DNA paternity testing determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance—the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.
The result of a DNA paternity test is either an exclusion (the alleged father is not the biological father), or an inclusion (the alleged father is considered the biological father). For a standard paternity test, DDC guarantees at least 99.99% probability of paternity for inclusions or 100% certainty of exclusion.
Test Types: Legal and Home DNA Test
The type of paternity test you need will depend on what you intend to use the DNA test results for:
• If you need paternity test results that can be used as a legal document (for example, to change the name on the birth certificate or to obtain child support and other benefits), a Legal DNA Test needs to be performed (described below).
• However, if you need the test only for personal knowledge, a Home DNA Test willl suffice.
Unlike the Home DNA Test, where tested parties collect their own samples at their convenience, the Legal DNA Test follows a Chain of Custody documentation process to ensure that you receive accurate and legally defensible results. When you set up your case with DDC, we will coordinate a convenient sample collection appointment, during which a trained sample collector will complete all the necessary documentation to satisfy chain of custody requirements.
DNA Testing: The DDC Advantage
DDC leads the DNA testing industry in its quality of service, which focuses on ensuring DNA test accuracy as well as a smooth experience for our clients. For all our DNA paternity testing clients, we:
• Run each test twice, following the most stringent procedures to guarantee accurate and conclusive results.
• Complete testing in 3 working days (5 working days for a prenatal test).
• Maintain confidentiality of each case using strict communication protocols.
• Schedule convenient appointments through our comprehensive network of collection sites.
DNA Test Participants
In a standard DNA paternity test, the tested parties include a child, the alleged father, and the mother (called a trio).
The mother’s participation in the paternity test helps to exclude half of the child’s DNA, leaving the other half for comparison with the alleged father’s DNA. However, we can perform a paternity test without mother’s participation (called a motherless). A motherless test involves additional analysis, which DDC performs without any additional charge. Results are equally conclusive whether or not the mother participates. Motherless tests are guaranteed to have at least a 99.9% probability of paternity for inclusions and 100% for exclusion.