PATERNITY TESTING
A paternity test has become one of the most popular types of DNA testing. Everyone is born with a unique genetic outline known as DNA. Because the DNA molecular structure and genetic characteristics of a child are inherited from or determined by the DNA structure of the biological mother and father, DNA identification provides a conclusive and definitive way to establish biological relationships. Therefore, DNA testing has become the most accepted method to determine identity within the legal and scientific communities.
What is paternity testing?
Paternity test assesses and determines a full paternal relationship(fatherhood) of a child. It helps discover a biological link between a prospective father and a child.
Why do a paternity test?
Reasons for undergoing a paternity test are as follows
- To work out child support payment.
- Resolving question paternity (clarity or closure) where the mother of the child is unsure or uncertain who the father of the child is (multiple partners).
- To resolve child custody disputes.
- To establish an accurate medical history for the child.
- To prevent disputes in adoption
- To get an official birth certificate with the known father’s name on it.
- For immigration purposes.
- To receive an inheritance and resolve will arguments.
- As a court order for legal reasons.
How do we determine paternity?
To determine if the alleged father is the true biological father, the DNA profiles of the child, mother, and alleged father is compared.
The child inherits two different alleles (alternative form of a gene) at each genetic locus one from the mother and one from the biological father. The allele the mom doesn’t have is term in obligate allele, this is the allele the father must have to be a biological match to the child.
Types of a paternity test.
- Routine paternity: mother, child and alleged father. 2. Motherless paternity: Child and alleged father. 3. Prenatal paternity: Amniocentesis CVS from mother, fetus and alleged father. 4. Absent alleged father: Mother, child, both paternal grandparents. 5. Siblingship studies: Two siblings, mother (if available). 6. Identical twin studies: One set of twins.
Steps in paternity testing
Sample collection
DNA testing for paternity determination usually uses a non-invasive technique which involves taking a sterile buccal swab saliva sample. In some cases, such as prenatal paternity testing venous blood sample is taken from the arm. After this step, the sample is packaged, labeled and stored appropriately. The sample then follows a chain of custody protocol to the DNA testing laboratory where it is checked before analysis can take place.
DNA analysis
The sample is analyzed through a series of specialized techniques in which a DNA profile is generated. When the DNA profiles are obtained statistical calculations are determined for comparison purposes through a strict validation and verification process.
Calculating paternity testing?
A paternity or system index (PI) is used to calculate paternity. This is the relative probability that the alleged father and not an unrelated, randomly selected male of the same ethnic background gave the obligate allele to the child.
PI is applied only when the accused man is a match by having the set of obligate alleles.
Another calculation used in paternity is Combined paternity index (CPI) this is the chances of seeing the entire DNA profile from the real father. Paternity is accepted only is CPI > 100. CPI is a measure of the strength of the genetic evidence and is an odds ratio, not a probability.
Possible results
- The paternity testing proves conclusively that the tested person is not the biological parent of the child. This statement is normally termed as exclusive or exclusion. The probability of paternity is 0%, and it can be 100% certain that one is not the child’s biological father
- The probability of paternity is greater than 99.9% and it documents that more than 99.9% of the male population cannot be the biological father of the tested child. This statement is normally termed as not excluded (inclusion).
Conclusion
Paternity testing is very reliable as the results can be easily understood by a non-scientist. It’s also very convenient as home kits are now available on the market that allows the individuals to take the swab sample home and then return it to the corresponding DNA laboratory pending it’s not a legal case. Privacy can also be given if the individual wants to be anonymous in this case a lab number will be given instead of a name. The application of a paternity test is a major worldwide DNA testing process and is expected to increase.
DNA Sample Collection Procedure
Please read through first, then follow instructions carefully.
NOTES:
- No eating, drinking, smoking for at least 30 minutes PRIOR to the taking the sample
- Do not pre-label the buccal swab envelopes. Pre-labeling the envelopes may lead to errors such as switching of samples and envelopes.
- Before touching any swab ensure that gloves are on to prevent contamination of the samples.
Step 1: Label Swab Envelope
- Remove one buccal swab at a time from the collection kit. Be sure to use the appropriate envelope for each party tested (i.e. use the “Child” envelope for the child).
