It is not always necessary to perform a DNA test to establish paternity. However, if the question of whether or not you are the father of a child is in dispute, a paternity test is a nearly infallible indicator that can settle the question once and for all.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a paternity test requires very little effort on your part. You need to submit a sample of your DNA. This usually involves rubbing a cotton swab along the inside of your mouth to collect cells from your cheek. However, it is possible to collect a DNA sample from a number of sources since it is present in most human cells. It can come from either tissues or bodily fluids, such as blood. Nevertheless, the test requires more than your DNA. It is necessary to collect and submit a DNA sample from the baby as well.
Once the lab has both samples, tests take place comparing your DNA to that of the baby. The people working in the lab look for matches within specific sequences of DNA. If there are matches within the DNA sequences, it means that you are the child’s father.
DNA testing has a high degree of accuracy. If you are not the father, the DNA test will demonstrate this with 100% accuracy. A positive DNA test is not absolutely conclusive, but with an accuracy rate of 99.9%, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to challenge the test results.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.