PATERNITY TEST
A paternity test cannot be used to determine proof of relationship for other biological connections like aunt, uncle, sibling, grandparent, etc. It also does not provide information about ancestry, the age, or race of an individual.
Paternal testing is a DNA blood test to confirm the biological relationship between a presupposed father and a child/children. DNA testing for family genetics is usually focused on the father because the child is carried by the mother in pregnancy, with an exception for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cases and surrogacy.
A paternity test may be required for any of the following reasons: Visa and immigration application, Legal instructions in a will, Adoption, Child support, Establishing paternity in surrogacy and IVF pregnancies
Understanding the Paternity Testing Process
Carrying out a paternity test involves key steps including obtaining written consent, providing valid identification, collecting DNA samples—typically via cheek swab—and conducting laboratory analysis to determine the probability of biological relationship.
Consent of parties
To proceed with a paternity test, each party (man and woman) must provide their consent in written format. Consent forms are provided at the laboratory when you come for the sample collection
Required documentation
Valid identification of both parents is required. We accept: International passport, Driver’s license, National ID card.
We require the following documents for the child/children: Birth certificate of the child, Two passport photos per child. The mother is required to accompany the child for identification, and to provide signed consent where the child is below legal consent age (18 years).
Confirmation of the actual biological paternity can only be achieved if the father, mother and the child are tested together. However, the father and child can be tested alone if the purpose of the test is for exclusion only. In cases where a parent is no longer alive at the point of DNA testing, additional legal documentation evidencing the legal guardian status of the requestor is necessary. Alternatively, a marriage and death certificate of the requesting party will suffice.
Sample collection and testing
The standard process involves collecting DNA samples from the inside of the cheek of both the father and the child/children using an oral swab. Once the sample is received in the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cells, amplified and analyzed using a baseline of genetic markers. The result from the analysed data is calculated to determine the probability of a biological relationship.
Where an oral swab is unavailable, special samples may be collected using hair, tissue, or blood.
Delivery of results
The outcome of a paternity test can be a sensitive situation. Results are treated with utmost confidentiality. Results are only shared with the direct participants of the test, in person. We do not share paternity test results via the telephone, email or other electronic formats.
In cases where a court has mandated a test, these test results are specially packaged and delivered by courier, directly to the judge in charge of the case. Results are generally available within two weeks of sample collection.
Paternity test during pregnancy
Paternity DNA tests during pregnancy may be conducted as early as within the first trimester of pregnancy. The paternity of an unborn baby may be determined through a process known as prenatal paternity testing which could be invasive or non-invasive.
A Non-invasive test in prenatal paternity test is the most accurate and safest way to establish paternity in unborn babies. It requires only blood samples from both parents of the unborn baby. The invasive tests used for prenatal tests are Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS).
Amniocentesis for prenatal paternity tests may be done between 14 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. A doctor will take a sample of the amniotic fluid in your uterus using a long thin needle that is inserted through the abdomen. The DNA from the amniotic fluid is then compared with that from the father. This procedure carries a potential risk, albeit minimal.
Possible side effects may also include: vaginal bleeding, cramping, the leaking of amniotic fluid, irritation around the injection site.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) in prenatal paternity testing requires the chorionic villi sample which are small pieces of tissue that are attached to the uterine wall. This sample is gotten from the cervix through the vagina using a thin needle or tube. This method is effective in establishing paternity because the chorionic villi and fetus have the same genetic components. Chorionic villus prenatal paternity test may be performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Put your mind at ease by taking advantage of MUDC’s services. We are committed to excellence, test accuracy, and keeping your information confidential.