Paternity Testing Archives - Page 46 of 68

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:

Who is available to participate in the DNA testing process
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.

DNA Testing Confirms Twins with Different Fathers?

by HOMEDNA on 12/28/2010

Have you ever heard the term Heteropaternal Superfecundation? No, it’s not a funny saying from Mary Poppins. It’s the technical term used when twins have different biological fathers. This is a rare occurrence that can only be verified with a Paternity Test. Some believe this is a one in a million chance.

MSN reports on one family from Texas that experienced this first-hand. A woman gave birth to fraternal twins with different biological fathers. This was verified after conducting DNA testing with paternity results. A Paternity test was performed after suspicions grew as a result of the twins not looking anything alike. Although many twins look nothing alike, one father decided to verify paternity. Paternity results verified the twins did indeed have different biological fathers. How does this happen? How is it possible? MSN explains how this occurs.

Every month a woman’s ovary releases one egg, and in rare cases the ovary releases two. Sperm can live up to 5 days in the reproductive tract of a female. The egg is viable for 12-48 hours before it starts to disintegrate. This gives a 4-5 day period in which two different men can fertilize one egg each. Paternity results (DNA Testing) is the only way to know for sure if this has happened, and indeed it did in this case.

Sorenson Genomics celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

by HOMEDNA on 12/21/2010

It’s the 10-year anniversary of Sorenson Genomics. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sorenson Genomics has played a central role in boosting the public profile of genetic testing from unknown to superstar status.

Sorenson Genomics DNA-testing History

Sorenson Genomics launched its Genetic Genealogy Testing in November of 2000. This was only the beginning for this up-and-coming company.
In 2001 they purchased GeneTree, which was the first company to provide direct-to-consumer DNA testing.
In 2002, Sorenson Genomics introduced Relative Genetics, for direct-to-consumer Genetic Ancestry Testing.
In 2006 Sorenson Genomics brought on Sorenson Forensics. An experienced forensics team to support law enforcement efforts.

Sorenson Genonics DNA-testing Today

In 2007, IDENTIGENE, a brand purchased by Sorenson Genomics, launched the first over-the-counter paternity testing kit. The kits are now carried in stores all over the country including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walmart. The at-home DNA paternity kits are a way to conduct DNA paternity tests for relationship testing in the convenience of your own home. It’s easy to use, and the trust that comes from being a reputable company combined with confidential testing has launched Sorenson Genomics into the public eye.

Sorenson Genomics offers best in class DNA testing, and with experienced leaders, the company is excited for more innovations over the next decade.”

Nationally and Internationally Accredited.