Conducting a paternity test is the scientific way to verify whether a man is or is not a child’s father. Proving a biological relationship between a child and father provides valuable health information, guarantees government benefits, and establishes child support and inheritance rights. The answers to popular questions below will help you understand the testing process and what the results mean. 

4 Common Questions About Paternity Tests 

What samples are needed for a paternity test?

Generally, testing for paternity involves taking a DNA sample from the mother, the alleged father, and the child. Accurate DNA lab testing can be conducted with samples from one parent and the child. Typically, individuals give samples with a buccal swab. A trained technician uses a poly swab to remove cells from inside an individual’s cheek. Testing the DNA in those cells establishes the person’s genetic profile.

Can testing be done before a baby is born?

Yes. However, taking samples after a baby is born is the safest method for both mother and child. Three types of paternity test samples can be collected before birth. Collecting a Chorionic Villis Sample (CVS) during the first 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy or an amniotic fluid sample between the 12th to 21st weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. The third option, taking a blood sample any time after 12 weeks of pregnancy, is low-risk and noninvasive.

What do paternity test results mean?

DNA lab testing compares each individual’s DNA profile. If there is a genetic match between the profiles of the child and alleged father, then the man is the biological father. The man is not the biological father if there is no genetic match between the DNA profiles.

If you need a paternity test to establish or exclude a biological relationship, turn to US Compliance Consortium in Phoenix, AZ, for help. Their staff of certified medical examiners offers a variety of DNA lab testing options with 99.9% accurate results. To learn more about their services, including forensic testing, visit them online or call (602) 765-2200 to speak with a knowledgeable representative.