DNA/Paternity Testing

Paternity testing has been available for decades, however DNA paternity testing became available in 1987. You inherit one-half of your genes (DNA) from your mother and one-half from your father. In DNA paternity testing, samples from the mother, child, and alleged father are examined. By examining the DNA of mother and child it can be determined which genetic markers must have come from the biological father. The DNA of the alleged father is then examined and it is determined how likely it is that he could have contributed the genetic markers which must be paternal.

Our DNA testing can be done by blood or swabs from the inside of your mouth and cheek. The swabs are painless and are as accurate as blood. Usually an alleged father can be excluded or included by either testing method with 99% or greater certainty.

DNA is tested from child and alleged father. DNA from the mother is not required, but may be helpful. Testing may also be done on a second child or a second alleged father.