Paternity tests are intended to help family members verify biological relationships between alleged fathers and their potential children. Taking a test is usually an effortless process, but it can get a little tricky if the alleged father is deceased and not available to participate in paternity testing.
If you search the internet for answers about paternity tests when the alleged father is not available, you may come across information about using ‘special specimens’ in place of the alleged father’s cheek-swab sample. This is possible, however, it can be somewhat expensive, and there are no guarantees that a DNA profile can be extracted, therefore causing an inconclusive result.
What is a special specimen in paternity testing?
Special specimens are sometimes used in a paternity test in place of a cheek-swab sample that cannot be obtained from a participant. Special specimens are considered anything (other than a specialized cheek swab) which is used to extract DNA for paternity testing. Examples of this can be hair (with root attached), toothbrush, regular cotton swabs, or tissue samples of any kind.
IDENTIGENE does require consent for testing any DNA sample. If the alleged father is deceased, special specimens can be used with consent from the next of kin or someone with power of attorney. If the special specimen comes from someone under the age of 18, there must be legal-guardian consent. Keep in mind there is an additional cost to test special specimens due to the extra processes they go through.
When would you use special specimens in paternity testing?
Special specimens may be used in paternity testing; however, your IDENTIGENE client support specialist will assist in determining if other relationship tests, such as grandparent DNA tests or sibling DNA tests, would work as an alternative. If there is a relative of the alleged father who can be tested as a replacement, that may be a better option. This is because of the cost involved with special specimens, and there is no guarantee we will be able to extract enough DNA for paternity test results to be conclusive. However, if it is the only option, our team of expert scientists and laboratory technicians will do everything they can to get the answers you seek.
Please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363 if you have additional questions about special-specimen testing.
Vincent E Murry Jr says
Is it possible to use a baby’s pasifier or soiled diapers to determine the paternity. This is because the baby is not here now for hair or any other samples and the mother would likely not consent to this test.
Admin says
Hi, Vincent. Although we use alternative specimens for testing under very special circumstances, the situation you described is not one of them. Cheek cells are the best types of DNA samples for this type of testing. Swabbing is quick, painless and easy. You didn’t mention what relationship you have with the child in question. Are you a possible father or grandfather? It’s too bad the mother is not likely to consent, but we always highly recommend that everyone be honest with each other in these types of situations. If the child is a minor, we cannot conduct testing without the written consent of their legal guardian. Hope this helps answer your question!
Daniel says
in my situation, the mother has not been honest and moved 7 hours away with their family. THeir family also was personal connection to legal system and my legal battle was shut down in this small town. I want to know my daughter. Is there any service that i can be referred to test a specimen… likely a diaper. I want peace and have none. thank you. Any advice is much appreciated. Private service practitioners etc…
Dan
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Dan. I suggest you give our parent company DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) a call and our experts can help you best determine your options: 800-681-7162.
jennifer says
After brushing your teeth it is common to rinse it with water to remove excess toothpaste, etc. Can dna still be pulled off the toothbrush even if it is rinsed clean after brushing?
Admin says
Hi, Jennifer. DNA can remain behind on the toothbrush, yes. Keep in mind that most accredited DNA testing labs require a cheek-swab sample since lab robots are set up to extract DNA from swabs and not from other objects. To extract from something else like a toothbrush costs hundreds of dollars, if it’s even allowed as an option by the lab.
Sharon says
My son in his father has passed away,I do have some of my son’s hair,His father family is willing to give me a sample from them,should I get a swab from his fathers side or a piece of the hair from his fathers side???
Identigene says
Hi, Sharon. I’m sorry about your son’s father. It may cost less to test your son with you and members of his father’s family, such as his grandparents or an uncle. Is that possible? I suggest you contact us directly at 888-404-4363 to consult and see what your options are.
Ariel says
Hello, I found my ex cheating on me when my son was few month old. My son now is 10 years old. I would like to do a DNA but I don’t want my son or my ex to know about it. What will be the better way to do it?
Identigene says
Hi, Ariel. We need DNA from your son in order to do any kind of relationship testing for him. We also need, if not your ex’s sample, then your sample along with samples from a close relative of your ex’s, such as one or both of his parents. This is probably not what you want to hear, but it is what is required for testing. So I hope it helps clarify, at least. Good luck!
Sandra says
Hi there how do they conduct paternity testing on a 19 week baby in womb which was miscarried?
Identigene says
Hi, Sandra. Identigene’s parent company, DDC, does this type of testing. The sample from the 19-week-old fetus is a tissue sample; the one from the mother is a cheek swab; and the one from the possible father is also a cheek swab.
SHAFIQ says
I WANT TO CHECK THE PATERNITY OF MY SON. I AM ABLE TO ROVIDE YOU WITH CHEECK SWAB FROM MY GRAND SON AND MY OWNSELF. WILL THIS DETERMINE THE PATERNITY OF MY SON.
Identigene says
Hi, Shafiq. Yes, however the lab fee is higher than a normal paternity test, due to the more extensive analysis required. It is also best if the mother of the child can also test as well as the mother of your son. If the child is a minor, you would need permission from a legal guardian. Please call us at 800-344-9583 for a confidential consultation and to set up the test if you decide to go forward.
John says
I just took my daughter used diapers to do our DNA because her mother is refusing to bring her for the DNA, is it possible to use it
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, John. No; diapers aren’t a viable sample type for paternity testing. Sorry!
Maria says
Can a pad be used to establish paternity?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Maria. A pad?
David says
I want to determine if my daughter is actually mine. I don’t want her to know I am asking. She has a young son that skinned his knee. Not much of a wound, but I have the bandage and it has some blood on it. Very recent. ` Can this be used to determine if his mother is my daughter? I can also get a tooth brush or tongue brush from her mother (long time relationship).
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, David. Since the child is a minor, any testing would require the consent of the child’s legal guardian.