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How Does a DNA Paternity Test Work, Exactly?

by HOMEDNA on 01/06/2011

A DNA paternity test  is not as complicated to understand as some may think, and understanding how it works may help ease the minds of those who need or want answers . A paternity test can be used to answer questions such as:

  • Is this really my child?
  • Is he the father of my child?
  • Did I find my biological parents?

With the technology available in DNA paternity testing, you can now get answers.

The DNA Collection Process for Paternity Testing

The DNA collection process is simple and easy. Most people know that using a buccal (cheek) swab is how most DNA testing laboratories currently collect samples .This is because it is less invasive than collecting a blood sample.

How does Swabbing your Cheek answer DNA Paternity Questions?

Did you know most DNA is identical from person to person? But there are portions that are unique, like a fingerprint. These unique portions of DNA are used for paternity testing and other types of relationship testing. When you rub the special swabs on the inside of your cheek, you are collecting skin cells that contain that unique genetic profile. These special buccal swabs are not regular cotton swabs. They are made of a special material to help capture the cells needed for testing.

The genetic profile of a child is inherited from both biological parents. Once DNA is extracted from the swabs in our accredited in-house lab and the testing portion is complete, the profile of the alleged father is compared with the profile of the child in question. This determines if the man tested is the biological father.

It’s just that simple! Fortunately, getting answers is affordable too.

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DNA Paternity Test brings Family Together after 23 Years!

by HOMEDNA on 01/03/2011

Sarah Daniels raised her son knowing (so she thought) who her son’s biological Father was. Thefrisky.com reports how Sarah came to find out the truth through Paternity DNA Testing.

The man she believed to be her, now 23 year old, son Danny’s father, left them when the boy was born. A few years ago when she ran into him again, she realized there were no physical similarities between her son and this man she always believed to be his father. Twenty-three years ago DNA Paternity Testing was not an option.

Sarah then remembered another man from her past. Someone she had a short 8 month romance with just before her relationship with the man she thought was Danny’s father. Sarah was 17 years old the last time she saw Roy. Not knowing she was already pregnant, she entered into another relationship right away, and when she did realize she was pregnant she just assumed the new boyfriend was the father. Could a Paternity test help her know the truth?

January 2010 Sarah knocked on Roy’s door with a DNA Test Kit in hand, and full intentions of performing a DNA Paternity Test. Roy did so with no argument. When the Paternity results came back that Roy was in fact her son’s biological father, everyone was ecstatic …and overwhelmed.

Roy admitted still having feelings for Sarah, and today they are engaged to be married. Roy states, ‘Sarah and I are head over heels in love and I’m so proud of my son and the way Sarah has brought him up. I feel like the luckiest man alive.’

What DNA Test is Best for Me?

by HOMEDNA on 12/29/2010

When it comes to determining biological relationships, the type of DNA testing you need depends on two things:

  1. Who is available to participate in the DNA testing process
  2. What question you are trying to answer

If the question is paternity, it’s always best to test the alleged father with the child for paternity results. 

You’re always going to get the most definitive results when the alleged father provides a sample, and we highly recommend talking it through with the alleged father if he is initially unwilling to go through testing.

Biological mothers are recommended for all tests as a safeguard against an inconclusive result. But in some instances it may not be possible to test the alleged father. He may be deceased, in jail, or nowhere to be found.

In his absence, other types of relationship testing can be done to help determine paternity. But keep the following in mind:

Relationship DNA testing that is NOT a straight paternity test is much more expensive, and, depending on who is participating in the testing, results may be inconclusive.

DNA Testing for Grandparents

If a paternity test is not possible, the next best option is to test the child with both of the biological parents of the alleged father (and course the child’s mother). You’ll want to test both grandparents if possible. You can also test the child with one grandparent for a percentage of probability.

DNA Testing for Siblings

If grandparents are not an option either, you can choose to test siblings. This involves testing the child in question with a known child of the alleged father. There are different types of DNA testing for siblings depending on whether or not they are full or half siblings.

DNA Testing for Aunts/Uncles (Avuncular)

Finally, you can test for an aunt/uncle relationship. This involves testing the child with a full sibling of the alleged father.

The Bottom Line

With relationship testing not involving the alleged father, the rule of thumb for optimal results is to have “family reconstruction” testing done wherein testing is conducted with as many close relatives as possible: alleged grandparents, mother, uncles and aunts, etc.

We highly recommend that you call our Client Support Center. A representative will be happy to help you determine the testing that’s right for your unique situation.
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