Are you planning to do a DNA paternity test soon? Today you can easily pick up a testing kit from a local store or shop online at your favorite pharmacy chain to do the test. Apart from clarifying the identity of a father, the result of a paternity test can be necessary for obtaining legal rights like child support, custody benefits, and inheritance. However, you must do your homework and ensure you conduct the test correctly to find the correct results. Here is a 5-point guide on conducting DNA paternity tests.
1. Choose the Proper Test
The most crucial step before conducting a DNA paternity test is to get the fitting test kit. A paternity test kit contains three sets of special DNA collection swabs: one seat each for the child, father, and mother. The paternity test checks for a match between the potential parent’s DNA and the baby’s. It’s easier to conduct the test if the father is available and takes part in the DNA testing.
A straight paternity test is not an option if the father is deceased or unavailable to test. However, the DNA lab can test other father relatives, like their parent, sibling, or other known children, to establish or discount a paternal relationship. This relationship or family reconstruction testing is often expensive because of the more extensive analysis involved. You may avail of professional DNA testing New York City to get accurate results t the best prices.
2. Consider How You Plan to Use the Results
Determine whether you want the paternity test results for your information or to use them in court someday. The results from DNA collected at home are not court-admissible since courts cannot know if the DNA sample test belongs to the participants. You can conduct an at-home DNA paternity test for peace of mind. While the results and the testing process are the same, the court needs a witness to admit the results.
Conduct the tests in an accredited lab if you plan to use the DNA results for child support, child custody, immigration, or inheritance rights. Many centers today offer court-approved tests. It is worth the extra cost to have a court-approved test done in a lab before presenting the results for a court case.
You cannot get legal DNA paternity test results from the at-home kits you bought at the store. If you need a DNA test for legal purposes, make an appointment at a DNA clinic. The laboratory will arrange for the assistance of a witness, though you will have to pay an extra fee for the service.
3. Follow the Kit Directions Carefully
An at-home paternity test kit contains instructions for performing the swabbing and handling them before and after DNA collection. Read the product information before use. It will help reduce the chance of sample contamination or delay because you didn’t do the test correctly.
You will need to collect your DNA samples using the swabs provided. You then store swabs with DNA in paper envelopes and not in tubes. This is because DNA is an organic material and is subject to growing mold over time. Storing and mailing the swabs with DNA in paper envelopes allows the samples to breathe and reduces the chances of mold growth.
When you purchase a test kit, it comes with a postage-paid envelope. It takes up to 10 days for the DNA to arrive at the lab, though you can expedite the process by setting samples by first class mail or services like FedEx or ups.
4. When Collecting DNA, Supervise Each Other
Supervise each other during the swabbing if there is a reason to suspect one participant might try to cheat the test.
First, ensure you perform the procedure in the presence of all parties. Every participant in the paternity test should be in the same room when collecting the DNA. There are two mouth swabs for each test participant. You collect the DNA sample by rubbing the cotton end of the swab inside the left cheek family at least 20 times, then repeat the second swab on the inside of the left cheek.
Another solution is to ensure you seal and send the samples yourself to the laboratory. Use a recorded delivery to mail the samples and post them in the presence of all parties.
5. Choose an Accredited Lab
Non-invasive paternity tests are available at laboratories. Before choosing a laboratory for paternity testing, compare the different testing facilities. There are many DNA and paternity testing facilities around the country. Make sure you use the facility accredited by the AABB.
A properly accredited and experienced DNA testing laboratory provides the probability of paternity over 99.999%, confirming the biological relationship. Alternatively, the laboratory can issue the probability of paternity of 0%, establishing with accuracy the exclusion of the alleged father.
The best laboratories have done court-ordered tests and maintained the highest level of accreditation. You can look for customer reviews to determine the best facility for DNA paternity testing in your area.
Bottom Line
The results of a paternity test are often life-changing. You must do your homework before to ensure you get the suitable test kit and conduct the test correctly. This five-point guide can help ace the all-important DNA paternity test. Ensure you choose a test depending on your needs and follow all the kit’s directions. Only use accredited laboratories for the DNA paternity tests, and consider how you need to use the results.