May 16, 2024DNA Testing
Paternity testing has revolutionized how we legally establish biological relationships between parents and children, especially when that child’s parentage has been called into question. Nowadays, a reliable DNA test can be used to unquestionably establish who a child’s father is, providing answers with incredible accuracy and reliability. But how do these DNA tests work, and how are they used to determine a child’s paternity? Keep reading to learn how a DNA test in Jackson, MS, can give you the peace of mind you’re searching for about your child’s parentage.
What Is DNA?
Before you can understand how DNA is used to determine paternity, it’s important to understand what DNA is from a scientific standpoint. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions your body uses in its growth, development, functioning, and reproduction. Many people describe DNA as the “blueprint,” or genetic “code” of our bodies, because it contains the information necessary for your body’s structure and function.
On a molecular level, DNA is composed of 2 long strands that coil around each other to form a double helix structure, like a spiraling ladder. Each strand is made up of smaller units called nucleotides, and nucleotides themselves are composed of 3 components:
- Phosphate Group: Consists of phosphorus and oxygen atoms and provides the backbone structure of the DNA strand.
- Deoxyribose Sugar: Links the phosphate groups together, helping solidify the DNA strand’s backbone.
- Nitrogenous Base: Includes A, T, C, and G bases, which are crucial for genetic coding and form the “rungs” of the DNA ladder.
At the risk of delving too deep into the science of DNA, our bodies receive different parts of their genetic codes from each parent. A combination of phosphates, deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogenous bases from both your mother and your father are combined within your body’s cells, helping to make up the very blueprint of your cells—and it’s those tiny components of your DNA that can be tested and compared to determine paternity.
Collecting DNA Samples
So, how do we collect DNA samples to run these tests? DNA can be found in almost any bit of organic matter your body leaves behind—however, generally speaking, we prefer a simple cheek swab. Also known as a buccal swab, these are painless and non-invasive, and can provide us with epithelial cells containing the DNA we need to test for paternity. (Determining the paternity of an unborn child requires a slightly more complex process, but we won’t delve into that here.)
Comparing the DNA
Comparing the DNAOnce the DNA samples are collected, they’re sent to our lab for analysis. The lab processes the samples to extract the DNA, then analyzes the specific genetic markers known as short tandem repeats (STRs) or microsatellites. These markers vary greatly from one individual to another, which makes them the ideal comparison point for determining biological relationships.
In paternity testing specifically, we compare the child’s DNA with that of the alleged father; we may compare the DNA to that of the mother as well to help in clarifying the child’s inherited DNA, but that’s not typically necessary to establish paternity. During this comparison, we’ll look for shared genetic markers between the child andthe alleged father; if there is a high number of matching markers, this indicates a high probability of paternity.
Interpreting Results
Results of paternity tests are provided in the form of a “paternity index,” which indicates the probability of paternity as a percentage. This represents the likelihood that the individual tested is the child’s father, based on the genetic information in the DNA samples we received. A paternity index of 99% or higher is considered conclusive evidence of paternity. Lower percentages may indicate another biological relationship (for example, an uncle or cousin) but will likely exclude paternity.
Our test reports can also include a more detailed report regarding the genetic markers analyzed and their respective matches between the child and the alleged father. These can be more difficult to interpret, but in essence, they show you exactly where in the DNA samples we found or did not find a match. This can be helpful information for understanding the basis of the paternity determination.
Implications of Paternity Test Results
Receiving the results of your DNA paternity test can have significant legal, emotional, and financial implications, regardless of what the results may be. It’s important to consider all of the potential fallout of your test results and how it may impact all parties involved—especially the child. Establishing paternity is essential in establishing biological relationships that may have been called into question, and DNA testing can provide clear, reliable results.
If you’re looking for a DNA test near me, contact Mobile Drug Screen for the most accurate and trusted DNA testing in Jackson, MS.
