Tips and Advice on DNA Paternity Testing

by Ray Lam

When doing a genetic DNA paternity testing procedure, the sample comes from the mother, father and child. The mother’s sample may not be mandatory, but without it, the procedure becomes more intense with the analysis of the DNA. Baby’s need to have a mouth swab if a blood sample from the umbilical was not obtained at birth. If you need results before the birth of the child, you can have amniotic fluid tested during the pregnancy.

DNA testing and biomedical technology is so advanced nowadays that DNA paternity testing can be done even with the child still in the mother’s womb. This is what DNA test laboratories call the Prenatal DNA Paternity Testing.

Prenatal DNA Paternity Testing is done by collecting either one of two sample specimens from the mother’s womb: the amniocentesis or the CVS. The amnioncentesis is the collection of the amniotic fluid that contains the fetus. The CVS is the collection of the chorioinic villi that composes the placenta. The chorionic villi is best collected when the mother is into her 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The amniotic fluid containing the unborn child’s DNA is best collected when the child is within 12 to 21 weeks in the womb. How are these specimens collected?

There are a number of DNA paternity tests available to determine the relationship of the child and the supposed father. DNA analysts will evaluate which paternity DNA test would best fit the client’s situation and needs. Even the collection of the sample will be scheduled based on the most convenient time for the client. Most DNA testing laboratories will have the results ready within five days or less upon receiving the samples.

Although paternity DNA testing is quite accurate, it is never possible to prove 100% that a man is definitely the biological father of a child, as it might be remotely possible that another man may have the same DNA profiling as that of the child. Most paternity DNA testing requires utmost security and confidentiality. One should also ensure that all the specimens collected for analysis should be collected according to the regulations, which require photo identification of all people providing blood samples, specifications for labeling and sealing of sample containers, and maintaining confidentiality of the case details, including names, addresses and results. One should also ensure that the DNA testing centers store all samples and case files in a secure area with tightly controlled access.

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