DNA Testing

In today’s scientifically and technologically advanced world, paternity testing has risen to match the advanced discoveries of modern science by relying on DNA testing. After the importance of DNA was finally realized, a DNA test could prove, without a doubt, that a person is innocent or guilty of a crime, for example, or that a man is the father of a child.

What is DNA?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are cells found in the body that contain hereditary information from both parents but is unique to each person. DNA is usually found in the cell nucleus but is also found in the mitochondria. DNA stores information and is comprised of four chemical bases called A (adenine), G (guanine), C (cytosine) and T (thymine). The chemical bases’ sequence is how way the body builds its cells.

The bases also form pairs, which get attached to a phosphate and sugar molecule to form a nucleotide. These nucleotides take the visual form of a double helix and give DNA its signature shape. DNA is found in blood, tissue, bodily fluids and hair, to name the most obvious sources, making it easy to obtain a sample if necessary.

You Can Trust DNA Test Results

DNA testing for paternity is accurate and its results can be trusted to be correct. The accuracy percentage for DNA paternity testing is 99.99 percent, meaning human error will likely be the culprit should the test prove incorrect. This is why it’s important, when undergoing a paternity test, research and make sure the DNA test lab you’re sending the samples to is not only reputable but is AABB accredited.

A DNA test for paternity simply analyzes a sample of the child’s DNA and compares it to the potential father to determine whether the man’s DNA is indeed present in the child’s. If the man fathered the child, his DNA will match up, in part, to the child’s DNA sample.

Types of DNA Testing

In general, DNA testing is performed after the child is born, which makes it less invasive and safer for the baby and the mother. Prenatal DNA tests for paternity can be performed via amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling). Both methods must be performed by a doctor and both option should be discussed because they can threaten the baby.

CVS can be performed early in the pregnancy and is done by inserting a thin needle through the vagina up to the uterine wall to obtain samples of the chorionic villi, which contain DNA from the baby. Later in pregnancy, amniocentesis can be done by putting a large needle into the stomach to withdraw amniotic fluid for testing. This method, however, has been known to cause miscarriages.

Otherwise, DNA samples can be taken from the umbilical cord at birth or via a cheek swab later on. It’s also possible, if the child is older, to take a non-standard DNA sample, such as a toothbrush, so that the child isn’t aware of the paternity test.

DNA testing has come a long way and can help dispel any doubts as to the paternity of your child.

Website:paternitytest.com/dna-testing/