The father-child bond is more than just about blood relation. We keep idealizing our fathers throughout our lives and long to become one just like him. Paternal relationships encompass multiple aspects of life – emotions, strength, bonding, mentorship, trust, and care. However, sometimes, this father-child relationship is shadowed by the clouds of uncertainty and doubt.
Maybe you are a father who doubts about your genetic relationship with your child, or someone who is undergoing the same doubts about their father. In both cases, not just the relationship but the emotions are at stake.
Luckily, using a DNA paternity test, you can accurately confirm your biological relationship with your child or the alleged father and restore your peace of mind, along with harmony in the family.
With the latest advancements in the field of genetic science and DNA diagnostics, getting a paternity test has become easy and more affordable. This blog works as a guide about different aspects of paternity testing, formalities required, as well as the best place to get the DNA test from. Let’s dive in!
Why a DNA Paternity Test Is Considered the Gold Standard
A DNA test for paternity confirmation works by analyzing the DNA samples of the child and the alleged father and comparing specific genetic markers of their DNA. Since every child inherits DNA from both of the biological parents, genetic testing experts can easily and accurately confirm the biological relationship between the two.
A match probability of 99.99% confirms that the tested individuals are biologically related. On the other hand, a 0% match probability signifies that the two are not biologically related, father and child.
This scientific accuracy makes DNA testing a preferred choice and also a gold standard for peace of mind, legal, and other types of paternity testing purposes.
Understanding Paternity Testing: How the Process Works
Many people feel nervous as soon as they start looking for this option. Most of this fear comes from the fact that they don’t fully understand the process involved. However, there is nothing to be scared or nervous about.
Most types of DNA tests, including paternity DNA tests, are completely painless due to their non-invasive nature.
Here are the steps involved in a DNA test for paternity:
- Two cheek swabs, also called buccal swabs, are collected from the mouth of each of the tested parties, that is, the child and the alleged father.
- These swabs contain the epithelial cells from the mouth.
- From these cells, DNA is extracted in the laboratory.
- Then these DNA samples are analyzed separately using the same methodology, generally, STR-profiling with the PCR amplification process.
- Once the testing expert has the DNA profiles of both the tested individuals, he/she compares both the profiles and generates a report if the two individuals are biologically related or not.
Prenatal Paternity DNA Test (NO SEX DETERMINATION):
In certain cases, like when the baby is not yet born, and the parents want to confirm the genetic linkage of the baby with the alleged father, the DNA testing process is a little different.
In such cases, the mother gives her blood sample instead of cheek swabs. This is so because the baby is still in the womb, and experts need viable DNA of the baby. Mother’s blood has free-floating placental DNA, which works as the DNA specimen of the baby.
On the other hand, the alleged father can give his blood sample or a cheek swab.
Though a blood sample is taken from the mother, it’s not inconvenient or risky. The report of a Prenatal Paternity DNA Test has the same accuracy as a regular paternity test and is highly reliable.
When Should You Consider a DNA Test for Paternity Confirmation?
There are several situations where families may wish to get a Paternity test for father-child relationship confirmation. Most of these tests are done for peace of mind, that is, only for information; however, in certain situations, where legal formalities are required, one may have to go for a legal DNA test with a proper chain of custody.
Here are the most common applications of a DNA paternity test:
Peace of Mind: Often called ‘POM Paternity Test,’ a peace of mind DNA test is the most common type of paternity test offered by the majority. The use is simple – to have clarity about the relationship.
For Organ Transplant Procedures: As per the THOA, 2014 act, it’s now mandatory for the operating surgeon, the transplant coordinator, and the hospitals to get a DNA test done between the organ recipient and the living organ donor. When a father-child relationship is involved, paternity testing is needed for such cases, and we generally refer to them as Organ Transplant DNA Tests.
Legal Testing With Chain of Custody: In cases where paternity confirmation is a requisite to proceed with a formality or legal matter. Common examples include:
Immigration DNA Testing: To confirm the biological relationship between the sponsor and the applicant of a dependent visa.
Court-approved Legal Paternity Test: For legal proceedings in honorable courts of law, including will and inheritance, child custody disputes, etc.
DNA Forensics Laboratory: For Accredited Peace of Mind and Legal Paternity Testing
At DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., we provide accredited peace of mind DNA tests for paternity and other relationships. Thanks to an NABL-accredited DNA testing facility, a high-tech and accredited facility helps us process the DNA samples with the highest precision and provide highly accurate and reliable results.
With over a decade of experience in DNA diagnostics, we remain the topmost choice of Indian and offshore clients for their DNA testing needs. Here’s what else makes us one of the best DNA testing providers for paternity testing in India:
Highly trained and experienced technical staff, who perform every single DNA testing with utmost care, often double-checking the test results and re-testing for added accuracy.
Highly qualified geneticists, who look after each of the DNA tests and supervise the whole process from start to finish.
Industry-standard and some of the most advanced pieces of equipment for faster and more accurate sample processing and quicker reporting time.
Multiple test options under one roof, including immigration, organ transplant, peace of mind, and prenatal paternity test (No Sex Determination).
400+ sample collection centers across India and abroad for convenient sampling with additional options for on-site sample collection – at home, offices, etc.
Express DNA testing services for urgent cases, offering next-day and same-day reporting options.
Currently, we are the only private DNA testing company offering Legal DNA Tests to our Indian clients for cases requiring the intervention of the honorable courts of law.
With 10+ years of experience, an excellent track record, and numerous smiling faces, we can proudly say that we are among the number-1 providers of accredited, accurate, and reliable DNA paternity tests in India.
Conclusion:
If you are navigating through a tough situation and want clarity of relationships, a paternity test can be the way out, and we, DNA Forensics Laboratory (DFL), are always there to assist you in reclaiming your peace of mind.
Want to learn more or book your DNA test for paternity relationship? Feel free to reach out to us on our calling number – +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp us at – +91 9266615552.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How accurate is a DNA paternity test?
Ans: When done from a certified, accredited, and experienced provider, like DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., you can expect the highest accuracy of your test report. Please note that the accuracy of the test report must not be confused with the match probability percentage. For example, a 99.99% match probability tells that the tested individuals are biological, that is, genetic relatives, while a match probability of zero means they are not related. In either case, the test report mentioning these figures – the match probabilities, is accurate.
Q2. How long does paternity testing take in India?
Ans: At DNA Forensics Laboratory, we offer a faster turnaround time of around 5-6 working days for report delivery. By choosing our express DNA testing services, you can get your report as early as the same day.
Q3. Can a DNA paternity test be used in court?
Ans: Yes, when done from a certified provider, your DNA test report can be used in court. However, generally, the honorable judge will order a fresh test to be done in the courtroom or in the presence of a court-appointed representative for the purpose of authenticity and discretion of the reports.
Q4. What samples are required for a DNA paternity test?
Ans: Cheek swab samples are the most commonly used sample types as they have a longer shelf life, are free from the risk of sample decomposition, spillage, or breakage, which is often observed in other biological samples like blood or tissue. Other sample types include rooted hair and nail clippings, which yield similar results, but need an additional analysis – the viability test, to check if usable DNA is present in the sample or not.
Q5. Is paternity testing confidential?
Ans: Yes, at DFL, we keep your personal and test details highly confidential, and only you have access to your test reports.
