Did you know that there are almost 300,000 paternity tests performed every single year? Despite the number of paternity tests performed, you may still be wondering: how accurate are paternity tests?
What is a Paternity Test?
First of all, a paternity test is often considered the “gold standard” when it comes to the legal and scientific communities. That’s because it is one of the best ways to determine the real relationship between a child and its potential father. As a matter of fact, paternity tests are widely accepted by the court system in both the United States and the rest of the world.
Everyone has a unique genetic footprint. In fact, it’s your DNA sample that makes you statistically unique. Since a child receives half of thier DNA from thier mother and the other half form thier father, paternity tests compare the DNA of a child to the alleged father to see if they are a match.
To do so, the laboratory must obtrain a DNA sample from each party in order to do the comparison. While genetic mutations can complicate the interpretation of results, they are rare, and easily resolved by the certifying scientist.
For an Inclusion (You are the father) paternity test result, one half of the child’s DNA must match the alleged father’s DNA. If it is a match, then the male in question is scientifically and legally determined to be the biological father of the child. When it is determined that the man is the father, then the results will be greater than 99.9%. Keep in mind that you cannot get a 100%. Remember, 100% literally means “All”, thus a 100% result would mean that we tested EVERY man on the planet. So, with that in mind, when we only test ONE and are able to get a greater than 99.9% probability, well, it just doesn’t get any better than that. And, our legal DNA test results are admissible in all 50 states.
How Does a Paternity Test Work?
First, for legal DNA testing, the collections must be done by a neutral third party. We will find and coordinate the local collection site for you. The parties to be tested can go to the same site, at the same or can even go in different cities/states or countries. Just keep in mind that the testing cannot begin until all samples have been received in the lab.
How Are DNA Swabs Tested at the Lab?
When your DNA samples are sent to the lab, a scientist looks at all of the DNA that has been extracted from your buccal swab. Then, these DNA cells are amplified to make the scientist’s analysis process easier.
Multiple genetic markers are identified from each DNA paternity test participant. This method is often known as a “Short Tandem Repeat Analysis,” or STR. It is meant to identify the DNA information from every genetic marker.
Next, the Scientist compares the data to determine the probability of paternity. If the individual is determined to be the father then the results will be greater than 99.9%. Otherwise, they will be excluded and the results will be -0-%.
When it’s all said and done, the entire process is as simple as that!
Simply contact our team of professionals to ask more questions today!