DNA Testing FAQ

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in the cells of your body. Every nucleated cell has 46 chromosomes, except the sperm cells from the man and the egg of the woman which only contain 23 chromosomes each. At the moment of conception, there are 46 chromosomes necessary to create a person. Thus, a person receives half of his/her genetic material or DNA from the biological mother, and the other half from the biological father.

DNA testing is much more than a blood test. It can be performed on a much wider variety of samples, including blood cells, cheek cells, tissue samples, and semen. Every person’s DNA is unique except for identical twins. Since it is so specific, just like a fingerprint, DNA testing is a powerful form of identity testing.

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.

No. Private individuals can take a DNA test without a physician’s request or court order.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Yes, DNA testing could differentiate between two alleged fathers who are fraternal twins.

The father cannot be differentiated by these tests if the two men are identical twins.