Before you decide on paternity testing, either at-home or court-ordered, it is important to look at the facts of testing and what they really can offer in terms of assurance and peace of mind. Accuracy is certainly likely, especially with today’s testing process, however, there is something to be said about intuition. How far you take this instinct may impact your life more than you might realize. Statistics reveal that one out of every three dads who genuinely feel that they are not the biological father is correct. However, approximately three percent of all dads in the United States are unaware that the child they consider to be theirs, is actually not their biological kid. There is an argument for testing and not testing and deciding what is right for you will require a closer look at facts like these.
In a nutshell, here are the most important facts that you need to know about paternity testing. Click here.
Ensuring Accuracy
DNA tests are considered to be the most accurate method of determining biological relationships, as they identify paternity with over 99% accuracy and deny it with 100% certainty. There are additional ways to potentially increase accuracy such as incorporating DNA samples from the mother. Blood, semen, hair, and saliva can also be used as DNA samples, should the father be reluctant or is otherwise unable to partake in the testing. The preferred sample source is skin cells coming from the cheeks and saliva. These samples can be collected by performing a quick cheek swab.
Finding the Right Lab
Part of ensuring accuracy also requires that you select the best laboratory available. To go about this correctly, search ‘paternity testing near me’ and look for local labs with accreditation. Strive to find those with ISO 17025 standards. At the very least, do not settle for labs without accreditation. Whoever you choose, inquire about the number of genetic loci that they test for. You want to hear that at least 21 are tested, otherwise, it’s just not enough to ensure accuracy in results. The good news is that if you find a lab that is accredited by these golden standards, it should not be difficult to verify that they do test for at least that many genetic loci.
Rest in Knowing that Science Has Improved
While you still want to do all that you can to optimize the accuracy of your paternity testing, today, marker-based methods allow for 99.99% accuracy across different settings. Research continues to expand in regard to advancing DNA sequencing and related analysis, so further accuracy is likely on the rise in the near future. Paternity tests are much more reliable today than they were even twenty years ago. Do your part and then do your best to trust the science.
There is statistical merit in trusting your gut instinct but taking a paternity test is the only way to know for sure, who the father is to your child, so stick to the facts.