Nearly 300,000 paternity tests are performed in the United States every year.
Paternity DNA tests are becoming an increasingly popular way to find out if a man is the father of a child.
They can be used in cases where there is some doubt about who the biological parent might be, or when someone wants to pursue custody rights. Here are five facts you need to know about paternity DNA tests.
1. What Paternity DNA Tests Will Not Tell You
There are some things that a paternity test cannot tell you. For example, it cannot inform you about the ancestry of the participants in the test. It also will not be able to tell you their age or their race.
2. Paternity Tests are Very Accurate
A paternity dna test tends to be very accurate. This is because it compares the DNA of the child to the potential father.
The paternity test result will be either yes or no for paternity, so there can be no margin of error.
3. You Can Have a Paternity Test While Pregnant
Paternity tests can be performed while you are pregnant. It will involve extracting DNA samples from the fetus and the alleged father.
In this case, the testing does not require a buccal swab but instead relies on blood tests to obtain DNA samples.
4. The Results are Quick
After the possible father and child’s DNA samples have been obtained, they are sent to the appropriate lab for analysis.
The wait time varies depending on which state you live in and where your sample is being analyzed. However, most tests results are provided within two weeks of submission or even less.
5. How the Test Is Done
There are two main types of paternity DNA tests that can be done. They are cheek swabbing or blood tests.
Cheek Swabs
The mother and possible father will be taken to a different room for samples. The DNA samples are usually obtained by swabbing each person’s mouth with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Then, it sits in a solution overnight so that cell division can take place. The samples are then sent to the DNA testing lab where technicians will compare them for similarities.
Blood Samples
A blood DNA test for paternity is a type of paternity test that does not require a swab but instead relies on blood tests to obtain DNA samples from the fetus or infant and the alleged father.
In this case, one of two types of blood samples will be taken. If the mother’s blood is tested then it should be done before 12 weeks gestation because at this point her DNA will most likely still be present in the baby’s system through placental circulation.
If it is not possible to test the mother’s blood then prenatal testing can be used which examines fetal cells found in maternal blood circulating in maternal body fluids.
Get Tested
Paternity DNA tests are not something you should hesitate to have done. The results are very accurate and will help to clear up any confusion about the paternity of a child.
The tests are easy to do and you can get the results quickly. If you would like more tips, please visit the relationship section of the website.
