Are you the daddy?
Your child calls you daddy – but are you really their father? If you have questions about paternity and wish to do a DNA test, this blog provides you with easy to understand and comprehensive information about DNA paternity testing. We do not use overly technical medical and scientific jargon – we seek to explain things in simple terms to aid a quick and thorough understanding of the test, the result and the process you need to go through.
Why carry out a paternity test?
Paternity testing is the only scientific way of answering the question “Am I the father?” with absolute certainty. You might have questioned the fact that you and your child share the same blood group or perhaps that you closely resemble each other – but any father with your same blood group could, scientifically, be the father of your child. Moreover, physical appearance is also little to go by.
Paternity DNA analysis is by far the most accurate and reliable method of determining paternity and confirming, without shadow of a doubt, whether you really are the biological father of the child who calls you daddy. No other man can have your same DNA profile which means that only you can be the father of the child (if a paternity test result confirms it). If you are the father, the result will show a probability of paternity of 99.99%.
The 2 types of paternal verification tests
You will need to decide which of type of paternity test is more relevant for your case. The following information will help you.
- Home paternity test – do this test if you have lingering doubts and want to confirm whether you are really the biological father. While this test will help you find answers to your questions with utmost accuracy, it will have no legal validity. This test involves a home sample collection kit which you can easily use to collect your samples. Once the samples are collected you can return them for laboratory DNA analysis.
- Legal paternity test is only recommended If the results of a home DNA test show you are not the father and you are therefore a set on going to court. You might also need this test if it has been ordered by a judge during custody hearings. The test requires a very strict sample collection procedure in which all samples must be collected and accounted for by a third party. You might want to seek legal advice before going ahead with this type of test for a paternity suit.
Advice, tips and further info about the test
The following are just a few pointers to keep in mind.
Accreditation: Ensure to opt for a company that offers ISO 17025 accredited DNA testing. ISO 17025 is an accrediting body that is internationally recognized and sets the highest standards for laboratories carrying out these types of analyses. We recommend companies like easyDNA Australia.
Cost: There is no need to be overly skeptical of low cost tests- companies offer cheap DNA testing. So as long as they operate with accredited laboratories and offer good standards of customer service you have nothing to worry about.
Sample Collection: Samples are usually collected via oral swabs. Leading DNA testing companies will also offer forensic analysis which makes it possible for you to test anything from a used Kleenex to nail clippings to stains. Best to get full advice before sending in any samples as you will need to be informed about how to collect, package and post such samples.
Alternatives to testing the alleged father: if the father is not available for testing, you can test your immediate paternal relatives instead. One of a number of relationship DNA tests will be recommended depending on the gender of the people involved and whether they are available for the test.
Paternity verification tests are also highly accurate at determining the existence of biological relationships between alleged relatives.
Have we answered all your questions?
We do hope you have found answers to all your questions within our site; if you haven’t, then contact us now . We will be more than happy to help you with all your queries!