English
EspañolDNA Testing FAQ
What is paternity?
Paternity means fatherhood. Paternity is established when a paternity testing laboratory uses genetic testing methods to demonstrate, to a legal standard, that an alleged father is the biological father. Paternity is disproved when these same methods and standards demonstrate that an alleged father is not the biological father.
Do I need a physician’s order or a court order to have a paternity test done?
No. Private individuals can take a DNA test without a physician’s request or court order.
What is the difference between an at-home test and an AABB-accredited test?
At-home tests are often called “peace of mind” or “curiosity” tests because while they can help establish paternity, the results might not be admissible in a court of law. An AABB-accredited test, provided by a laboratory uses a strict chain of custody procedure that is required for results to hold up in legal situations. Accredited test sample collection is performed by a professional, usually at a clinic or laboratory.
Are the DNA test results confidential?
Yes, test results are strictly confidential. They are released only to the adult persons who were tested and, as requested, to their authorized agents (e.g. attorneys).
How accurate is DNA paternity testing?
A DNA paternity test is the most accurate form of paternity testing possible. If the DNA patterns between the child and the alleged father do not match on two or more DNA probes, then that alleged father is 100% excluded which means he has a 0% probability of paternity–he cannot be the biological father of the child.
If the DNA patterns between the mother, child and the alleged father match on every DNA probe, then we are able to calculate a probability of paternity of 99.9% or greater. This result indicates that he is “practically proven” to be the biological father of the child. Most of all the courts in the U.S. accepts 99.0% as proof of paternity.
If two alleged fathers are related (brother-brother, father-son, or nephew-uncle), is the testing valid?
The laboratory must be informed of the circumstances, because it is possible for both men to have the same or similar genetic markers, even when DNA analysis is performed until one man is excluded. Related alleged fathers should be tested at the same time until one is excluded.
If the mother and alleged father are related, does this make any difference in the testing?
No. When mother and alleged father are related, the testing is valid and, depending on the degree of relationship, may actually be better for detecting a falsely accused man.
Will DNA testing help define fatherhood in a case where two alleged fathers are fraternal (nonidenitcal) twins?
Yes, DNA testing could differentiate between two alleged fathers who are fraternal twins.
Will DNA testing help define fatherhood in a case where two alleged fathers are identical twins?
The father cannot be differentiated by these tests if the two men are identical twins.
Can paternity testing be performed before the child is born?
YES. With DNA analysis, paternity testing can be performed prior to the birth of a child. DNA testing can be done with a Chorionic Villi Sample (CVS), which is generally performed around 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy, or through Amniocentesis, generally performed 14 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Either of these procedures would have to be performed by an OB/GYN. Any woman interested in prenatal DNA testing should discuss these procedures with an OB/GYN.