Not knowing who a baby’s real father is can be unnerving. Is can cause problems for all parties involved, including the mother, child, siblings, and any men involved in the case who think they might be the father. A DNA paternity test is a quick way to get accurate results and find out who the father is once and for all. The results are known to produce 100 percent accuracy when a man is not a match and 99.9 percent accuracy when a man is a match.
Reasons to Get a DNA Paternity Test
The american pregnancy association suggests that paternity tests be used for multiple reasons, including the ability to establish legal benefits, in order to get a full medical history on the child to help with disease prevention, and for the child to have the chance at forging a relationship with his or her real father.
Often times, when a family is involved in a court case regarding the care or visitation of a child, a DNA paternity test is suggested or required for all parents involved. The tests can be used to rule out multiple partners that could be the biological father. Also, in some cases, such as those involving adoption, proving the biological mother is necessary as well.
DNA: A Specific Genetic Code
Every person is given a specific set of DNA, which is traceable. The genetics home referrence describes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as “the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.” When people have children, they pass their traits on to them through these genes. DNA paternity testing is a reliable way to track these genetic codes from one person to another.
How It Works
According to the cleveland clinic, “When a baby is conceived, each parent passes on half of his/her DNA to the baby, whose genetic code (DNA) is a shared mix of only its mother’s and father’s DNA.” Swabbing the DNA samples from the inner cheek is just enough to for a lab to perform tests to determine who the biological parents are.
These tests can be done independently by using a test kit purchased online and mailed into a certified lab or can be done at a facility in which a professional takes the samples for you and coordinates the lab testing. Although the tests can be done without the mother, if necessary, the more parties involved in the swabbing, the more accurate the results will be. Having all sets of DNA on hand to analyze helps rule out each party’s half.
Whether the DNA paternity test is required for legal reason or you are just dying to know the identity of the biological father of your child, having one done is a simple way to get a clear answer.