subject: Information About Dna Paternity Testing [print this page] Information about DNA paternity testing Information about DNA paternity testing
DNA paternity testing is accurate and extremely reliable and other means of paternity testing such as blood group comparison have become out-dated and are no longer used. Paternity tests can be used for both legal and peace of mind purposes, each being equally accurate in terms of the result.
How is the paternity test carried out?
Paternity testing always involves the putative father, the child (or children) and, though not indispensable to the test, it is strongly recommended to include the mother if she is available. Paternity testscan be done without the mothers samples and these are referred to as motherless tests. Including the samples of the mother will provide a stronger result.
DNA samples can be taken by means of a mouth swab (which looks very similar to a long cotton swab with a single end for swabbing). Rubbing these on the inside of the mouth will collect exfoliated buccal cells which can then be used to isolate the DNA necessary for the test by rupturing the cell.
The process is of course for more complex in terms of laboratory analysis but once the DNA has been isolated, the genetic scientists will analyze very specific genetic markers (locations on a gene) which are known as genetic loci. The laws of heredity are clear: a child inherits 50% of their genes from their mother and 50% of their genes from their father. For a child to be included as the biological father of the child, the alleged father and the tested child must share the same genetic markers. The number of markers tested varies from laboratory to laboratory although the optimal number of markers to have reliable results has been found to be 16.
What other samples can I use for my paternity test?
There is a range of DNA samples that can be used for the paternal test. Different samples however, have a different success rate which means that, in terms of laboratory analysis, scientists are more likely to successfully extract the DNA from some samples than from others. Here are some examples of high and low success rate samples:
-Blood taken by medical blood draw- 99% success rate
The easiest sample to collect and that gives consistently high results is the saliva sample. Other samples are usually used only in cases where the father cannot for some reason take part in the test. Medical blood draws, although having a very high success rate, are strongly discouraged because of the discomfort they may cause, the added cost and problems with sending these via post.
Paternity testing is very straightforward; if the tested father is the biological father of the child that paternity test result will show an inclusion of paternity of 99,99% or higher. Conversely, if the alleged father is not the biological father, the inclusion rate will be of 0%.
