DNA Testing: Who's Your Papa?

Why is DNA testing important?

If a woman is sexually active, a DNA test will assure her of the baby's father; especially considering that sperm can be viable up to five days after intercourse. This could lead to the child getting benefits such as social security, veteran’s and inheritance. Another very important reason is that it can give health care providers important information regarding diagnosing and treating disease in the child, especially those that may be genetically linked. Probably the most important though, is initiating and strengthening a bond between father and child.

How trustworthy are DNA paternity tests?

DNA testing is currently the most advanced and accurate technology to determine parentage. In a DNA parentage test, the probability of parentage is 0% when the alleged parent is not biologically related to the child and the probability of paternity is typically greater than 99.9% when the alleged parent is biologically related to the child. So, there is not a chance that a man is a father if the test returns as negative, and there is a 99.9 percent chance that a man is the father if the test returns positive. Of course, this assumes no lab error. That's why it's necessary to check the accreditation of any lab chosen, usually one should check for AABA accreditation and there are other accrediting agencies that are recognized by law.

How is the testing done?

Just about every living cell in a body has DNA, but most testing is done using saliva or blood samples. These samples tend to yield high concentrations of DNA so they are best for testing. Usually, swabs are brushed on the inside cheeks of the parent and the child. This is called “buccal swabbing.” DNA from those samples are isolated and compared. In paternity tests, a sample from the mother isn't usually required. Many at home test kits are available and processed through the mail. Swabs for buccal samples are included for up to four people. These are mailed to a lab and results are usually back within three to five business days.

Less common tests can be done with blood samples, umbilical cord collections, or other samples such as semen, skin cells or other tissue, and even hair. Tests are available for deceased persons as well. In utero collection can be done after about 10 weeks into the pregnancy to prevent harm to mother or child. All of these tests usually cost significantly more than the swab tests.

Should I choose a Chain-of-Custody test or a Curiosity Test?

Curiosity Tests are just that, to answer any questions. The two types of test are basically the same in that they both have the same conclusive ranges and the same possibilities of paternity. Curiosity tests are available through the mail, on line, or at a local pharmacy for around $80.00 (USD). They should have mailers for sending the samples to a lab. Results are quickly mailed back.

Chain-of-Custody Tests are legally binding and start at around $250 (USD). The difference being that with legally-binding tests the parties must be present at the lab, there identification papers are thoroughly checked, participants are photographed and finger printed, specimens are collected by a third party professional who is not related to any of the tested parties, and the lab keeps ultra-tight controls on the samples. These test results are notarized. Check with local courts or a lawyer if there are any questions regarding the type of test needed for a particular situation.

With issues related to adoption, immigration, inheritance, genealogy, and other family-building situations, DNA testing is of paramount importance. Or, maybe you're just curious about who's your daddy.