About DNA
When a child is conceived, he or she receives equal amounts of genetic makeup from both the mother and father. Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, or sets of DNA, to their child from the egg and sperm during conception. Each chromosome pair in the child contains unique DNA sequencing, which can be used to determine the paternity of a child by comparing the DNA sequences to that of the father's DNA sequences. Many women who may be unsure of the paternity of the father undergo blood paternity tests to test the DNA of the child to determine who the child's father is.
How Do Blood Paternity Tests Work?
Scientists begin blood paternity tests by taking a sample of DNA from the child, the mother and the father. A DNA sample can be taken from any cells; however, blood paternity tests require a sample of blood from each participant. First, the scientist compares the DNA sequencing in the chromosome pairs of the child to the DNA sequencing in the mother. After the scientist has determined which part of the DNA sequencing of the child came from the mother, the scientist then compares the DNA sequencing that has not been identified in the child to the DNA sequencing from the father's blood sample. Most DNA blood paternity tests boast 99 percent accuracy or higher, according to Genetic Profiles.
About Blood Paternity Tests
Many women request blood paternity tests to determine who the father of their child is--for personal reasons or for legal reasons, such as to obtain child support. DNA blood paternity testing is a highly accurate procedure. After giving the blood samples, it may take three to 10 working days before the results are available. It is important to have an accredited DNA-testing lab perform the test.
