About Paternity Tests

The science is simple

DNA paternity testing can seem complex and very difficult to understand if one focuses too much on the scientific jargon. Fortunately, the biology and chemistry necessary to determine the father of a child is left to experts.

Today, most paternity testing involves taking tissue samples from the inside of the cheek of the mother, the child and the alleged father. The tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis and the genetic fingerprint, or genome, of each sample is compared, to determine if there is a significant biological match.

Every one of us has our own unique genetic profile, which is made up of millions upon millions of cells. Each cell has 46 identical chromosomes that make up 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of this genetic material is inherited from the mother, the other half from the father. Once the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) chromosomes of the child are profiled alongside those of the mother and father, parenthood can be determined.

The Tests Don’t Lie

The days of merely comparing blood types or multi-traits, such as eye color and ear lobes, between Mum, Pa and Junior are gone. The results of multi-trait tests were not very accurate: these tests could only exclude up to 80% of the male population from being the possible father of the child. Obviously, this meant that 20 men out of every 100 tested could potentially be the biological father.

Today, however, test results can provide an astounding 99.9% probability of paternity, depending upon which type of test you choose and what your personal reasons are for testing.

There are many reasons why accurate testing and reporting has become essential:

· stronger child support laws

· the continued and recent developments in paternity legal issues

· tight immigration laws

· increased media awareness

· a renewed sexual revolution

· the evolution of parent support groups and movements

If you educate yourself a little (reading this website will help), you will know what to expect during a DNA paternity test, how to read the report, and how to acquire a legally binding DNA paternity test and report. If you choose carefully, you should feel confident that the results you receive are accurate, confidential, and appropriate for your needs.