or not.

Why go for a DNA paternity test?

There are different reasons why people opt to go for DNA paternity testing. In some cases, a previous relationship could result in the birth of a child, and the alleged father would want a DNA test to determine if he is the biological father. Some men suspect their girlfriends of wives of infidelity, thus they prefer performing a DNA test to determine if the child is truly theirs. Other cases spur from adoption agencies, where a DNA paternity test is performed to determine the true parentage before they are reunited. There are many cases that involve DNA testing, some are personal and some are directed by the court. If someone is in doubt of the true parentage, a DNA paternity test is one way to ease the mind.

Sources of DNA

All cells in the body have DNA; therefore, it can be taken from any part of the body. Soft tissue samples or blood is the most common DNA source. Forensic analysis majorly extracts DNA from saliva, semen, or hair roots. Medical Genomics on the other hand use buccal or mouth swabs for DNA extraction. The process of collecting DNA samples is simple and painless. The buccal swab is rubbed on the inner side of the cheek about 10 times to collect the skin cells. The buccal swabs are then taken to the laboratory. The DNA collected from such a simple procedure is enough to conduct genotyping for at least 100 times.

How is the DNA paternity test conducted?

The testing process begins once the test samples are delivered to the laboratory. The polymerase chain reaction is the procedure commonly used for analysis. The first procedure is isolating pure DNA by getting rid of proteins and other cell materials. Each of the individual DNA is examined for specific loci. The DNA loci are then compared after testing. Each tested individual will have two readings. One of the readings on the child’s locus should match the number on the mother’s locus while the other reading should match the number on the father’s locus.

If the readings match up, a paternity index can then be determined. However, one locus cannot fully determine paternity, so multiple lab tests are used. If multiple tests are conducted and they all match up, then the paternity indices for individual tests are combined, a paternity probability is then calculated.

The final percentage obtained is the paternity probability. There is no age barrier for conducting a DNA paternity test; it can even be performed on unborn babies. The test results are legally confidential. Lastly, when in need of a DNA paternity test make sure that you go to a laboratory that is AABB accredited. AABB accreditation means that the DNA test results are approved and accepted by immigration authorities and court of law.