Questions like “Who is the father of the kid” and “Who is my biological father” come up frequently, not just in movie and book stories but also in court cases or just for peace of mind. Scientifically sound solutions to these queries are provided by DNA testing.
DNA Transmission
We are all born with a different genetic code. The DNA of both parents was used to create this genetic material. The biological father contributes the other half of the DNA, while the biological mother contributes the other half. The basis for paternity testing is this idea. DNA samples from the kid and the prospective father are first taken.
Paternity Testing History
Over a century has passed since the first paternity tests, and family relationship links were developed. Blood typing was the most widely used technique at the turn of the 20th century.
The blood types A, B, AB, and O are heritable. Thus this procedure makes use of that fact. Therefore, determining a child’s blood type might reveal information about prospective parents’ blood types.
Unfortunately, the information obtained from this kind of examination regarding a child’s parents is somewhat constrained. It cannot prove a biological connection, such as parenthood. It can only be used to rule out a probable parent based on a blood type.
The focus of paternity testing has changed from simple exclusion to reliable confirmation of paternity due to advancements in DNA testing technologies.
Techniques for Determining Paternity
DNA samples from the prospective father and the kid are taken for paternity testing. The DNA is broken up using one of many methods, and the pieces are then separated by size on a gel to produce a distinctive banding pattern.
DNA fragments can be produced using one of two techniques.
RFLP
RFLP Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism technique uses distinctive DNA patterns in certain sections of a person’s genome. These different DNA-cutting sites can be recognized and operated by a vast family of proteins called “restriction enzymes.”
PCR
In a “chain reaction,” DNA fragments from a specific person are replicated billions of times using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique. This makes it possible to produce enormous volumes of DNA from only a tiny quantity of template DNA. These pieces are subsequently marked with fluorescent tags, enabling their visibility on a gel. Paternity is established with a 99.99 percent accuracy rate if nearly half of the tested pieces match the kid and the probable father.
DNA Testing for Paternity Before Conception
While obtaining blood or cheek swabs from people makes paternity testing simple, it is problematic if the test needs to be done before delivery.
Early testing is preferred, especially if the mother is considering terminating the pregnancy, as questions frequently emerge before birth.
The non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP), chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and amniocentesis are the three methods used to get a DNA sample from an unborn child.
Samples of Chorionic Villus (CVS)
The chorionic villi, which resemble tiny fingerlike projections on the placenta in the uterus, are the site of this DNA sample collecting technique. A catheter may be introduced through the cervix into the placenta to collect chorionic villi tissue samples.
Due to the significant danger of problems during this ultrasound-guided operation, a doctor’s approval is required. Typically, this testing is performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Amniocentesis
A long, thin, hollow needle is used to penetrate the skin, uterus, and amniotic sac to collect a fluid sample.
Despite being intrusive and only permitted with a doctor’s approval, the risk of miscarriage is less than 1%.
Between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, during the second trimester, this test can be carried out.
Prenatal Paternity Tests Without Invasion (NIPP)
The most reliable non-invasive prenatal paternity test is this one. This test needs the woman to give a quick blood sample and the alleged father to give a blood sample or cheek swab.
The American Pregnancy Association recommends the trial, which has a 99.9% accuracy rate. Fetal cells in the systemic circulation might invalidate the test findings if the lady just gave birth.
The two invasive methods are now solely used to diagnose genetic problems of the fetus because a safe and reliable non-invasive test is now available.
Legal Concerns with Paternity Tests
There are both legal and illegal tests accessible. The distinction is that information is not admissible in court and cannot be utilized in a legal proceeding. Only tests mandated by the court may be used in judicial proceedings. Worldwide, there are many different paternity testing laws and rules.
DNA tests are lawful and do not need the mother’s permission in the U.S. The legal ramifications of a test vary from state to state, particularly in cases involving child support or custody. New York, for instance, has different testing laws than other states. The state mandates that a lawyer or a doctor must approve the test. Testing at home is hence prohibited for inhabitants of New York.
