Paternity Testing: What You Need To Know

A DNA paternity test is a sure-fire way to establish a relationship between parents and a child. A paternity test is very similar to any other test that can be used to discover the relationship between family members, ancestral origins, and even health risks. DNA testing is not for everyone, but the kits are quite accurate in determining parentage.

They are especially useful in legal matters when one needs to provide proof of parentage as legal or establish lineage for any other reason. That’s why we have put together a guide for you on how paternity testing works and what you should know before getting one done:

What Is A DNA Paternity Test?

Paternity is used to determine whether the child is the biological child of a father. So, when you’re born, you inherit the genetic make-up of both your parents. Therefore, the test uses a cheek swab and tests the saliva to determine if you share the biological make-up with your father or not.

Why Are Paternity Tests Often Required?

Establishing paternity can be important in many cases, especially in legal cases. You can get one done if you doubt your parentage. It’s also done to gain legal child custody, child support, and inheritance rights. It’s also an important way to identify any genetic conditions that may affect your health in the long term.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Paternity Tests?

There are several ways you can do a paternity test. You can visit a medical facility and have it done by a medical professional for legal reasons. Or you can try at-home DNA paternity test kits you can get online or from your local drugstore.

How Does The Test Work?

The test can be done in two ways:

Cheek Swabs: If you wish to check for proof of paternity with your child with the cheek swab method, you simply take a cotton swab applicator and swab the inside of your cheek and your child’s cheek in the buccal area. If you’re having this done in a medical setting due to legal reasons, then the office will send the sample to the lab.

Blood tests: If your child is comfortable with needles, you can have a blood test done at a medical office, and the facility will send your and your child’s samples to the lab for analysis.

When Can You Expect Results?

Once you send the samples to the lab for testing, the standard time for paternity test results is around 2 business days or 48 hours. Although depending upon the service you take, you can also get results in one day as well for an additional price.

So now that you’re more aware of paternity tests and things you need to know before getting one done, check us out at Phlebotomy On Wheels. We offer commercial mobile lab services such as home blood Draw services VA, paternity testing, Specimen pick-up, delivery services, pediatric blood draws, etc.

Schedule an appointment with us now, and our expert phlebotomists VA can get you quick results on your paternity tests.