Basic Information About Paternity Testing

IntroductionThe advent of DNA testing was a major scientific breakthrough that helps to solve mysteries that might have never been solved otherwise. The paternity test is one of the more popular types of DNA testing, and while it isn’t used to solved crimes or chart history, it is quite important in the lives of those who need it.

IntroductionThe paternity test helps discover a biological link between a prospective father and a child, and according to the American Pregnancy Association, having definitive proof of that link is very important. It impacts the relationship between a father and child, helps establish a medical history for a child and plays a key role in the financial well being of a child.

Here is some basic information on the different types of paternity testing.

Legal DNA TestA paternity test that is performed for legal reasons is generally carried out for one or more specific reasons. Canadian-based laboratory DNA Force provides these reasons why someone may require legal DNA testing to determine paternity:

– To work out child support payments– To resolve child custody disputes– To get an official birth certificate– To contest an immigration decision– To receive an inheritance– As part of a court order– For tax reasons

Legal DNA TestWith legal DNA testing, a third-party collector such as a nurse must collect the DNA in a certified collection centre, says DNA Force. The test is performed by swabbing the inside of the cheek to collect saliva. Both the father and prospective child have swabs taken and then the samples are sent to a lab for analysis.

Legal DNA TestOnce the testing is complete, a report is issued to the courts or lawyers or whomever ordered the test, as well as to the father and legal guardian of the child. The report clearly states whether or not the man who was tested is the biological father of the child tested.

The Informational TestAn informational paternity test s essentially the same test as the legal version, only with fewer restrictions and rules. The scientific value remains the same, so the test is just as accurate, but you have more options in how you take it.

The Informational TestWith an informational test, you can visit a collection centre and have a nurse swab your mouth, or you can order a home DNA testing kit and take the sample yourself. Since there are no legal ramifications, the need for such tight parameters isn’t quite the same. With the home test, you just order one from a lab, follow the instructions and then mail it back in to get your results.

Prenatal Paternity TestIf the situation dictates that the biological father be known before the baby is born, it is now possible to determine paternity during the pregnancy. A prenatal paternity test is a relatively new type of DNA testing that is valuable to get everything sorted out before the baby arrives.

Prenatal Paternity TestThe common way to test prenatal paternity is to obtain a direct sample from the fetus through amniocentesis. This is typically performed between weeks 15 to 22, but it does come with a risk of miscarriage. Some labs such as DNA Force have developed tests that only require a blood sample from the mother’s arm and swab from the prospective father’s mouth, which results in no threat to the baby at all.

ResultsWhile DNA testing itself is quite complex, the results of paternity testing are very straightforward. Your results will show only one of three potential outcomes: 

•Conformation of Paternity – the probability that the father and child are related must be 99% or higher. •Exclusion of Paternity – the probability that the man is the biological father of the child is 0% with this outcome.•Inconclusive – this is a very rare outcome, where the probability is higher than 0% but lower than 99%. If a child has 1 or 2 genetic mutations, this result may occur.

How to Choose a LabWhen choosing a lab for testing, try not to just seek out the lowest price and take whatever you get. Keep in mind that these test results can alter the course of several lives, and they are extremely important.

How to Choose a LabOpt for a lab that not only meets your budget, but also has a proven track record of accuracy when the test results have been scientifically scrutinized. Make sure they have all the licenses and certifications that are required in your area and have a testing process that makes you feel at ease and comfortable.

AdviceDNAForce is often selected by legal aid services organizations across Canada.

Visit http://www.dnatest.ca/ to book an appointment or view their services.