There are certain moral issues that should be addressed before considering a DNA paternity test.

The mother who is not completely certain as to the father of the child, the desire for child support or custody, financial issues and the need to ensure the best for the child.

It is not news that a paternity test using DNA is now the most popular method of establishing the genetic identity of a particular child and parentage.

After taking samples of DNA from the mother, the child and the presumed father, test results from an accredited testing lab will reveal the likelihood of the man being the true father to an accuracy of 99.7 percent or better.

But what are the most likely reasons for a mother or alleged father in pursuing a legal DNA paternity test?

Child Support Issues

For a man who is uncertain he is the father of the child, he may simply wish to not pay child support unless his genetic relationship with the child is confirmed.

If the mother was suspected of having multiple encounters with other men, then the presumed father is ethically justified in pursuing a paternity test.

Indeed, in most countries he has a legal right to discover the truth.

But the reverse is equally possible in that the man is the true genetic father, seeks acknowledgement and truly desires to help the child in any way possible.

However, the mother may not wish this and may prefer to sever her relationship with him, either financially or in all respects.

With respect to the mother of the child, it may be the case that she is seeking financial support because she knows for certain that he is the father.

Unfortunately, this is not always true and she may not even be certain of paternity, but still seek support possibly because the man is financially stable and can provide for her child.

Even if this is considered morally wrong, should the mother be overly criticized for wanting her child to be brought up in a secure environment?

Child Custody Issues

In most legal cases involving child custody, the mother and alleged father are no longer together and frequently have a dislike for each other.

But because there is a child involved this may become a far more important issue than the feelings they have toward each other.

A mother may seek a genetic paternity test in order to avoid sharing custody of the child. It is also possible that she truly wishes to share custody, but only under certain conditions that are not practical or acceptable unless a court of law dictates it.

The presumed father also has a legal right to pursue a test for paternity in order to secure access to his child.

Although there are some uncaring fathers, the majority of men want to help, in any reasonable way possible.

DNA Sampling for Paternity Test

Rape Cases, DNA Testing and Wrongful Convictions

Prior to the availability and acceptance of DNA test results in the courts of law, it has been the case that some men convicted of rape were truly innocent, and those that were actually responsible, never even suspected.

Many wrongful convictions of rape have been overturned by establishing genetic DNA proof that the assaulter was not the one who fathered the child.

And as a mirror can reflect the truth only for those that wish to see it, a presumably innocent man is actually the one responsible.

Identifying Birth Defects with DNA Testing

A prenatal paternity test can help to determine if the future child will have any negative physical syndromes, but these are invasive prenatal tests that may affect either or both mother and child.

Before even conceiving a child, a couple can undergo DNA testing with a certified testing lab to be sure that there are no errant genes in their shared chromosomes that would negatively affect their child.

Unfortunately, in the past this was too costly, but now with affordable DNA testing, they can know for certain if there could be a problem with their future child.

To summarize, most courts of law recognize the validity of paternity tests, but only if they are conducted by professionals and using accredited DNA testing laboratories.

If a home paternity testing kit was used, it is highly unlikely the courts would acknowledge the results as legitimate.

Only legal DNA paternity test results will be accepted as such in the majority of child support and custody cases.

Also, be aware of the motivation and moral consequences involved in undergoing a paternity test. The test results you discover with a DNA test may not be quite what you expected.

Organ Donor DNA Compatibility

Analyzing and comparing the DNA of an organ donor with that of the recipient is extremely important in order to avoid tissue rejection issues.

A DNA test can compare the donor and target DNA samples to ensure compatibility.

Of course, the most compatible organ donors involve the direct and genetically related family members, regardless of their relationship status. But this raises another specter of difficulty.

Suppose a man believing to be the father of his child discovers that his young son or daughter requires a bone marrow transplant, a blood transfusion or perhaps even a new kidney.

The DNA testing is conducted and the results confirmed with high accuracy.

The DNA lab informs the man that he is not genetically compatible and cannot provide donor tissue because he is not the true father of the child.

This would likely be emotionally devastating to a man that brought up the child assuming it was his. The consequences to the relationship between the mother and the man would likely be difficult, at the very least.

