Home Paternity Test

Samantha wanted to get a divorce from John. She found out that he was cheating on her. She asked John for a divorce and he readily agreed as well. Samantha was pregnant and did not inform John about it. After few months when her baby was born she was worried about his future. She spoke to John about their baby but he refused to accept it. Samantha tried to convince him and gave him enough proof but he was firm on his belief. Finally she spoke to her lawyer who advised her to go for a home paternity test. The DNA paternity testing proved that John was the father of the baby and he had to take the financial responsibility for the baby.

There are various situations when paternity tests are essential. Women with multiple sexual partners may have to go for such test to determine the biological father of the baby. Some people undergo home paternity testing for emotional or financial support, similar to the aforementioned story. Sometimes unmarried couples too have to undergo this test to complete some legal formalities. In various unfortunate events such as rape, or gang rape, paternity tests are conducted as they affect the judgment of the court. The test can also help a mother to know about the medical history that may affect a child in the absence of a father.

Paternity Testing Information

Each human being is born with a unique DNA structure or a code inherited from the parents. In DNA testing, human cells containing DNA are analyzed and compared with each other to check if someone is the parent of the child or not. In such tests, cells of the mother, baby and the suspected father are compared in the laboratory and if the significant similarities are found then they are determined as the parents of the baby. Paternity test can be conducted during or after pregnancy. Conducting home paternity test after the baby is born is quite simple and safe.

In post natal paternity tests blood sample, buccal swabs, tissues, hair, umbilical cord, etc., are used for the test. But paternity test while pregnant is associated with various risks as you need to take the samples from the fetus in the womb that can be threatening to the life of the baby as well the mother. Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling are the two methods to conduct DNA testing during pregnancy. In these methods amniotic fluid and chorionic villi tissues are extracted from the uterus by inserting a thin needle in the abdomen of the mother. Because of the risks involved, prenatal parenting tests are never conducted without the consultation and surveillance of medical experts. But post natal parenting tests can be conducted easily at home.

Home Paternity Testing

As I mentioned earlier, only post natal paternity tests can be conducted at home. There are many companies who have come up with home paternity kits which are very easy to use. All you have to do is rub a cotton swab on the inner side of the cheek of the people involved, that is, mother, baby and the suspected father. Then send the samples to the laboratory and you will get the results within four to six days. Some companies also provide the laboratory services. It means that you have to give the samples to the same company and they will provide you with the results as promised.

The accuracy of a home paternity test has always been debatable and hence it is advisable to go for authentic, reliable, and reputed companies. Before you go for any company make sure that their results can be presented as proof in the court of law. For this you may need to consult your lawyer and find out the judiciary approved companies and laboratories in your state. After a thorough background research you will be able to conduct a safe and legal home paternity test.

Another advantage of a home paternity test is that it is relatively inexpensive. It costs around $200.00. Legal or court approved DNA testing costs are almost double the cost of a home based test. But if you are undergoing home paternity test for the legal purpose then consult your lawyer.