Paternity DNA Testing - 5 Common Myths

A DNA paternity test is the most accurate and reliable means of determining paternity. However, despite its common use there are still many misconceptions which require clarification for the peace of mind of those wishing to do this type of DNA testing.

A DNA paternity test requires a doctor taking blood

This was definitely the case in the past. Today however, it is unusual to use blood as a DNA sampling method. Most professionals in the field will agree that a saliva sample taken from the inner cheeks of the mouth is just as reliable a means of determining paternity. All cells throughout the body, with the exclusion of red blood cells, contain the same DNA. Therefore, which cells you take for sampling will yield the exact same results. It must be said that opting for a blood DNA test is somewhat nonsensical. It involves a needle, a blood draw and bruising and for some, especially children, it can be highly distressing. The process if not painful per se but can have an impact psychologically. A saliva sample on the other hand, is simple and painless in all respects. A buccal swab is rubbed inside the mouth, under the tongue and on the cheeks and sent back to be analyzed by the appropriate laboratories.

I heard one cannot do a paternity DNA test if the child is not born

DNA testing on an unborn child or what is referred to as pre-natal testing can be done.  This involves taking loose cells from the unborn fetus or taking cell samples from the placenta, an organ responsible for the exchange of oxygen and nutrients with the mother. There are some dangers involved in pre-natal DNA testing as there is the possibility of harming the unborn child. In fact, only a few DNA testing companies offer this service. The procedure has to be carried out by a surgeon and is much more costly. There is also the problem of whether this is ethical or not- parents may opt to abort a child should they not get the hoped for results.

If the father’s DNA is not available, paternity cannot be established

This is not true. Again immense leaps in the field of genetic testing means that one can in such cases one can do what is referred to as an avuncular test. This test involves taking DNA samples from the alleged father relatives, for example, brothers, sisters or parents. DNA profiles are drawn up and compared to the DNA profile of the child. The test will establish whether the individuals are in fact, the child’s paternal grandparents or not. This test is possible because the child’s father will have received his genes from his parents and handed half of those genes to his child. The laws of heredity make this possible.

The test is not confidential

Any company offering this test will be well aware of the sensitivity involved in carrying out a DNA paternity test. They will offer total confidentiality so as to alleviate the stress and anxiety created during the whole process. When one purchases a home-kit for a DNA test, what they do once they receive the results is entirely in their hands. However, when it comes to a legal paternity test, it is important to remember that lawyers and other people involved in the court case will need to see the results.

These kinds of tests take a long time

In the past they did take considerably longer. However, nowadays, from the moment the DNA samples for the paternity DNA test are received and processed, the wait is short. Results can be duly expected within a short time frame. One must keep in mind the postal system in their country and the geographical area in which they live as this can affect the time of wait for the results. Most companies estimate that results will be issued between five to seven working days.