DNA PATERNITY TESTING (sometimes called parentage testing) uses DNA, the biological basis of inheritance, to prove or disprove the relationship between a child and an alleged father. It is based on the fact that we inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother.
In a DNA paternity test, DNA samples are taken from the child, mother, and alleged father and sent to our lab. We purify the DNA and prepare it for testing with 22 DNA markers, producing a genetic profile for each tested individual. The child’s profile is compared with the profiles of the mother and alleged father to confirm that he/she has inherited DNA from the alleged father. We then perform statistical analysis to calculate the probability of paternity.
Samples from the mother are recommended for all paternity tests. However tests may be accurately performed if the mother is not available for testing.
Legal Test
The Legal Paternity Test can be used for court cases, name change or immigration applications. The kit contains all the necessary items for the lab associate to take the samples needed. Each kit contains the following items. Samples for this test must be collected by phlebotomists at our authorized collection sites. For a listing of sites please click here.
Each kit contains the following:
- Applicant Information form
- Three envelopes containing three sterile swabs each.
- Collection procedures
- Return Envelope
- Fingerprinting ink
- Security seal
The client is required to supply a passport sized photograph for all participants, as well as a valid government issued ID (Passport, Driver’s License, National ID, Birth Certificate). All participants must be fingerprinted and the appropriate documents correctly completed and signed.
