| There are two main methods which can be used for | | | | The Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism test |
| paternity DNA testing, namely, PCR (Polymerase Chain | | | | takes longer than the PCR test and is a slightly older |
| Reaction) and RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length | | | | method but can provide more reliable results as each |
| Polymorphism). In this article we are going to be looking | | | | loci presents more information regarding paternity. It |
| at these two methods, what the difference is and how | | | | requires a larger sample of DNA and is more likely to |
| they work. | | | | use blood for the DNA testing but it can also be done |
| Polymerase Chain Reaction testing usually involves | | | | using a swab from the inner cheek if necessary. |
| taking a swab from the inner cheek for DNA samples. | | | | The AABB report from 2004 stated that there is a |
| It is a faster test than RFLP and usually looks at | | | | decrease in the number of laboratories using the RFLP |
| between six and nine loci on the DNA. This test | | | | method and an increase in laboratories using the PCR |
| however does not provide the same degree of | | | | method of DNA testing with PCR being used in |
| information as is provided by the RFLP test. | | | | 98.34% of the cases. |
| PCR DNA testing works by "amplifying" the sample | | | | In conclusion, there are two main methods of paternity |
| DNA, or taking a small sample of DNA and then | | | | DNA testing that are mainly used today. These two |
| multiplying it. This is useful if only a small sample can be | | | | methods are Polymerase Chain Reaction testing and |
| obtained and is also useful for working with degraded | | | | Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism testing. |
| DNA. When using PCR DNA testing however the | | | | PCR testing is used in 98.34% of the DNA testing |
| laboratory needs to be particularly careful about | | | | cases according to the 2004 AABB report and seems |
| preventing contamination within the sample as the | | | | to be increasing over the older method of RFLP. PCR |
| amplification process could tend to increase the | | | | is a quicker method of testing and multiplies the |
| chances of contamination. | | | | amount of DNA material so that only small samples |
| The process of PCR DNA testing involves heating the | | | | are needed; however this does lead to a risk of |
| DNA, adding primers and then cooling it so that it | | | | contamination. If you are going for PCR testing or |
| recombines and an enzyme reads the DNA sequence | | | | ordering a DNA home test kit you should ensure that |
| in order to create multiple copies of the DNA. Visit for | | | | they are AABB approved and that they offer at least |
| more info on genetic testing. | | | | a 99% guarantee and test at least ten loci. |