| Paternity Testing - Are you raising someone else's | | | | Because each of us receives half our genetic markers |
| child? | | | | from each parent, the results of DNA paternity testing |
| Back in the 1700s, the best way to determine paternity | | | | are still accurate without the DNA information of the |
| was by a good hard look at the child, followed by a | | | | mother. Most labs will have results in 10 days and |
| good hard look at the father. Enough coincidences and | | | | charge about $290 for a basic paternity verification |
| maybe a relationship could be proposed. A hundred | | | | test. |
| years later, eye colour was discovered to be a | | | | What else can a DNA test do? |
| paternity identifier. This theory has had its flaws | | | | DNA kits can also be used to analyze siblingship, |
| exposed because of recent DNA advances. We now | | | | establish cousin or grandparent relationships, determine |
| know that eye colour is determined by at least six | | | | twin zygosity (i.e. whether twins are fraternal or |
| alleles, or genetic markers. Paternity testing has | | | | identical), identify ancestral origin, verify Native |
| become a lot easier and affordable over the past few | | | | American decent, assure parents they left the hospital |
| years due to advances in DNA science. Although an | | | | with the right baby, and most important, provide legal |
| estimated 200,000 DNA tests are conducted each | | | | evidence - be prepared to pay a bit more for legal |
| year by states needing to sort child-support and | | | | tests. Legal tests can be used to settle adoption |
| welfare issues, few people are willing to conduct their | | | | issues, settle child-support disputes, and provide |
| own at-home paternity test because they don't realize | | | | information for immigration files. |
| the simplicity and convenience of an at-home paternity | | | | How to choose a DNA laboratory |
| test. | | | | - Accreditation is a vital part of choosing a laboratory. |
| How does a home DNA test work? | | | | Accredited labs have an annual audit and inspection, |
| Paternity testing requires a painless sample from both | | | | undergo internal and external reviews, and have their |
| the child and possible father. Even without a sample | | | | equipment calibrated for accuracy. Look for an ISO |
| from the mother, DNA paternity test results are up to | | | | and/or AABB certification. Accredited labs will have a |
| 99.9999% accurate-that's one-in-a-million odds your | | | | good reputation and near 100% track record for court |
| results are incorrect. Most companies provide a free | | | | cases. |
| home kit for you to provide the samples and require | | | | - Look for hidden fees. Some companies will charge |
| you to send the kit back to the laboratory with the | | | | you for the kit and then charge you again for the |
| accompanying fee. | | | | results. Also, double check when you order your kit |
| Because many companies are aware of the | | | | that you're only buying the results you need. |
| discomfort of drawing blood from a child in order to | | | | - Ask about privacy. Make sure that your identity and |
| get a sample, buccal (mouth) swabs are being | | | | intentions are kept secure. |
| accepted as an alternative. By gently massaging the | | | | Enjoy piece of mind |
| inside of the child's mouth, cheek cells are collected. | | | | Be confident that the questions you have can be |
| These cells are then sent to the lab for testing. Labs | | | | answered. DNA testing is safe and stress-free. Find a |
| analyze up to sixteen genetic markers of the child and | | | | free kit and an information packet and you're on your |
| match them against the markers of the alleged father. | | | | way to getting the piece of mind that you deserve. |