| The dawn of the DNA test | | | | parent, the results of DNA paternity testing are |
| Back in the 1700s, the best way to determine | | | | still accurate without the DNA information of the |
| paternity was by a good hard look at the child, | | | | mother. Most labs will have results in 10 days and |
| followed by a good hard look at the father. | | | | charge about $290 for a basic paternity |
| Enough coincidences and maybe a relationship | | | | verification test. |
| could be proposed. A hundred years later, eye | | | | What else can a DNA test do? |
| color was discovered to be a paternity identifier. | | | | DNA kits can also be used to analyze siblingship, |
| This theory has had its flaws exposed because of | | | | establish cousin or grandparent relationships, |
| recent DNA advances. We now know that eye | | | | determine twin zygosity (i.e. whether twins are |
| color is determined by at least six alleles, or | | | | fraternal or identical), identify ancestral origin, |
| genetic markers. Paternity testing has become a | | | | verify Native American decent, assure parents |
| lot easier and affordable over the past few years | | | | they left the hospital with the right baby, and |
| due to advances in DNA science. Although an | | | | most important, provide legal evidence - be |
| estimated 200,000 DNA tests are conducted each | | | | prepared to pay a bit more for legal tests. Legal |
| year by states needing to sort child-support and | | | | tests can be used to settle adoption issues, settle |
| welfare issues, few people are willing to conduct | | | | child-support disputes, and provide information for |
| their own at-home paternity test. Few people | | | | immigration files. |
| realize the simplicity and convenience of an | | | | How to choose a DNA laboratory |
| at-home paternity test. | | | | Accreditation is a vital part of choosing a |
| How does a home DNA test work? | | | | laboratory. Accredited labs have an annual audit |
| Paternity testing requires a painless sample from | | | | and inspection, undergo internal and external |
| both the child and possible father. Even without a | | | | reviews, and have their equipment calibrated for |
| sample from the mother, DNA paternity test | | | | accuracy. Look for an ISO and/or AABB |
| results are up to 99.9999% accurate-that's | | | | certification. Accredited labs will have a good |
| one-in-a-million odds your results are incorrect. | | | | reputation and near 100% track record for court |
| Most companies provide a free home kit for you | | | | cases. |
| to provide the samples and require you to send | | | | Look for hidden fees. Some companies will charge |
| 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 |
| Because many companies are aware of the | | | | kit that you're only buying the results you need. |
| discomfort of drawing blood from a child in order | | | | Ask about privacy. Make sure that your identity |
| to get a sample, buccal (mouth) swabs are being | | | | and intentions are kept secure. |
| accepted as an alternative. By gently massaging | | | | Enjoy piece of mind |
| the inside of the child's mouth, cheek cells are | | | | Be confident that the questions you have can be |
| collected. These cells are then sent to the lab for | | | | answered. DNA testing is safe and stress-free. |
| testing. Labs analyze up to sixteen genetic | | | | Find a free kit and an information packet and |
| markers of the child and match them against the | | | | you're on your way to getting the piece of mind |
| markers of the alleged father. Because each of us | | | | that you deserve. |
| receives half our genetic markers from each | | | | |