The thought of paternity testing makes many people nervous because of public misconceptions. In reality, they play a crucial role for families and in the courtroom, and you shouldn’t be deterred because of falsehoods. Below, you’ll find primary myths debunked so that you can go into the test confident about the results.

Debunking Myths About Paternity Testing

1. They Aren’t Accurate

One of the most problematic myths about paternity testing is that it’s inaccurate. Superior genetic testing equipment has made them more accurate than ever. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this form of DNA testing is one of the most accurate available. It can show that a person is the father with roughly 99.9% accuracy or that they aren’t the father with 100% accuracy.

2. They’re Painful

Paternity tests aren’t painful in any way. Perhaps the most painful part is the stress and emotional strain you deal with on your own before the test. During testing, a lab technician uses a cotton swab to collect tissue from the inside of the cheek. The swab is then analyzed in a lab and compared to a DNA sample collected from the child’s mouth.

3. The Father Has to Contribute a Sample

If the alleged father is unwilling to provide a sample or is deceased, paternity testing can still occur. Technicians can test DNA posthumously and still yield accurate results. If the father refuses to participate, an option would be to test the grandparents. If the results of this test show enough DNA in common, you’ll have a sound argument that the alleged father is also the biological one. Always remember that including the sample from the mother, usually at no charge, will strengthen the probability.

If you need paternity testing or other DNA testing services, AccuDNA provides a wide scope to fulfill your needs. This St. Louis, MO, lab has been open since 2005 and handles tests for forensics, custody cases, adoptions, and more. They’re committed to providing quick, accurate results. Explore a full breakdown of their services on their website, and call (314) 845-9997 today to schedule a test.