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This is an overview of paternity testing, including information on what paternity testing is, why it might be needed, and how it is performed.

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Paternity Testing

Whether you need to determine the biological father of your baby, or you are simply interested in filling in the gaps on your family tree, paternity testing can be performed quickly and painlessly.

DNA testing is the easiest and most accurate method of determining paternity, and is often as easy as taking samples of skin cells from the lining of the cheeks. Paternity tests compare DNA samples from two different people, and can prove family relationships with a high level of accuracy. Because the genetic profile of a child is inherited in part from both parents, comparing the child’s genetic profile to that of the other person being tested can prove or disprove paternity.

Paternity tests are performed for a variety of reasons, and a number of different options are available for those in need of establishing paternity. If you require a paternity test for court or immigration related reasons, check to make certain the test and testing facility you decide to use will be accepted. Some paternity tests are done for peace-of-mind purposes, and the results may not stand up in a legal proceeding.

What Are the Reasons for Paternity Testing?

The most common reason for paternity testing is to identify the biological father of a child, whether for personal reasons, or to establish and collect child support. Some states now require paternity testing to be performed for all unmarried parents before child support is ordered, even when neither parent denies paternity.

Paternity may also need to be proven for custody proceedings in some instances. Immigration may also require paternity testing to be performed to prove a biological relationship for various visas.

What Testing Techniques Are Available?

Paternity testing can be done in a variety of ways, and can be done both before and after birth. Prenatal paternity tests carry some risk to both mother and baby, and therefore testing is usually performed after birth.

Postnatal DNA testing methods include taking blood samples from all individuals being tested, and then comparing the DNA results of those tests to each other. Cheek swabbing, which is the most convenient form of testing, involves the removal of skin cells from the lining of the cheeks using cotton swabs. DNA can also be collected from the umbilical cord of a baby, from semen, hair, and other tissues.

Prenatal DNA testing methods pose some risk to the unborn child, and include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Amniocentesis is done in the second trimester of pregnancy, and requires the insertion of a needle into the uterus to collect a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. This test carries a small risk of miscarriage, and may result in cramping, bleeding, or leaking of amniotic fluid. CVS also requires the use of a needle to collect a sample, but the needle is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix. The needle is guided by ultrasound, and this test can be performed as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.

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