Paternity Testing DNA Testing and Paternity
DNA testing has been around in force since the 1980’s. In recent
time, DNA testing is important to both the criminal
justice system as well among the general population, and one key
use of DNA testing is to establish paternity.
What exactly is DNA testing though? To put it simply, DNA
is your unique genetic code or identifier. DNA holds the
information that makes us who we are. Our eye color, hair color,
skin color, and everything else we are is marked in our DNA. The
cells in our body carry DNA. Each cell, whether a skin cell, a hair
follicle, or some blood all carry the DNA identifier. Scientists
say that there are so many millions of combinations of genetic
identifiers in each person, that each person has their own unique
DNA identification.
The general population also relies on DNA testing for a number
of uses. Ancestry can be determined by a DNA test. Perhaps, you are
not sure if you have Native American ancestors. You can send for a
DNA kit, collect your specimen and send to DNA testing centers who
can provide you with your genealogical information.
What we are interested in though is the use of DNA tests for
establishing paternity, authentication of grandparents
or siblings, or other many other family relationships. Some
people are even having their DNA testing and recording the results
in case identification is ever needed. This is similar to the child
identification programs hosted in many communities where parents
fingerprint their children.
You can find DNA testing centers all over the country. