Paternity Testing

Category: Health

A paternity test is used to determine whether a specific male is the biological father of a child. The test is typically based upon DNA samples taken from both the potential father and the child.

The cost of paternity testing varies depending on your location as well as the specific type of paternity testing that you elect to get. Paternity test results are usually ready within five days.

Why Establish Paternity Through a Paternity Test?

Establishing paternity is important for your child. In order to list a birth father on the birth certificate, the mother must either be married or she and the father must complete a legally binding form stating who the father is. In the event that the mother is unsure who the father is, she can have a paternity test taken to identify the father.

Additional reasons for having a paternity test done include:

  • Medical concerns could generate a need to identify the biological father of a child. The genetic background of relatives is often used to identify medical issues.
  • The payment of child support is essential to the welfare of most children. Studies have indicated that children of single parents who do not have the financial support of the child’s biological father often struggle to provide for them.
  • Emotional bonding is an important component of anyone’s life. Knowing who your child’s father is could be an essential part of his growing process.
  • In the case of adoptions, the birth father needs to sign the documents.

Types of Paternity Testing Techniques

Paternity testing techniques can be divided into two unique categories: prenatal and postnatal DNA Testing.

Prenatal DNA Testing

Prenatal paternity testing is completed before the birth of the child. Two basic types of prenatal testing are available including:

  • Amniocentesis- Requiring a doctor’s consent, amniocentesis involves a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a thin needle into the female’s uterus. The doctor uses ultrasound technology to help him guide the needle. A small amount of amniotic fluid is drawn from the female’s uterus to be used for testing. This procedure must take place during the second trimester or between the 14th and 20th weeks of the pregnancy.     The most common problems associated with amniocentesis are cramping, vaginal bleeding, and the leaking of amniotic fluid. The risk of miscarriage and damage to the fetus are possibilities that occur less commonly.
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling- Requiring a doctor’s consent, Chorionic Villus Sampling, also referred to as CVS, involves the insertion of a small tube or thin needle into the female’s vagina. The doctor uses ultrasound technology to help him guide the needle. A small amount of chorionic villi are taken from the wall of the uterus for testing. This procedure can take place during the first trimester or between the 10th and 13th weeks of the pregnancy.

Postnatal paternity testing is done after the birth of the child. Four basic types of postnatal paternity testing exists including:

  • Blood collection and testing- A small sample of blood is taken from the potential father as well as the child for testing.
  • Buccal swab collection and testing- This procedure involves a basic cheek swab and comparison.
  • Umbilical cord collection and testing- A sample from the umbilical cord is taken for comparative testing.
  • A variety of sample collection and testing including hair, body tissue, and semen can be accomplished to determine paternity.

Find out who your child’s father is. Paternity testing is relatively painless and simple. Put your mind at ease and help to bring your child a lasting relationship with his father.