DNA paternity testing is a powerful way of identification with many practical applications. It is widely used as parental testing to see if an individual is a newborn’s biological parent or not. It is also used in forensic testing to identify suspects in a criminal investigation.
The Importance of Establishing One’s Paternity:
For a child, it is extremely important to undergo a DNA paternity testing.This will confirm his parentage or negate the person who claims the child as his. If confirmed, it can protect a child’s future and strengthens the bond between father and child.
The results of these tests can be used as legal proof for parental rights, child support, inheritance claims, adoption, social benefits and immigration, and for any other reason that requires proof of blood relationship.
How DNA Paternity Testing Works:
The DNA paternity testing procedure involves collecting a small sample of tissue or bodily fluid from the child and the possible parent. It’s a known fact that the unique genetic fingerprint that makes up an individual’s genes is called DNA.
At conception, the prospective mother and father pass on their DNA to their baby. So, the fetus has a mix of its parents’ DNA.The sample of DNA collected from the baby and his soon-to-be father will prove whether he is, in fact, the biological father of the baby.
Accuracy of DNA Testing:
DNA testing is one of the most accurate testing methods in use today. Through this test, it is possible to find out that a particular man is likely to be the father of a baby to the tune of 99.9% accuracy or that or that he is 100% not the father.
There are two kinds of DNA paternity testing results—Exclusion and Inclusion.
Exclusion Paternity Test:
This is considered to be 100% accurate. The baby’s DNA is tested against that of the supposed father. The father in question is responsible for half the number of chromosomes that make up the baby’s DNA. Hence, the test excludes the father that does not have matching chromosome pairs with that of the baby.
Inclusion Paternity Test:
This kind of paternity test is a bit different from its Exclusion counterpart. The results of this paternity test indicate how probable the father is as the natural and biological match of the baby. Usually, the result is given as a percentage, about 99% or more.
The results of these tests are best determined by the number of loci or match points of the test that donors attract. The best results would mean about 16 loci as this is the highest level of accuracy.
Over the years, as DNA paternity testing has become more and more popular, test results now reach the highest score of 99.99%, with an acceptable paternity testing percentage being a probability of 97%.
Cost of DNA Paternity Test in India:
Paternity DNA Test cost in India are available as kits while the conventional tests are done at an authorized medical facility or diagnostic laboratory. Tests done at recognized facilities cost Rs. 13,000.
Home DNA Paternity Testing Kits:
There are many laboratories that offer women home testing kits which can be bought online. These kits come with all the required material and instructions for a cheek cell swab test. After the sample is collected, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis. If the person has followed the directions correctly, its accuracy level will be on a par with that of a test done in a laboratory by a doctor. All you need to do is to mail the sample to the lab and within a week or two, the results are posted to you.
What to Do Before You Buy a Home DNA Paternity Testing Kit:
- Ensure that the company you want to analyze the sample sends it to a laboratory certified by the government. It should have proven quality standards for testing so that it ensures reliability, accuracy and prompt delivery of test results.
- Show the results to your doctor and let him interpret the results for you.
- Don’t let home DNA testing companies sell a kit to you as part of their sales strategy.
If you’re not satisfied with the results, visit the laboratory for more information.
Medically Reviewed By
Maanasi specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition. A mother of an untiring seven year old, she enjoys nurturing her love affair with English. She is often found nestled with a book, plopped against a dozen pillows, smiling away at the brink of finishing yet another book of the many dozens, that adorn the shelves of her Mini Library!
