| DNA testing is one of the most conclusive | | | | determine even in the absence of the father |
| ways available to determine paternity of any | | | | whether or not there is shared genetic |
| given child. By taking a sample of DNA from | | | | material and consequently whether or not |
| both the alleged father and from the child in | | | | there is a shared relationship, i.e. |
| question, high-tech DNA profiling techniques | | | | parentage. |
| are used to match reference points across | | | | |
| genetic markers on both samples which can | | | | DNA Testing on Male Relatives |
| lead to an accurate determination of where a | | | | |
| genetic relationship exists. | | | | Y-STR testing is one of the most innovative |
| | | | DNA testing methods honed in recent years, |
| In an ideal world, paternity testing would | | | | tracking down the male-only Y- chromosome to |
| have available both a sample from the child | | | | establish genetic links between male children |
| and from his alleged father in order to best | | | | and elder vertical male relatives, for |
| establish the link between them. However, in | | | | example grandfathers, great grandfathers, |
| some DNA paternity testing cases the father | | | | even great uncles by blood relationships. |
| is not available to give his DNA sample, | | | | This can be particularly handy where the |
| whether through choice, or unavailability for | | | | father is unavailable and direct elderly |
| some other reason. However, where the father | | | | relatives have died, given that a great deal |
| is absent, it is still possible to use other | | | | of genetic material passes unmutated from |
| DNA tests to determine whether a relationship | | | | father to son throughout generations. Of |
| exists. | | | | course, this is however absolutely of no use |
| | | | for DNA testing of female children. |
| DNA Testing on Other Direct Relatives | | | | |
| | | | DNA Testing on Siblings |
| By performing DNA testing with other members | | | | |
| of the family that share some of the same | | | | Alternatively siblings can also provide a |
| genes with the alleged father, it is possible | | | | close genetic match, which makes it possible |
| to determine whether or not there is a | | | | to test whether or not two children are |
| likelihood of paternity over the child in | | | | related by the whole blood, rather than half. |
| question. Obviously the father's sample is | | | | Where there is dispute over the potential |
| desired for reasons of accuracy and | | | | father of a child, an alleged sibling's |
| conclusivity, however it is more than | | | | sample can be a good way to compare DNA to |
| possible (particularly with advancing testing | | | | determine the extent of the relationship. |
| technologies) to be able to determine | | | | The same can be said for brothers and sisters |
| paternity through shared genetic material | | | | of the alleged father, who can also share |
| through more distant relatives to the father. | | | | some genetic material sufficient to provide a |
| In other words, provided a relative of the | | | | result in DNA testing of the child in |
| alleged father is available for DNA testing, | | | | question, |
| you should be able to obtain some results | | | | |
| although this may not always be conclusive. | | | | If your situation requires is such that you |
| | | | require to do the DNA testing through one of |
| DNA Testing on Grandparents | | | | the alternatives above, it is always |
| | | | advisable to contact in advance the company |
| In the absence of the alleged father or any | | | | who will be performing the DNA test and |
| separate sample of his DNA, the alleged | | | | explain your case in full so that they can |
| paternal grandparents can provide the key to | | | | advise you on the DNA testing options |
| establishing paternity. By taking a sample | | | | available as well the results that can be |
| from either one or both the grandmother and | | | | obtained. |
| grandfather of the baby, it is possible to | | | | |