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Paternity Testing
You don't have to wait nine months to know about the paternity of a child. Due to the advances in DNA technology, prenatal DNA paternity testing can be done before the baby is born. DNA is set at conception and can be compared with the DNA of an alleged father to legally establish parentage.
One of the most reliable organizations for DNA Parentage Testing is the DNA Diagnostics Center, a private DNA paternity testing laboratory. To contact the center, call 1-800-362-2368.
Commonly asked questions
What is DNA Parentage Testing?
DNA Parentage Testing is the most reliable and powerful method of proving or disproving parentage. It conclusively answers difficult questions, resolves disputes, helps streamline court proceedings and facilitates pretrial settlements.
Testing is based on a highly accurate analysis of the genetic profiles of the mother, child, and alleged father. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the unique genetic blueprint within each nucleated cell in the body, determines a person's genetic pattern and individual characteristics. A child inherits half of this DNA pattern from the mother and half from the father. If the mother's and child's patterns are known, the father's can be deduced with virtual certainty.
When can testing be performed?
There are no age restrictions because DNA makeup is set at conception. Testing is possible even before birth, and newborns can be tested safely at delivery using umbilical cord blood. Samples can be taken from persons of any age, even post-mortem.
What types of samples are needed?
The prenatal sample is taken from the mother by one of two procedures: a chorionic villi sample (CVS) or an amniocentesis. Blood or mouth swab samples are needed from the mother and alleged father to complete the analysis.
Who collects the sample?
The CVS or amniotic fluid will be collected by an OB/GYN. The blood or mouth swab samples from the mother and alleged father can be collected at the OB/GYN's office or at a local laboratory or hospital.
How does the testing process work?
DNA is extracted from a few drops of blood, cheek cells, or cultured cells. Enzymes are used to cut the DNA sample into fragments, which are then placed into a gel matrix. An electric current drives the fragments across the gel-the smallest fragments move the farthest while the largest move the least distance. The separated DNA fragments are transferred to a nylon membrane, which is exposed to a labeled DNA probe, a short piece of customized DNA that recognizes and binds to a unique segment of the tested person's DNA. This nylon membrane is placed against a film, which, when developed, reveals black bands where the probes bound to the DNA. The visible band pattern of the child is unique-half matches the mother and half matches the father.
This process is repeated several times with each probe identifying a different area in the DNA and producing a distinct pattern. Using several probes, greater than 99.99% certainty about parentage can be achieved.
How long does it take to get results?
Results can be available within 5 to 14 business days.
Did you know…?
- A doctor's order or a court order is not required to have a DNA test.
- Testing can be coordinated with parties living in different states or countries.
- Mouth swabs and blood samples have the same DNA-both are equally accurate.
- Accurate paternity testing can be performed when the mother is not available.
Courtesy of the DNA Diagnostics Center, 1-800-DNA-CENTER
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