DNA paternity testing is done to determine the biological father of a child. Typically DNA testing involves a mother who is trying to establish paternity and a father who is denying paternity. It usually involves taking a sample from the mother, father and baby at a DNA testing center. The DNA testing doctor will examine DNA samples such as cheek cells but can also test:

• Hair
• Blood/Cord blood
• Semen
• Cells from the placenta
• Amniotic fluid from amniocentesis
• A blood test from the mother to check fetal DNA (from 9 weeks of the pregnancy and on)

DNA is located in every cell of the body so as long as the sample includes cells, the DNA strands can be isolated, extracted and tested. Once the DNA is ready, the loci are matched between the father and the baby. Based on the results, the father will either be included or excluded. Exclusion means the suspected father is not the biological father while inclusion means the DNA loci matched at least 97% up to 99.99. Although not a 100% match, it is considered legally acceptable as proof of paternity.

Why Don’t the DNA Paternity Results Equal 100%?

The reality is that in DNA paternity testing, no man will ever be 100% included as the biological father. The reason is that there is always the small chance that the DNA profile of the alleged father matches the DNA profile of the child just by chance.  What is important to understand is that the odds of this happening are almost impossible. It’s well below 0.001% or 1 in 100,000.

The DNA paternity test results depend largely on the ethnic origin of the persons involved and the number of DNA loci (locations) analyzed by the DNA testing doctor. For this reason it’s best to use a DNA testing center with a lab that routinely checks at least 15 different loci and that will run additional tests on more locations if there are inconsistencies or mutations in the DNA samples.

Can a Paternity Test be Faked?

A DNA paternity test can have false inclusions, but it is very difficult to fake a DNA paternity test. False exclusions can occur if a laboratory mixes up the test samples, and the results are for individuals from more than one case. Parties involved need to pay close attention to how DNA testing labs describe their testing and results. Even if the DNA paternity test concludes that the alleged father is 100% excluded as the biological father, the test may not have been completely accurate.

Where can you get a Paternity Test?

DNA Paternity Testing can be performed at most DNA testing centers. It is important to make sure that you choose a testing center that will provide confidentiality of any information and DNA samples you provide at time of DNA testing.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the top DNA paternity testing center in NYC. We will schedule a convenient time for your DNA test and can have your results quickly.