DNA provides valuable insights into a person’s family history. It can even be used to establish familial relationships between individuals. One of the most common examples of this is paternity testing. Here’s what you should know if you’re looking to establish paternity for a child. 

What Paternity Testing Determines

Paternity tests determine the likelihood of a person being the biological father of a child. They accomplish this by taking DNA samples from both the child and potential father and comparing the samples. The tests can also be completed before a child is born by taking a blood sample from the mother, which includes some of the child’s DNA. Paternity tests are almost 100% accurate in determining paternity, but they cannot be used for establishing other relationships, like siblings. 

Why Testing Is Used

Paternity testing can be initiated by one or both parents to gain information for personal or legal use. The results may be used to establish paternity for child support cases. It may also be required in order for a father to gain custody, or it may help establish a case for an inheritance. Some families also simply want to know parental relationships to learn more about their family's health history. 

The Process

For paternity tests performed after a child is born, a testing agency usually takes cheek swabs from both the child and potential father. They then extract the genetic material and compare a wide array of markers to see if they match. For prenatal cases, a cheek swab can still be collected from the father, but a blood test from the mother is required. The lab can then separate the baby’s DNA cells and use them to compare with the father’s genetic markers.

If you need paternity testing services, contact AccuDNA in Saint Louis, MO. The company offers an array of relationship testing options and flexible scheduling options to accommodate those with busy schedules. When it comes to paternity testing, they offer both prenatal and postnatal testing options. Visit the website for a full list of services or call (314) 845-9997 to make an appointment.