Paternity DNA testing is the single most accurate method currently available. Everyone, with the exception of identical twins, has a completely unique DNA profile, much like a fingerprint. We inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother. DNA paternity testing finds the 50% match between the DNA profiles of the child and the parent. This method is considered to be 100% accurate. Paternity DNA testing results can be used in court to prove fatherhood, and can be used as evidence for parental rights, child support, social benefits, and other situations in which proof of parental relationship is necessary.

Paternity DNA Testing

Once DNA specimens are obtained by the laboratory, results are generally available in as little as three to five days. Expedited testing services can provide results within 24 hours in certain situations. Paternity DNA tests can be conducted before the child is even born so that paternity can be determined during pregnancy. An obstetrician/gynecologist will be involved in the collection of the child’s DNA sample. This procedure is performed during a specific timeframe in the pregnancy in order to ensure there is minimal risk to the developing fetus or the mother. Results obtained from prenatal DNA testing are as accurate as those from a standard paternity DNA test conducted after the child is born.

Sources of DNA

An individual’s DNA does not ever change during their lifetime, and the type of DNA sample used in the paternity test will not affect the accuracy of the results in any way. Therefore buccal swab samples are just as accurate as blood samples. Buccal swabs collect cell tissue from the inside of a person’s cheek. This method is less invasive than drawing blood, and it’s faster and painless. Non-standard samples such as cigarette butts, hairs (including roots), and personal items like toothbrushes are also potential sources of DNA. These can be useful for collecting DNA from individuals who are not cooperative with the paternity testing process.

Legality of Paternity DNA Test

All steps in the Chain of Custody of DNA samples must be properly identified and documented in order to be legally admissible in court. In a legal paternity DNA test, collection and handling of the samples must be properly done and documented. And anyone involved with the testing process, from the person collecting the specimen to the laboratory analyst performing the paternity test must be an objective third party who has no interest in the test results.

Paternity DNA tests that are properly conducted will always show a 0% probability of paternity if the man who is tested is not the biological father. They will also show a greater than 99.9% probability of paternity if the man is the father. These results are considered decisive by the court and definitively prove or disprove paternity.

If you require paternity DNA testing please call the top DNA testing lab in New York City,  AABB DNA Testing.