Paternity Testing: DNA Options

It used to be that the only ways to test the paternity on a child was through blood. Now, however, we have the ability to determine the paternity of a child through the use of DNA. This can be a minimally invasive procedure that requires nothing more than a cheek swab.

There have been a number of DNA tests put into practice by forensic labs and paternity testing sites everywhere. Recently, there have been advances that have sped up the entire process while also increasing the accuracy of the testing being done.

One of the most recent advancements, implemented during the early 1990s, allows for a strand of DNA to be expanded and replicated which gives scientists a better chance of accurately identifying who the father is. The DNA is acceptable through this method even when it is a very small sample that has been damaged being used.

Another DNA option is for use only through males. It allows for analysis of the Y chromosome. By analyzing the Y chromosome (which boys get only from their fathers), researchers are able to determine if two people are related through their father. So while it doesn’t guarantee a match, if a boy and his reported father share Y chromosome features, there’s a very good chance that the reported father is the father.

Mitochondrial DNA does the same but works to identify the mother. The mother passes on mitochondrial DNA to all of her children so by analyzing mitochondrial DNA, it is possible to determine if people are related through the maternal side.

Contact a San Diego Adoption Lawyer

If you were adopted through a closed adoption and would like to learn more about DNA testing to determine who your birth parents are, contact the San Diego adoption lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel at 760-722-7646.