Technologically Advanced Paternity Tests

Legally-binding accuracy

The technology used to profile DNA tissue samples for paternity tests has advanced considerably over the last twenty-five years. Today, tissue samples are taken using a non-invasive, painless procedure (usually a cheek swab). The accuracy of reporting has gone from an inadequate 80% probability in the 1980s to 99.9% probability, today.

Previous testing procedures, dating from the early 1920s to the 1980s, involved comparing genetic traits, such as blood type, eye color, and ear lobes, to determine if there was any probability of a biological relationship. Obviously, results varied widely. Labs released findings with a probability range of 30% to 80% accuracy.

Today, laboratories are able to profile the DNA of a child against the DNA profile of the mother and alleged father. DNA profiling is virtually 100% accurate when proving the alleged father does not have a biological relationship to the child. Similarly, DNA profiling has a 99.9% or higher probability when determining if the alleged father is the biological parent. DNA paternity testing has become so precise that the results are uncontestable in a court of law.

A legal DNA paternity test follows the Chain of Custody procedureand is used to conclusively prove or disprove a biological relationship between a child and an alleged father. If you think you might require the results of a DNA paternity test for legal purposes now or in the future, do not use a home-test kit.

There are several reasons why DNA paternity testing may be necessary. The reasons you are seeking a legal paternity test may also affect the lab you choose. Some labs specialize in issues like immigration, inheritance or child support. Take some time when choosing your laboratory t o ensure that your results are legally binding in court.

It is important to choose an accredited laboratory, but keep in mind that this does not mean that your results will be admissible in court. You must follow the Chain of Custody protocol for the results to be admissible. Make sure the laboratory you choose is familiar with and utilizes the Chain of Custody protocol.

You will require two things to make your DNA paternity test results admissible in a court of law:

· An accredited laboratory

· Chain of Custody documentation