Paternity suspicions have been one of the concerns among divorcing or divorced parents for a long time. For several years, these suspicions were never clarified. In most cases, the conclusions were drawn based on physical similarities. However, today, these suspicions are answered through DNA paternity testing. DNA testing helps establish the biological relationship between the child and a suspected father and instills a sense of identity in the child. Although DNA testing has been around for several years now, there are several questions surrounding its effectiveness and benefits. This post aims to answer all important questions surrounding DNA paternity testing and its importance.
A Quick Overview of DNA Paternity Testing Offered
The following pointers will help you understand the importance of DNA paternity testing.
- DNA: This stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a type of genetic material present in the cells in our body. There are more than 100 trillion cells in our body that perform different functions such as stimulating our hair growth to carrying oxygen to the heart to reproduction, and so on. It can be rightly said that every cell in your body right from hair follicles to skin to saliva serves as an important source of DNA.
The genetic information is the same in all cells, and almost 99.9% of humans have identical DNA. The one percent difference is what makes us different individuals. This one percent DNA determines your skin color, eyes, hair color, and also exposes you to the risk of diseases. - DNA Samples for Testing: As said earlier, all cells in the body can be treated as a sample source for testing. The paternity testing is performed on a clean sample else the results may alter. Generally, the buccal swab taken from the cheek is tested for DNA. This is because the cheek interiors are a good source of DNA cells. The swab or Q tip is rotated and firmly rubbed between cheeks to collect the cells. Sometimes, hair follicles and blood samples are also taken for testing. The samples taken from a child and father are matched in the lab to confirm the alleged paternity.
- DNA Paternity Testing Process: This is a comprehensive, yet regulated process, which involves several stages of sample preparation and testing. The collected cells are broken and cell parts that are not needed for testing are separated from it using robotics. The required cells are then transferred to tiny nanobeads made of silica. Here again, another set of separation takes place, where the required cell parts stick to beads and non-important parts are washed away. The DNA is removed from beads and the pure DNA is collected by the robot.
The pure DNA sample is then transferred to a special primer-based solution where the copying process begins. Here several copies of the tiny DNA fragments are created and observed under a genetic analyzer. The entire process produces 16 to 18 copies of genetic systems to make a DNA profile. Of these 15-17 markers are usually used for paternity testing, while one marker is useful for gender marking. - Reasons for DNA Paternity Testing: Most people undertake this type of testing for legal reasons and to identify genetic conditions that may have an impact on health in the long term.
- Types of DNA Paternity Testing: There are several types of DNA paternity testing and the following are a few prominent ones.
- Legal DNA Paternity Testing: This type of DNA testing is also known as chain-of-custody testing and it is often ordered by the court. This testing service helps establish a biological relationship between a child and father and the results are used for child support, birth certificate, SSN, and other legal reasons.
- Non-invasive Prenatal DNA Paternity Testing: This type of testing is conducted on an expectant mother, where her blood sample is taken for testing. It poses no risk to the unborn child, as no needles are used on the fetus.
- Home Paternity Testing: This type of testing is usually performed at home using test kits, and it has no legal validity. Often home paternity testing is conducted for personal satisfaction.
- Reporting of DNA Paternity Testing: Any child’s DNA profile comprises half markers of father’s and mother’s DNA. If the markers of the alleged father don’t match with the child, then the results are negative and no biological relationship can be established between them.
By now you may have realized why DNA paternity testing is important and how it can become a turning point of relationships. Having known this, you perhaps understand the importance of partnering with an experienced DNA testing services provider in the US. MedWay Onsite Health Services (OHS) provides onsite DNA paternity testing services in the USA. We have helped several people resolve their identity-related suspicions amicably and build stronger relationships than earlier. In addition to this, we also provide drug testing services, which have played a pivotal role in resolving several complex custody cases. If you are still skeptical about the relevance of these tests, all you have to do is get in touch with our experts. They will guide you through all the phases of testing and help you understand how the tests can change your lives for the better.
