DNA Paternity Testing
What is DNA Paternity Testing?
We all have a unique DNA pattern that is inherited from our biological parents and is similar to theirs in molecular structure and genetic code. Because of this similarity, the DNA can be used to test and conclusively determine biological kinship. When the testing is done to determine who the father is, it is known as DNA Paternity Testing. It is about 99.99% conclusive. It is usually not necessary to do maternity testing.
DNA Paternity Testing is now widely used for scientific purposes, to determine paternity concerns, or to settle legal disputes.
What does DNA Paternity Testing involve?
Usually, DNA from the alleged parents and the child are required for the DNA Paternity Testing. Having access to the maternal DNA makes the testing easier, as, with this part conclusively settled, you only need to check the other half of the child's DNA with that of the father. If the DNA sequence shows a strong similarity, then the Paternity is proved. If there is no similarity, then the person is not the father.
DNA Paternity Testing done without analyzing the mother's DNA is called 'Motherless' DNA Testing. This involves a bit more of lab work, but the results are just as conclusive.
In case the father is missing, a DNA viability test can help determine the paternity. The DNA Viability Test involves testing material like preserved samples of hair or other body tissues.
What are the methods used in DNA Paternity Testing?
There are various procedures for DNA Paternity Testing. Previously, ABO Blood Group Typing and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) Testing were mainly used to determine Paternity.
Nowadays, the two methods more commonly used in DNA Paternity Testing are the Polymer Chain Reaction Method (PCR) and the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP).
For DNA Paternity Testing, saliva samples from the buccal or cheek region are taken from the people to be tested and these are processed in the laboratory to extract the DNA of each.
The extracted DNA are analyzed and compared.
You can get the results of the DNA Paternity Testing overnight if the case is urgent or over a period of 3 to 4 days. The results are delivered with a guarantee of confidentiality and accuracy.
There are also kits available to do DNA Paternity Testing in the privacy of your own home.
How is DNA Paternity Testing done?
In the PCR method, DNA is extracted, fragmented, amplified and then separated by the process of gel electrophoresis. The sequence of the DNA fragments is then studied and compared.
In the RFLP method, the extracted DNA is fragmented by enzymes and the DNA fragments are sorted by size and then undergo identification.
Prenatal Paternity testing
DNA Paternity Testing can be done even to determine the paternity of an unborn child. This is called a Prenatal Paternity Test. In such a case, samples of the unborn baby's DNA are obtained through either the Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) procedure, in which placenta cells are collected, or the Amniocentesis Procedure, in which fetal cells from the amniotic fluid are collected. Both of these testing methods are not without a certain amount of risk as they are invasive procedures and should not be undertaken without the advice of an Obstetrician or Gynecologist.
It might be safer and a lot less expensive to have the DNA Paternity Testing done right after the child is born. This can be done by taking a blood sample from the umbilical cord.
Legality of DNA Paternity Testing
Different countries around the world have different rules and regulations regarding DNA Paternity Testing. But in a majority of cases, it is not legal to conduct a DNA Paternity Test without the prior permission of the individuals concerned.
DNA Paternity Testing done for personal purposes at home using DNA Testing Kits cannot be used as evidence in a legal court. For legal purposes, a Chain of Custody documentation process that follows due legal procedures is required.
We all have a unique DNA pattern that is inherited from our biological parents and is similar to theirs in molecular structure and genetic code. Because of this similarity, the DNA can be used to test and conclusively determine biological kinship. When the testing is done to determine who the father is, it is known as DNA Paternity Testing. It is about 99.99% conclusive. It is usually not necessary to do maternity testing.
DNA Paternity Testing is now widely used for scientific purposes, to determine paternity concerns, or to settle legal disputes.
What does DNA Paternity Testing involve?
Usually, DNA from the alleged parents and the child are required for the DNA Paternity Testing. Having access to the maternal DNA makes the testing easier, as, with this part conclusively settled, you only need to check the other half of the child's DNA with that of the father. If the DNA sequence shows a strong similarity, then the Paternity is proved. If there is no similarity, then the person is not the father.
DNA Paternity Testing done without analyzing the mother's DNA is called 'Motherless' DNA Testing. This involves a bit more of lab work, but the results are just as conclusive.
In case the father is missing, a DNA viability test can help determine the paternity. The DNA Viability Test involves testing material like preserved samples of hair or other body tissues.
What are the methods used in DNA Paternity Testing?
There are various procedures for DNA Paternity Testing. Previously, ABO Blood Group Typing and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigens) Testing were mainly used to determine Paternity.
