Everything You Should Know About DNA Paternity Test

The knowledge of parents’ identity is crucial for a child’s development as it creates a sense of belonging. When the father’s identity is dubious, it brings forth several unpleasant situations for the family. The way to solve such matters is DNA testing.

DNA contains the blueprint of an individual’s existence, and a DNA paternity test can accurately establish the parentage of a child. DNA testing has become simpler with the popularity of home tests that provide much faster results.

The following section will provide detailed insight on every aspect of the paternity test and if you wish to know more, read along.

What are DNA paternity tests?

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the self-replicating hereditary material one inherits from his father and mother. A DNA paternity test is usually conducted by taking a cheek swab and is perceived to be the gold standard in legal and scientific communities to determine the relationship between a potential father and a child. These tests have a high accuracy rate of almost 99.9 per cent.

What are the types of paternity tests, and how are they performed?

There are at-home paternity test kits available online and are simple to use. Usually, such DNA tests require a saliva sample or cheek swab.

But, if you are trying to prove or disprove paternity to the court, you need to take the test in a medical setting which is usually done by collecting blood.

DNA tests are performed in two ways, and both deliver accurate results.

• Saliva tests: Genetic testing companies collect samples in different ways. Some send cheek swabs resembling a cotton bud, while others may send cheek scrapers that look like a soft-bristled brush. Many companies may also send containers for collecting saliva samples.
• Blood test: Blood tests involve the child and the potential father giving blood samples in a medical office from where the sample is sent for lab analysis.

What are the benefits of using home paternity testing kits?

When the legitimacy of an offspring is concerned, and you don’t want to lose time in confusion and anxiety, home paternity test kits are the best solution. The benefits of using such kits are as follows:

Easy to use

Home DNA testing kits offer you the ease of use. The company you have chosen for the test will send you some cheek swabs to collect the sample. Also, the kits have step-to-step guides with detailed instructions making them convenient for use.

Quick results

Waiting for long periods of time to know the results of a paternity test can be nerve-racking. But with home kits, you don’t have to wait long. Usually, the results are released within 3-5 days of receiving the sample and sent through email.

Accuracy

Technological advancements have increased the accuracy of home-based paternity tests. The DNA test samples undergo twenty-one genetic marker tests that adhere to international testing standards and guarantee high levels of accuracy in each test.

Flexibility

When using home DNA test kits, you can save the hassle of going to the laboratory for DNA testing and, in turn, save costs as laboratory-grade testing is quite expensive. So, paternity test kits can be ideal for you if you get the testing done in your home’s comfort and get adequate support from the company during the process.

A DNA test can be the only solution when the paternity of a child is in doubt. You can consult your healthcare provider regarding the choice of testing method for your situation. Also, whether you take tests at home or go to a medical office, ensure that the laboratory is accredited and meets the DNA testing standards.