Here is a quick video about the proper way to capture DNA samples when using a home DNA testing kit. Regardless of which kit you purchase, certain procedures must be followed to avoid contaminating the DNA sample with that of others, especially when taking swabs from a child’s mouth. This may save future grief in having to resubmit samples that were not properly taken initially.

This video is courtesy of www.assuredna.co.uk, which supplies a reliable home testing kit that is available at larger Boots stores, independant pharmacies online and on the high street. The assuredna test kit is easy to use, safe and with the accuracy of results typically in excess of 99.99%, you and your family can be sure of peace of mind from one of the most trusted names in DNA testing.

My girlfriend just had our baby and I just want to know that it is truly mine for peace of mind.

 The baby was born last week. How do I go about getting a paternity test and what is the cost? Also how do they perform test?

My father is in prison in Texas and a few years ago he told me he had another child before me (a daughter) and she doesn’t know about him.

I contacted her mother and she is not sure that my dad is the true father. I think my dad will be willing to cooperate. So how would I get a paternity test done?

Remember this is all in Texas and I thank you for any helpful information.

I need to have a DNA paternity test conducted to confirm if I have the same father as my two brothers.

The most important consideration is that my assumed father is now deceased.

Is it possible to determine sibling relationship and paternity using only hair samples from my two brothers or is a more powerful method advised?

Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.

There are additional testing procedures that must be performed after DNA samples have been properly collected and submitted to a certified lab for paternity testing.

Whether for confirmation of paternity, maternity, genetic relationships, legal requirements or simply peace of mind, once the samples have been delivered to the testing facility, the actions performed and the results provided are beyond the control of the potential biological parents, relatives, lawyers and all government agencies.

This is EXACTLY how it should be so as to ensure that the samples have not been tampered with, the identities of those submitting the samples are confirmed and that there is no abuse or interference with how the DNA testing lab conducts the tests and the lab analysis provided.

Confirming DNA Samples and Preparation for Testing

It is not necessary for any one submitting to a DNA test to fully understand the procedures involved in preparation of the samples for testing. The information provided is provided for those wishing to comprehend how such lab testing is performed.

What is likely far more important is to establish a communication interface between the testing laboratory, legal representatives and the individuals requesting the DNA analysis. This is highly warranted in legal cases involving paternity identification, child custody issues and financial support concerns.

Laboratory Analysis Methods

An important aspect to consider prior to engaging in a paternity test is understanding more about what is DNA.

Although not a requirement, many people feel more confident with the sample collection, laboratory testing, analysis and results if they understand what is actually being tested.

DNA or as technically referred to, deoxyribonucleic acid is a chemical molecular signature that distinguishes one individual from another and each human from other forms of life.

Prior to the emergence of easily accessible DNA testing methods, blood tests were used to assist in determining paternity, maternity, genealogy and sibling relationships.

Testing paternity using DNA is now the defacto standard due to the information the analysis can provide and the extremely high degree of accuracy.

What Is DNA?

When voluntarily requesting or submitting to a legally directed DNA test for paternity or even using a home testing DNA kit, the actions required may be quite different.

This is considered as the initial part of the testing process and may vary greatly for each family or individual.

What is likely not different is what occurs after the results are submitted to a certified DNA testing laboratory for analysis.

There are certain common procedures and actions that virtually all test labs must follow.

Once DNA samples have been properly collected from the potential biological parents and delivered to the testing laboratory, a DNA profile must be generated corresponding to each of the individuals submitting a DNA sample.

After the genetic profiles are created, the next step required is to compare these profiles and determine the probability of a DNA match or the possibility of a non-match.

The laboratory will strive to determine to an accuracy approaching virtually 100 percent that the individuals are related or not. It is also important to note that the lab tests are performed twice in order to ensure that the analysis is completely replicatable and not suspect.

Generating DNA Profiles

Comparing DNA Profiles

I’m taking a paternity test soon. So far the only information I have is that the child is O positive. I’m not trying to run away from anything, I actually want to take the test and get closure. Whatever the outcome, I just want to know… Does blood type mean anything? I’m O positive as well. The child is O positive. Does this pretty much mean I’m the father?

I haven’t seen this women since I graduated from college, 7 years ago. She was pregnant when we graduated but she told me that the baby wasnt mine and that she and the father were getting married, which they did.

