DNA testing is a very complicated process that is conducted with the latest technology. Additionally, paternity testing provides results regarding parental issues and also clears confusion and uncertainties. Over the past years, DNA technology has evolved, and it is available to almost everyone. However, the first paternity testing took place almost 100 years ago.
How does paternity testing work?
In simple words, a child’s DNA characteristics are compared with a potential father to see the similarities. a Choice DNA testing kit looks for the DNA markers to see which half of the DNA comes from the potential father. Every person inherits half of their DNA from each biological parent hence a comparison can be used to determine the probability of paternity. If the biological father is tested, they will share many sections of DNA at each marker with their baby; however, if he is not the father, this not be the scenario.
Why is it used?
Paternity testing can be used for many purposes, like as peace of mind. These tests are quite cost-effective and provide authentic results. In an ideal situation, every child knows both of their parents, but that is not the case. Personal DNA testing can provide you with reliable results to end the confusion so that you can have a fresh start. If you delay the truth, the results for your child can be drastic. As a result, there can be emotional trauma. However, personal paternity testing results are not admissible in court.
Evolution of Paternity testing throughout the years:
These days paternity testing has become a type of entertainment on television. However, for some families, it is a very emotional and sensitive subject regarding a child’s parentage. Determining the child’s mother has never been that much complicated, but determining fatherhood has always been a complicated task. Moreover, before genetic profiling in the 1980s, there was no 100% reliable way to determine the paternity of a child.
Early to mid-1900s blood typing:
You might get amazed to know that the first paternity evaluation took place in the 1920s with the discovery of human blood typing. Additionally, in the year 1901, Austrian scientists founded four different blood groups, A, AB, B, and O, while researching how to achieve a successful blood transfusion. As you know, blood types are inherited genetically, which makes it possible to evaluate DNA and exclude the man from being the biological father if the blood type doesn’t match. This wasn’t a reliable way to determine paternity, but it helps to exclude a person if he isn’t the father. Moreover, a famous paternity case from the 1940s where actress Joan Barry accused Charlie Chaplin of being the father of her newborn daughter. In this famous case, blood testing was used to determine the paternity of a baby.
The 1960s-1970s-HLA typing:
DNA testing with better reliability came in the 1960s with the introduction of human leukocyte antigen typing or HLA typing. Every person receives these unique antigens from their mother and father. Half of them are inherited from the mother and another half from the father. With the help of HLA typing, paternity testing can be performed by evaluating the genetic material in the white blood cells of the potential father. However, these tests are also not as correct as modern paternity testing. However, they provided 80% accuracy.
1980s DNA profiling 1980s
Even though the double helix was first discovered in 1953, it was in 1984, DNA profiling was used, and it is this process that is the backbone of modern-day DNA analysis. In 1984 Sir Alec Jeffreys created techniques that are still being used in this modern time. They are not only being used to solve crimes, but they can also differentiate people’s DNA. Jeffery developed the technique of genetic fingerprinting in which short tandem repeat markers were compared. Human DNA only differs by 0.1%. This means scientists only have a tiny area difference. Additionally, STR markers are very different. As a result, they are quite useful in performing DNA testing.
1990s-DNA analysis using PCR
In the 1990s, paternity testing becomes very accurate and reliable due to Polymerase Chain Reaction testing. The PCR process enables geneticists to create millions of copies of STR markers in an individual’s DNA so that they can compare it with others.
This PCR process is used to perform relationship testing that includes paternity testing too.
DNA testing today:
Due to the advancements in the last 30 years, the analysis of samples has become reliable and quicker. Many relationship testing doesn’t need blood sample due to cheek swabs, but paternity testing is an exception. Due to these technological advancements, DNA testing has become quite accessible and affordable.
