Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) paternity testing can be useful in determining the identity of the father of a child. Testing can be performed before or after the child is born using blood or tissue samples obtained from both the possible father and the child. DNA testing is extremely reliable, and a test can indicate if a man is highly likely to be a child's father with a 99.9 percent accuracy rate, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Identification
DNA is located in the body's cells and contains genetic codes that are used to determine such inherited characteristics as eye and hair color and height. Everyone receives equal amounts of DNA from both parents. During paternity testing, blood or tissue samples from the possible father and the child are compared to determine if there are matching DNA sequences that would indicate paternity.
Prenatal Testing
DNA testing can be conducted before a baby is born when a woman has a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis test. These tests are used to check the fetus for birth defects. During both tests, a thin needle is used to withdraw cells from the amniotic fluid or the uterine wall. DNA is found in both of these substances. Because there is a slightly increased risk of miscarriage when these tests are performed, paternity testing is usually only performed using these methods if prenatal testing is needed for other reasons. The possible father must provide a blood sample before paternity testing can begin.
Postnatal Testing
Postnatal testing is performed after the child has been born. Testing is usually done using a blood sample or cells from the lining of the cheek, although samples can also be obtained from hair or the umbilical cord. Home kits are available if you prefer to use the cheek cell sampling method. Test kits contain swabs that are brushed against the lining of the cheeks and are then returned to the laboratory for testing. Both parties must submit blood or cells for testing.
Benefits
Determining paternity can help a child's mother obtain child support and other benefits for the child, including veteran, Social Security and inheritance benefits and health insurance for the child under the father's policy. If you are not married to the mother of the baby and are concerned that a child is not yours, a negative paternity test can help you avoid incurring the significant financial expense involved in raising a child. Identifying paternity also allows the child to be aware of any inherited diseases or conditions in the father's family.
Warning
If there is a chance that the results of the DNA paternity test may eventually be challenged in court, it is a good idea to use a court-approved DNA blood test rather than a home kit. The AABB website (see Resources) provides a listing of laboratories authorized to perform these tests.