- If the “Additional Tested Party” envelope is used, indicate the relationship of the party being tested. (i.e. grandfather, aunt, etc.).
- Put the correct name on the swab envelope.
- Be sure to provide race information: it is necessary for statistical calculations.
Step 2: Collect Samples Using Swabs
- With clean gloves on open the wrapper at the end opposite from the cotton tip. Remove one swab from the package, taking care not to touch the cotton tip (Preventing contamination).
- With the patient mouth open wide insert a swab into the mouth rub it firmly back and forth, up and down on the inside of the cheek for a full 30 seconds.
- Be sure to rotate the swab while rubbing – it is important to collect cells on the entire swab.
NOTE: insufficient DNA in the collected sample may require recollection and delay test results.
Step 3: Place Used Swabs in Envelope
- Remove the swab from the mouth.
- Put the cotton tip end of the swab in the envelope first.
- Avoid touching the outside of the envelope pack.
- Repeat the process with the other cotton buccal swab just in case one does not have sufficient amount of DNA.
- To improve the amount of DNA retrieved, take the other swab sample from the opposite side of the mouth.
- Seal and label appropriately.
- B Please place swab envelopes in the correctly coded colored envelopes provided.
Step 4: Follow Steps 1-3 for Each Person
- Collect samples from any other tested parties following Steps 1-3.
- Remember to label each DNA sample correctly and use one envelope provided for each person.
Step 5: Complete and Sign the Paternity Test Request Form
Yes a home kit is available for you to collect your DNA swab sample in the privacy of your home which can then be mail/ship to us.
Caribbean Forensic Services has policies and procedures in places to deal with such issues such as colour coded envelopes, code numbers etc.
During a chain of custody specimen collection each client must provide valid identification for proof of identity. Client must provide government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, ID or passport), as well as other legal identification (birth certificate) for the child.
No is not, it’s fast and non-invasive only a buccal swab against the inner side of the cheeks is used to collect the epithelial cells.
No generally. Yes, in rare cases of blood transfusion and bone marrow transparent. Those questions would be discussed in the identification form during the sample collection process.
No, they can be schedule at different times but note the longer all samples take to collect the longer the report will be generated assume the sample is collected at a different date.
Yes, contact us to schedule an appointment for you so our staff can be prepared for your arrival. We must prepare documents, instructions and materials etc. NOTE: We don’t accept walk-ins.
No, a court order is not required you can schedule a court admissible DNA test anytime. DNA test never expires.
It includes legal documents which consist of chain of custody form, consent form and identification form (fingerprints, ID, Photographs) which may be used in a court of law and for other legal reasons. Over the counter “private” home testing kit can only be used for personal knowledge and will not be used for court purposes.
No, Accurate results will still be achievable. However, including the mother is generally ideal as it will provide a more conclusive result.
Very accurate. The DNA kits we use are validated before use and our analytical machines are calibrated and maintained to give the most reliable results. We have skilled, trained and competent staff to conduct the DNA process ensuring that the results are accurate, reliable and precise.
A child inherits half of the genes from his mom and half from his dad i.e. 23 chromosomes from his Mom and 23 chromosomes from dad which will result in 46 chromosomes total. Paternity testing identifies the specific DNA sequence at each of the 24 DNA markers tested in the Mom, Dad and Son. If both parents are the biological parents of the child, then both parents would have had to pass on one of their alleles at each DNA markers to the child.
For the results to be court admissible a chain of sample custody and proof of government-issued identification is required.
Yes, Caribbean Forensic Services have implemented polices and procedure to ensure strict confidence and privacy with respect to sensitive information.
A hardcopy (signed and sealed) will be available for you to collect at our location site. You may receive a preliminary report through your email address once requested but this will only be a summary report and you will still need to come in to collect your final report.
N.B We do not provide results over the phone.
You can pay either by debit/credit card or cost at our location site.
The standard Paternity test (1 alleged father and 1 child) cost $2000.00 TTD
Once the sample collection procedure is completed testing it would take one (1) business day for the final report.
Paternity means fatherhood or fathership i.e. the state of being a legal father