Before you understand the importance of paternity testing, you must first understand the DNA element involved and why DNA is used to establish paternity. DNA is the pattern of your genetic makeup. Every person has a different DNA pattern. However, persons belonging to certain ethnic origins, certain races, or simply certain characteristics, may have DNA showing related characteristics. There aren’t two people, except identical twins will have the same DNA. Each person has 46 chromosomes in each cell. The only exceptions are sperm and valves. Everyone’s 23. At the time of conception, however, the 23 chromosome of sperm and egg are combined with form 46, and at that time, you have the chromosomes necessary to create a new person. This pattern for your genetic makeup is a combination of maternal DNA and paternal DNA. In other words, half of your makeup is your mother’s and half is your father’s. Now, since the mother would be the person giving birth, there is no dispute about the maternal test. She was there at birth. But what about the paternal test? How is the identity of the father determined, without a doubt? Enter the DNA paternity test.
DNA tests work the following way.
The child’s DNA is analyzed. A DNA “band” test strip is established. DNA is then tested by the alleged father. If the child and man share common “bands” in a number of different places, then paternity is established with 99.9% accuracy. That is as precise as the results can be. This is a seemingly simple test, to have such an amazing effect on the lives of the people involved. Entire families have been torn apart by paternity issues. Lives have changed forever, thanks to a little DNA test. Paternity tests are now used to decide custody cases, establish legitimate child support cases, influence adoption procedures and help claim inheritance by providing evidence of the relationship. However, by far the greatest use of DNA testing is the identification of paternity problems. Most courts accept 99.9 per cent positive as a result of 100 per cent. There is available evidence that can be used at home, but in the event of a legal battle, or establish legal paternity, only testing by certified and authorized facilities will be permitted.