What is a Paternity Test and Does it Hurt?

Legitimate DNA paternity testing establishes legal proof-of-paternity/non-paternity for a variety of legal applications, including child support and custody cases. The process, though subject to stringent collection standards, is still painless, and relatively simple for all participants.

As an independent party to the case, the appointed collector ensures that each participant is properly identified, officially witnessing the collection of each sample. This individual is responsible for mailing samples directly to the lab—eliminating the possibility of any tampering or contamination by participating parties.

There are only a select group of labs accredited by both the AABB and ISO standards bodies, the organizations responsible for monitoring the legal DNA testing process. The collection process and materials used are subject to strict AABB/ISO guidelines.

Collecting the Proof

The best labs provides the collector with a complete legal DNA collection kit, which includes the following forms and collection materials for each participant:

*Chain-of-custody forms

*Pre-addressed air bill

*Swabs/Envelopes

*Instructions

*Plastic bio-hazard bag

Acceptable identification and documentation includes items such as government-issued photo identification and birth certificates.

The official process is completed in three easy steps:

1) The collector reviews all identification and documentation, and—along with all participants—signs and dates photocopies of each. (Acceptable identification and documentation includes such items as government-issued photo IDs and birth certificates.)

2) Each participant signs (where possible) and dates the completed chain-of-custody form, which the collector certifies with their signature.

3) Sample collection is completed in the collector’s presence, after which test swabs are sealed in their respective envelopes, and—together with the completed documentation—submitted to the lab for testing.

It's that simple.

Client Services representatives should be available to provide assistance with this—or any other—testing process. The goal is to make the entire experience as smooth and painless as possible.

How Does Testing Work?

A reputable genetics laboratory analyzes markers according to the FBI-developed Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for a genetic print; this focus on 13 important genetic signposts is the most reliable paternity test method commercially available.

In addition, some laboratories employ a unique dual-sample testing process that, concurrently examines multiple instances of genetic specimens in-parallel. This method yields extremely high levels of accuracy, with inclusion probabilities regularly exceeding 99.99%.

ABO Blood Type Calculator

ABO blood type calculator can be used to predict possibilities of paternity. The calculator is used to determine either:

1. The ABO blood type of the child when the blood type of the mother and the father are known, or


2. The ABO blood type of the father if the blood type of the mother and the child are known.

ABO blood types can be complicated to understand. This is mostly due to the fact that the 'O-type' antigen is masked by the presence of an A- or B-type antigen.

Time Frame

Home paternity test results are released as early as 3 business days following receipt of viable specimens. Upon test completion, data reporting specialists prepare detailed genetics analyses that can be accessed immediately.

Cutting Edge Technology

Genetic research recently has distinguished itself with an unparalleled combination of rigid scientific discipline and technical excellence. Laboratories with their pool of Ph.D. and M.S. scientists are dedicated to the tireless spirit of innovation. There has been a perpetual drive to innovate and improve the speed, accuracy and comprehensiveness of DNA testing

For a free home DNA testing collection kit or to learn more about home DNA testing visit Genetree.