Last week she contacted my ex-fiance, my daughter’s mother, to get my contact information because her husband was not her son’s father and she thinks that I might be. I just finished talking to her and now she wants me to take a paternity test.

I offered to get a paternity test when I found out she was pregnant. And tonight she had the nerve to get angry with me because I told her I am not paying for it. I don’t think I should have to pay for the damn thing. I was going to pay for it when I offered to take it 7 years ago but I am not now. Is that wrong?

I am willing to take the test, I am just not paying for it.

Three years after the fact, I am being required to go to a court date for a paternity test. I however now live 2,000 miles away and was wondering how I would go about getting my paternity test done here.

I have tried contacting the attorney and courts but they tell me to submit a written letter. I am doing this of course but I am wondering exactly how this process goes.

I want this to be done as fast as possible so that I can once and for all clear up this whole mess. I do not believe I am the father but I was told if I don’t make a court date I can be the “father by default” and would legally be required to care for this kid even if proven other wise.

Does anyone have any information on this? Thank you in advance.

My boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend gave birth to a child over a year ago when she was 16 and put no name on the birth certificate, establishing no apparent father.

She refuses however, to have a paternity test when any of the numerous potential fathers request one, including my boyfriend. I was wondering if there is any law that prevents her from denying a paternity test to a potential father seeing as how all potential fathers are minors as well.

Any information would help, Thanks in advance.

I am 20 weeks pregnant today, and have been going through many trials and tribulations with my ex. He has moved on and is in another relationship. Which is fine with me. However he has really giving me his ass to kiss though this whole ordeal.

He first stated that I wasn’t pregnant, and now that he can clearly see that I am. He is screaming it’s not his child. I am hurt because the last six years of my life I have been there for him. I mean through thick and thin.

And this is how he repays me. He has never been to one prenatal visit. I ask him to take me to the grocery store for WIC and other misc items, and he never shows.

I can’t wait until December to have a paternity test done. I am in a state where I have no family. Limited friends, and I need help. Truth be told I didn’t make this baby on my own, so why should I have to go through this alone.

I can however support my baby by myself. I’m just scared because I suffer from epilepsy, and have been having seizures more often.

I feel like he is looking for any reason not to be a man. I’m not asking him to leave his girlfriend. I’m just asking for him to step up and handle his responsibliteis as a man, and soon to be father.

I confronted him in front of his current girlfriend, and he flipped out and threatended me stating he will hit me etc.

Any information will be helpful..

Well I have a prenatal visit Wed and I’m going to further discuss this with my obgyn. I’ve been googling information, and it’s saying that it can be done. So I’ll see what my doc has to say.

Well I have a prenatal visit Wed and I’m going to further discuss this with my obgyn. I’ve been googling information, and it’s saying that it can be done. So I’ll see what my doc has to say.

I have a friend who has a girlfriend who is pregnant. He doesn’t want to be with her anymore, because she has knowingly cheated, but he doesn’t want to jeopardize being part of the child’s life. He wants a paternity test but can’t afford it. Would she have to pay for the doctor bill and the paternity test if he asks for her to get one?

He wants to gain custody of the child, but doesn’t think he should pay to find out if it’s even his and to be honest, I agree with him. He lives in Michigan. Any information would be great. Thanks!

She is underage and dropped out of school with no job. She refuses to see an OB/GYN and doesn’t take her prenatals. Her mother is addicted to drugs and the girl isn’t in a good environment at all, and the baby will have it worse off.  Which is why my friend wants to gain custody.

Under the requirements of UK Data Protection laws, the service and results are confidential. All adult parties who have submitted a sample for analysis will receive a copy of the report.

Results are not passed on to any third parties unless you request us to do so. In order to further protect confidentiality we do not discuss results of tests over the telephone.

All samples are sent to our laboratories in specially designed tamper-evident packaging. Once testing is complete and you have received the results, your DNA sample is stored securely for 3 months after which time it is destroyed.

In paternity cases all identification paperwork is held by Cellmark for a period of one year after testing is complete after which time it is destroyed in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

As directed by Data Protection laws your information will not be passed onto anyone you have not given us authorisation to do so.