Paternity Testing
A paternity test works by comparing a child’s DNA profile with that of an alleged father (and often the mother as well). Because a child inherits half of his or her DNA from each biological parent, such a comparison reveals whether the child could have inherited DNA from the alleged father. When individuals are biologically related as parent and child, their DNA profiles show predictable patterns.
Why you should have a paternity test done?
Establishing paternity means being declared the legal father after the
child is born. If the parents of a child were not married when the
mother became pregnant or when the child was born, the child does
not have a legal father until paternity is established.
Establishing paternity is important for both the child and the parents.
A child is entitled to the sense of belonging and identity that comes
from knowing both parents. Establishing paternity often has an
important emotional and psychological benefit for the child.
Until there is a determination that a biological father is the legal father,
the child has no right to receive financial support from the father, to
inherit from the father or to obtain insurance, veterans’, social security
or other benefits through the father.
Likewise, until paternity is legally established, the biological father has
no legal rights to the child, such as parenting time with the child, or
participation in major decisions about the child, such as medical
treatment, education or religious training.
Additionally, genetic diseases are inherited, thus knowing your
biological ancestry can be useful in proactive care and transplantation.
Paternity laws tend to vary from state to state. Click here for individual
state laws.
Fast, Easy and Painless Sample Collection
Collecting samples for DNA analysis is an easy and painless process
that can be performed in the privacy of your own home, or at a sample
collection site, if a court admissible test is required. A sterile swab,
similiar to a Q-tip is rubbed on the inside of the cheek for 30 seconds,
placed into an envelope and sent back to the lab for analysis.
Results will be available in approximately 2-3 business days after receipt from our lab.
With or Without the Mother While it is generally not necessary to obtain a DNA sample from the mother
for an accurate determination of paternity, it is strongly recommended
to include the mother in the test. In a small percentage of cases, not
including the mother in the test can lead to inconclusive results or a false
inclusion of the father.
Accuracy
Industry wide, paternity tests are generated using as few as four markers, to as many as 16 markers.
Our lab uses a 16 marker test that can achieve a probability of > 99.999%. Should a
complex case arise, we can test an additional 5 markers, for a total of 21 genetic
markers.
Why you should have a paternity test done?
Establishing paternity means being declared the legal father after the
child is born. If the parents of a child were not married when the
mother became pregnant or when the child was born, the child does
not have a legal father until paternity is established.
Establishing paternity is important for both the child and the parents.
A child is entitled to the sense of belonging and identity that comes
from knowing both parents. Establishing paternity often has an
important emotional and psychological benefit for the child.
Until there is a determination that a biological father is the legal father,
the child has no right to receive financial support from the father, to
inherit from the father or to obtain insurance, veterans’, social security
or other benefits through the father.
Likewise, until paternity is legally established, the biological father has
no legal rights to the child, such as parenting time with the child, or
participation in major decisions about the child, such as medical
treatment, education or religious training.
Additionally, genetic diseases are inherited, thus knowing your
biological ancestry can be useful in proactive care and transplantation.
Paternity laws tend to vary from state to state. Click here for individual
state laws.
Fast, Easy and Painless Sample Collection
Collecting samples for DNA analysis is an easy and painless process
that can be performed in the privacy of your own home, or at a sample
collection site, if a court admissible test is required. A sterile swab,
similiar to a Q-tip is rubbed on the inside of the cheek for 30 seconds,
placed into an envelope and sent back to the lab for analysis.
Results will be available in approximately 2-3 business days after receipt from our lab.
With or Without the Mother While it is generally not necessary to obtain a DNA sample from the mother
for an accurate determination of paternity, it is strongly recommended
to include the mother in the test. In a small percentage of cases, not
including the mother in the test can lead to inconclusive results or a false
inclusion of the father.
Accuracy
Industry wide, paternity tests are generated using as few as four markers, to as many as 16 markers.
Our lab uses a 16 marker test that can achieve a probability of > 99.999%. Should a
complex case arise, we can test an additional 5 markers, for a total of 21 genetic
markers.