Nowadays, the two methods more commonly used in DNA Paternity Testing are the Polymer Chain Reaction Method (PCR) and the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP).
For DNA Paternity Testing, saliva samples from the buccal or cheek region are taken from the people to be tested and these are processed in the laboratory to extract the DNA of each.
The extracted DNA are analyzed and compared.
You can get the results of the DNA Paternity Testing overnight if the case is urgent or over a period of 3 to 4 days. The results are delivered with a guarantee of confidentiality and accuracy.
There are also kits available to do DNA Paternity Testing in the privacy of your own home.
How is DNA Paternity Testing done?
In the PCR method, DNA is extracted, fragmented, amplified and then separated by the process of gel electrophoresis. The sequence of the DNA fragments is then studied and compared.
In the RFLP method, the extracted DNA is fragmented by enzymes and the DNA fragments are sorted by size and then undergo identification.
Prenatal Paternity testing
DNA Paternity Testing can be done even to determine the paternity of an unborn child. This is called a Prenatal Paternity Test. In such a case, samples of the unborn baby's DNA are obtained through either the Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) procedure, in which placenta cells are collected, or the Amniocentesis Procedure, in which fetal cells from the amniotic fluid are collected. Both of these testing methods are not without a certain amount of risk as they are invasive procedures and should not be undertaken without the advice of an Obstetrician or Gynecologist.
It might be safer and a lot less expensive to have the DNA Paternity Testing done right after the child is born. This can be done by taking a blood sample from the umbilical cord.
Legality of DNA Paternity Testing
Different countries around the world have different rules and regulations regarding DNA Paternity Testing. But in a majority of cases, it is not legal to conduct a DNA Paternity Test without the prior permission of the individuals concerned.
DNA Paternity Testing done for personal purposes at home using DNA Testing Kits cannot be used as evidence in a legal court. For legal purposes, a Chain of Custody documentation process that follows due legal procedures is required.
Paternity Test Before Birth
The significance and the techniques of a paternity test before birth will be explained to you in this article. Read the article to know the facts.
Home Paternity Test
Home paternity test allows you to determine the identity of the biological father of your baby in the privacy of your own home. This article shares some paternity testing information with you...
Paternity Test While Pregnant
Have you heard about prenatal paternity test, which is conducted during pregnancy? Go through this article for a brief overview about paternity test while pregnant.
DNA Testing During Pregnancy
Prenatal DNA testing or DNA testing during pregnancy is a common practice for testing paternity of an unborn child. There are mainly two type of prenatal DNA testing, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. This article is mainly a discussion about the purpose as well as the types of DNA testing during pregnancy...
"Who’s Your Daddy?" Just Got Easier to Answer
With Rite Aid stores rolling out sales of a new, at-home paternity test, answers to an age-old question just got a lot easier to obtain.
Anna Nicole Smith: Paternity Test Ordered by Judge
It has been reported that a Los Angeles judge has ordered a paternity test to determine who is the actual father of Anna Nicole Smith’s three-month old daughter.
Duke Accuser Gives Birth; Judge Orders Paternity Test
The stripper who has accused three Duke lacrosse players of raping her in March gave birth to a child late Thursday night—almost exactly nine months after the alleged rape. Friday a judge ordered paternity testing.
The significance and the techniques of a paternity test before birth will be explained to you in this article. Read the article to know the facts.
Home Paternity Test
Home paternity test allows you to determine the identity of the biological father of your baby in the privacy of your own home. This article shares some paternity testing information with you...
Paternity Test While Pregnant
Have you heard about prenatal paternity test, which is conducted during pregnancy? Go through this article for a brief overview about paternity test while pregnant.
DNA Testing During Pregnancy
Prenatal DNA testing or DNA testing during pregnancy is a common practice for testing paternity of an unborn child. There are mainly two type of prenatal DNA testing, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. This article is mainly a discussion about the purpose as well as the types of DNA testing during pregnancy...
"Who’s Your Daddy?" Just Got Easier to Answer
With Rite Aid stores rolling out sales of a new, at-home paternity test, answers to an age-old question just got a lot easier to obtain.
Anna Nicole Smith: Paternity Test Ordered by Judge
It has been reported that a Los Angeles judge has ordered a paternity test to determine who is the actual father of Anna Nicole Smith’s three-month old daughter.
Duke Accuser Gives Birth; Judge Orders Paternity Test
The stripper who has accused three Duke lacrosse players of raping her in March gave birth to a child late Thursday night—almost exactly nine months after the alleged rape. Friday a judge ordered paternity testing.


