What is DNA paternity testing?
DNA paternity testing (called DNA or parentage testing) uses DNA, the biological basis of inheritance, to prove or disprove the biological relationship between a child and an alleged father. It is based on the fact that we inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother.
In a DNA paternity test, DNA samples are taken from the alleged father, child and or mother (mothers are not required & there is no additional fee to add mother) the samples are sent to our lab. The lab purifies the DNA and prepare if for testing to produce a genetic profile for each tested individual. The child's profile is compared with the profiles of the alleged father and mother to confirm that he/she has inherited DNA from the alleged father. The lab then performs statistical analysis to calculate the probability of paternity.
How accurate is DNA paternity testing?
DNA paternity testing is 100% accurate when done properly. We are in partnership with laboratories that use a Dual Process trademark which helps ensure a strict chain of custody and error-free results by proper handling, testing, and analysis of samples.
In the case of an inclusion result (the alleged father is found to be the biological father), the probability of paternity could be as high as 99.999% and above. A laboratory would have to test every other man in the world in order to prove a probability of paternity of 100%. Instead, the paternity test uses a population database to calculate the probability of paternity.
An exclusion result is always 0% because if the genetic profiles for the child and alleged father do not match, there is statistically no chance for the two to be biological related
Does the mother of the child have to test?
No. Mothers are not required, however if the mother is available & willing, adding her DNA does not hurt.
Bluff City DNA encourages mothers to test if she is willing for the following reasons:
Mothers who participate are guaranteed a copy of the test results. If you do not test, you do not receive a copy of the report. Our strict confidentiality policy allows us to release to tested parties, representative such as an attorney, or to the tested child's legal guardian
Is there an age limit to taking a DNA paternity test?
No. Because DNA is set at conception and generally does not change, paternity tests can be performed even on a sample from an unborn child (Prenatal Testing). Samples can also be collected soon after birth with a simple buccal swab from the newborn.
Can DNA results be used to obtain child support, social security, legitimation/rights, divorce, inheritance, or deceased cases?
Testing through Nationwide DNA Services via our accredited laboratories follows a strict chain of custody, which allows our results to be defensible in courts and other government agencies. Many of our clients use our results for the above mentioned reasons.
What is required to obtain an appointment?
For a chain of custody test (court admissible) all participants must bring a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. For minors a birth certificate or social security card is sufficient, but NOT REQUIRED since the child's legal guardian or alleged father must sign the consent form allowing the minor or newborn baby to be tested.
Is a doctor's order or court order required to have the paternity test?
No. Private parties can take a DNA test without a doctor's request or court order. However, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) only allows a clinical laboratory to examine specimens at the request of a licensed physician or other persons authorized by law to use the result in their practice or in the performance of their official duties. For more information regarding DNA testing in New York, contact our DNA specialist team.
Can a paternity test be done without the mother?
Yes. If the mother's participation is not possible, we can perform a motherless DNA test without any additional charges. A motherless test requires more extensive analysis, but produces the same accurate results.
Who can sign for the minor?
Chain of custody testing requires a custodian to sign the minors testing consent form. However, a minor mother can sign for her child. If a tested minor is emancipated, we require a copy of documented proof.
What if the alleged father is deceased or missing?
There are several options for deceased or missing alleged fathers:
1st option is DNA testing of samples taken from the deceased, such as a spot card, stored blood, or a tissue sample (usually from a coroners or medical examiner's office) This type of testing is legal and acceptable by courts & social security.
If there are no biological samples from the fathers, then a grandparentage test is the next option to be considered, however most government offices & courts treat these results as indirect evidence of paternity, other words non chain of custody-non legal.
If the grandparents are not both available to be tested, other family relationships may be tested to determine paternity through genetic reconstructions, siblingship test, and others.