Accuracy Archives - Page 2 of 2

Define: “Paternity Testing”

by HOMEDNA on 07/26/2011

Many people are aware that paternity testing is available, but may be unsure what this means precisely. How would paternity testing be defined and explained?

Define Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is defined as a test, particularly of DNA or genetic traits, to determine if a given man can be excluded as the biological father of a given child. If the tested man cannot be excluded, a probability of paternity is issued. If there are at least three genetic markers that are not shared between the child and the tested man, a paternity test can exclude someone from being the biological father with a 0% probability of paternity.

If no mismatches are found between the alleged father and the child, then this man cannot be excluded as the biological father. A probability of paternity of 99% or higher is considered as evidence supporting a child/parent relationship. The probability of paternity is reported on the paternity test results that are released to the participants.

Steps to a Paternity Test Result

There are three phases the submitted buccal (cheek) swab samples go through during paternity testing.

The first step is the extraction phase, in which the DNA is extracted from the swab. In this stage the sample swabs are ‘cleaned’ and the DNA is isolated for testing.
In the second phase, specific pieces (or markers) of the DNA are amplified, which means it is copied many, many times. These markers are then analyzed and a genetic profile is generated.
In the final phase, the profiles of all participants in the case are then compared to one another in order to make a conclusion regarding the questioned paternity, and the results are reported to the participants.

Although a paternity test does take longer in “real life” than what you see on popular crime shows, you can rest assured that the results are accurate when all phases of the test are performed correctly.

Why Include the Biological Mother in Paternity Testing?

Many people wonder why we ask for the biological mother of the child to participate in a paternity test. Here are three common reasons:

Including the biological mother of the child helps bring the probability of paternity to its highest percentage or helps to exclude a falsely-accused man from paternity. We can verify which markers of the child’s genetic profile came from the mother so that we can compare what is left to the potential father’s.
In cases where there are only one or two exclusionary genetic markers, including the mother’s sample will often reveal additional exclusionary markers. Also in cases in which the probability of paternity is less than 99% (inconclusive), the mother’s sample will help to distinguish specifically which markers are shared by the tested man and the child, which often increases the probability of paternity to over 99%.
The mother’s sample is also crucial to include in cases in which there are two alleged fathers who are related to one another (brothers or father and son). Often a related man to the actual biological father will have a finding of ‘not excluded’ as the father of a child simply because he is related as the uncle (or other first degree relative). Think about your own uncle or grandfather. You most likely share physical traits in common with your uncle because you are related to one another. Including the biological mother in these cases is of utmost importance in order to exclude the related alleged father.

This is why we strongly recommend including mom in paternity testing and all of the other DNA relationship testing that we offer.

For questions about your particular situation, feel free to contact our Client Support Team at 888-404-4363 during business hours. You may also find answers 24/7 in our online Help Center.

5 Ways DNA Testing can answer Relationship Questions

by HOMEDNA on 07/18/2011

1. Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is a DNA comparison between the alleged father, child, and child’s mother (if she’s available). A paternity test is the best option if paternity is ever in question. Including the biological mother in paternity testing aids in getting the probability of paternity to its highest calculation.

2. Grandparent DNA test

Sometimes the alleged father is not available for a paternity test, and other family members want questions of a biological relationship answered. Grandparent DNA testing involves the child and the biological parents of the alleged father. The Grandparent DNA test may offer a probability of a biological relationship. Its always best to test both of the biological parents of the alleged father with the child; however, if only one is available there is the option of a single-grandparent DNA test. As with all of our DNA relationship tests, including the biological mother of the child is always best.

3. Sibling DNA test

Again, if the possible father is not available for paternity testing for any reason you have an option of a sibling DNA test. If there are known biological children of the possible fathers, the child in question can complete a DNA test with that known child to determine a probability of a biological relationship. Including the biological mother(s) of both children being tested is highly recommended.

4. Avuncular DNA test

Avuncular DNA testing is available for children to test their DNA against the DNA of a full sibling of the alleged father. A full sibling of the alleged father (they share both parents in common)and the child can test for a probability of an aunt/uncle biological relationship. Keep in mind they must be a full sibling in order to get conclusive results: they cannot be half siblings (meaning they only have one parent in common).

5. Prenatal paternity testing

Sometimes parents want to prove paternity before the child is born. This can be done between 10-21 weeks of pregnancy. Collecting DNA samples for the child is done through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). The mother’s physician would need to determine if the mother and child are healthy enough to undergo either of these procedures due to the risks involved. Many doctors will not perform a CVS or amniocentesis for paternity testing alone.

For questions about your particular situation, feel free to contact our Client Support Team at 888-404-4363 during business hours. You can also visit our online Help Center 24/7.

Choosing the Right DNA Paternity Test Laboratory

by HOMEDNA on 01/10/2011

When you get to the point when a paternity test is necessary, you want to make sure you are choosing the right laboratory. The DNA Testing laboratory becomes your confidant in what could be a very difficult time in your life, and so this decision is crucial.

When you decide that a DNA paternity test is needed, what questions should you ask before choosing the right paternity testing laboratory? Articlesbase.com helps direct you in the right direction.

Here are some important questions you should ask when deciding on which DNA testing laboratory to use:

1. How many markers do you test and report on paternity results?

When performing a DNA test the number of markers is important because it helps with the accuracy of the paternity results. A minimum of 15 markers is the usual standard, and produces probability of a biological relationship to 99.99% or higher. The IDENTIGENE DNA Testing Center does test 15 markers, and also the Amelogenin, which reports the sex of each participant.

2. Is the paternity test laboratory accredited?

If the DNA testing laboratory is AABB accredited, this tells you they follow strict guidelines to ensure the highest quality paternity results. The AABB puts each of its DNA-test laboratories under a stringent audit to verify these standards and guidelines are adhered to. The IDENTIGENE DNA Testing Laboratory is accredited with the AABB and also maintains an ISO 17025 accreditation.

3. What is the total fee for paternity testing?

There are DNA paternity testing companies out there that advertise the lowest possible price for paternity testing, which seems like a great deal. However, after the additional costs for shipping, including the biological Mother in the testing, and even a fee for releasing results, it may not be such a great deal after all. Verify what the total cost is for the paternity testing and what it includes. Verify Mom can participate in the DNA testing process at no additional cost, which is what IDENTIGENE does. In a small percentage of cases, the biological mother in a paternity test can help make results more conclusive.

4. What is the turnaround time for the paternity testing?

Even with ever-improving advances in DNA Paternity testing sciences and technology, the testing process can still take time. IDENTIGENE offers results in just two (2) business days once samples are received at the lab. You can also select 1-day and even same-day results for an additional price.

Other Information to consider when Choosing a DNA Testing Laboratory

You may also want to review where the paternity testing laboratory stands with the BBB, and read reviews from other customers. The internet is a great resource to see what people are saying about any particular DNA test laboratory.

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