Did you know that according to a study, 1 out of 25 fathers isn’t the biological father of their child? Paternity DNA tests can help clear up any questions. If you want to learn about paternity tests, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over eight things you should know about a paternity DNA test. You’ll learn about how the test works, how long you will wait, and if you need the mother’s DNA.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Let’s Define a Paternity Test
Each person has a unique genetic fingerprint. Paternity testing is reliable and straightforward because of this fact.
A DNA paternity test will compare the DNA sample from a potential father and a DNA sample from the child. This way, they can determine if the individuals share or don’t share a father and child relationship.
The only exception has to do with mutations. Geneticists take mutations into account when figuring out the probability of paternity. The man that gets tested must match the child’s data.
Want to learn more about DNA? Check out these interesting DNA facts.
2. How Does the Test Get Performed?
DNA for paternity tests will come from a participant’s cheek cells. The cheek cells will get collected with a swab.
The participant will use four swabs, and they put the tip of the swab and rub it on the inside of the cheek.
Swabs will get put in paper envelopes, and the paper container will let organic material on these swabs breathe. It will also prevent potential mold contamination.
If the swab’s too wet, make sure you wave them in the air. This way, they will dry before you put them in the paper envelopes.
In a rare postnatal case, a blood sample will get used for DNA. Cheek swabs tend to be the norm, and DNA collected from the swab is reliable.
The DNA will get taken from the cells of each participant. Then the DNA will get amplified, so it’s a workable sample.
16 STR genetic markers for each participant will get analyzed. The method’s called Short Tandem Repeat Analysis and will capture the genetic information for the markers.
A geneticist calculates the probability the man tested is the biological father.
3. Could You Take a Test at Home?
Sometimes, you can collect the DNA at home. In this case, you would only get the paternity test done for your peace of mind.
If you need a test done for custody or child support, you’ll need a witnessed and legal paternity test.
Order a kit or pick one up at your local drugstore. Once you get the equipment at a store, you’ll pay the retailer. You’ll also pay a separate fee to the lab when you’re ready to test.
You can swab at home and register your kit online. Then, you will send the swab to the lab. When it’s ready, you will get to browse the results online.
4. Legal Paternity Test
For the court, you’ll need the test done by an approved third party.
You should call the lab and ask for a legal test. The lab will make an appointment for you at a DNA-collection facility.
The DNA test kit will get sent to the facility, and participants will show up at a particular time. The DNA collector will go over photos, check IDS, and supervises the collection of DNA.
The collector will then fill out the paperwork and send the samples to the lab. Once it’s ready, the results will get posted to a secure online account, and the results could also get delivered by mail.
Reports don’t tend to get delivered by email.
Sometimes, a test will need to get performed for immigration.
5. How Long Will You Wait?
After the samples arrive, the turnaround time for a test is around two business days. Same-day and one-day results are available, but they tend to cost more.
6. How Do You Interpret the Results?
Accreditation mandates need a lab to use specific legal language in the report. If the man’s the biological father, the report will contain detailed information.
A conclusion statement will say the alleged father isn’t excluded as the biological father. This means that the man’s considered to be the biological father.
Also, a combined paternity index (CPI) needs to get included. The CPI is the odds the man is the father of the child.
7. Find a Reputable Laboratory
Before you choose a DNA paternity test provider, you’ll want to find a reputable lab. Check the accreditation of the laboratory. Look for another laboratory if it doesn’t have any accreditations.
The test should also cover 21 genetic loci. A DNA profile should get provided for each one. Ask for a statistical probability of parentage as well.
8. Will You Need the Mother’s DNA?
You might wonder if you also need the mother’s DNA. It’s not necessary, but if it doesn’t cause issues, consider getting the mother’s DNA.
The results can sometimes be more accurate if the mother gets included. In the event of a gene mutation, having the mother’s DNA is helpful.
Do You Need a Paternity DNA Test Done?
We hope this guide on paternity results was helpful. When searching for a reputable lab, make sure you find out if it’s accredited.
Are you considering getting a paternity DNA test done? You can get a DNA test done by contacting us today.