DNA and Paternity Testing: What You Need to Know
In order to determine the true father of a child it is necessary to have a paternity test performed. This may seem like a scary and complicated process but it really isn’t. As with all things it is best to be educated when going into such a situation. Knowing what to expect can take the fear out of the situation.
Paternity tests verified through matching DNA. Each person has a unique genetic pattern that belongs only to them. In determining a child’s father DNA is taken from the mother, the child and the prospective father and then compared. The child should have a combination of the mother and father’s DNA patterns. There is a 99.9% accuracy rate with a DNA test. This means that the results are always right.
DNA testing can be performed while the baby is in the womb or after they are born. Testing while in utero contains a minimal risk to the unborn child and involves an invasive procedure. If the test is performed after birth then a simple swab of the inside of their cheek will suffice for a test sample. If necessary, tissue or blood samples can be used for the paternity test. If you do not want to have the test conducted in a doctor’s office there are home test available. These tests involve a simple swabbing of the inside of each members cheek and then the swabs are placed into sterile packaging and shipped to a private lab. The length of time it takes for the results depends solely on the location and speed of the lab. This can take three to five days unless they offer a rush service.
If there is uncertainty as to a child’s father then it is best to get a DNA test done. This allows for clarity in regards to financial and legal issues that arise when the father of a child is unknown. The results are also important for the child to know the medical history of their family. This may help them in the future if they were to become sick and there is a need to determine what type of illnesses they are prone to.
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