Introduction
DNA paternity testing compares the genetic material (DNA) of a child to that of a potential father to determine if there is a biological relationship between them. This is done using a cheek/buccal swab from both parties. This article will educate you on DNA testing without involving the mother, its advantages and limitations.
How Does DNA Testing For Father and Child Only Work?
When you’re born, you get 50% of your DNA from your biological mom and 50% from your biological dad. The DNA you get determines things like your eye color, hair type, and many other traits. Now, if there’s a question about who the father of a child is, but the mother doesn’t want to or can’t participate in the test, a DNA test can be done between just the father and child. Samples are obtained from the child and the alleged father and scientists focus on specific parts of the DNA, comparing them to see if they match closely enough between the child and the alleged father. Genetic markers are unique regions of your DNA and they differ from person to person. The alleles from the child should match with the alleged father across all the genetic markers. If more than 2 genetic markers do not match, then the alleged father is not the biological father of the child.
Accuracy of DNA Testing between Father and Child Only
This testing is very accurate and reliable. DNA testing is the most reliable way to determine the paternity of a child.
What to Expect
This test can be done at home or in a laboratory. Irrespective of where it is done, paternity DNA testing makes use of testing kits. The DNA test kit contains;
- Consent Forms
- Instruction manual: This includes step-by-step guidelines on how to collect DNA samples properly and safely, as well as how to package and send them back to the testing company.
- Cheek swabs.
- Collection tubes or storage envelopes for the cheek swabs.
- A mailing envelope.
Sample Collection At Home
- Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean.
- Read the instruction sheet/manual to fully understand the process.
- Separate the envelopes and swab sticks for each person to prevent sample mix-ups and confusion.
- Rub the swab firmly but gently against the inside of the cheek for at least 20 seconds to be sure you collect an adequate amount of cheek cells. Repeat for each person to be tested.
- Allow the swabs to air dry for a few minutes to ensure that the DNA sample is preserved properly.
- After the swabs have dried, place them back into their individual packaging or collection envelopes provided in the kit. Make sure to label each envelope correctly.
After all this is done, send the samples back to the testing company and wait for your results.
The same procedure is followed at the lab, only this time it is done by the personnel of the testing company. The turnaround time for receiving results is different depending on the testing company. For most companies in Nigeria, it is between 10-14 working days. However, at Smart DNA, it is 5-7 working days.
Understanding Your DNA Test Results
Key Terms:
- Paternity Index (PI): This is like a score that shows how likely it is that someone is the father of a child. A higher number means it’s more likely.
- Probability of Paternity: This is a percentage that tells you the chance that someone is the father of a child. The higher the percentage, the more likely it is that the person is the father of the child.
Interpretation of Results
When you get your DNA test results, they’ll say either:
- Supported: This means it’s very likely that you’re the father.
- Excluded: This means it’s very unlikely that you’re the father.
- In some cases, the results might be inconclusive as we have explained above.
Conclusion:
DNA testing for father and child only is a viable alternative in cases where the alleged father needs the test done privately and without the involvement of the mother. If you’re considering a paternity test, Smart DNA provides fast, confidential, and accurate testing services with results delivered in as little as 5–7 working days. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
Take the first step today—reach out to Smart DNA to schedule your test or request a home testing kit.