PATERNITY TESTS: DNA TESTING

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Health )



What Are Paternity Tests?

Paternity tests are used as a means to determine whether an individual is a biological father to another individual. DNA analysis, ABO blood group typing, protein and enzyme analysis, polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism are the tests used to determine paternity. DNA analysis, however, is prevalently used among all paternity tests.

DNA Testing

An individual’s DNA is almost exactly the same. Children of both parents bear a combination of their genetic material from both parents. Comparing a child genetic makeup with his father will determine their paternal relationship. Samples from the child and father’s saliva or blood can be used to compare their DNA and determine paternity for the child.

DNA test will show whether there is one hundred percent proof that a man is not the father of a child or show that there is ninety-nine percent probability that a man is the father of a child. A father can offer child support once parentage is established. An agency for child support can help in the assessment of child support and its collection.

Nuclear DNA is used to determine paternity to a child. Mitochondrial genome DNA, on the other hand, is used to determine maternity to a child. It is much easier to prove maternal relationship. However, the test is limited to determine maternal lineage from common ancestors only.

Private Test

DNA test can be done in private where a general practitioner will get a sample of your blood and your alleged child. However, you need to pay the fees to conduct the test. Persons involved in court proceeding to prove paternity will pay the DNA test through a publicly funded legal service.

Court Directed DNA Tests

DNA tests directed by the court usually require both parents to pay for the test. A clerk of court keeps the details of the tests and its fees.


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