Can you really carry out a DNA Paternity test at home?

If you’re wondering about a paternity test, chances are you are in a very undesirable situation. However, these things can happen and it’s better to be well informed about all the new technology available and how it can solve your problem. A home DNA test can be a great solution for you, if you seek privacy, reliability and lower cost. To find out about this type of paternity test, read on, and ask yourself: isn’t it worthwhile to know before you cause a lot of emotional turmoil for everyone involved?

The answer is yes, you can carry out a paternity test at home. First, let’s understand the basics. A paternity test is an application of DNA technology to ascertain fatherhood of an individual, usually a child. A sample is collected from the child, in the form of tissue or blood, and from the alleged father. These are compared in the lab and if they are found to match 99.99%, fatherhood is conclusively proven. The odds are several million to one that the results are inaccurate. It can be used to prove and disprove the disputed fatherhood. The test can be administered in the lab or through a home DNA test.

A home DNA test contains the same tools as a laboratory would use in the paternity test. However, this doesn’t mean you can conduct the test yourself. It means that the material used to collect the sample and send it to the lab is included in your kit. These days, the painful and invasive blood sample has been replaced with a cheek cell sample. So all you need to do is gently rub the swab provided in the kit on the inner side of your cheek and store this buccal sample to send to the lab. In both home and in-lab tests, the sample will be sent to the lab for analysis.

The cost of a home DNA test is typically lower than an in-lab paternity test. The costs involved with traveling to the location of the lab can add to the overall price. The unnecessary stress involved in taking a child to a clinical facility and causing stress in the family are also important factors in the decision to administer a home test. You may be afraid to meet someone you know and risk having your privacy disturbed. Family members may need to be informed, who would not find out in case of a home test.

But some of the factors that you do need to keep in mind while arranging for a home DNA test are the credentials of the lab and the requirements of the local courts. You need to be sure that the results of your paternity test and your identity are kept totally confidential. Along with discretion, be sure that the lab is certified by the ISO, and if you need to take the results to court, then also by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks). The accreditation should be up to date and avoid going through a broker. Beyond this, keep in mind the feelings and wellbeing of the child and your loved ones.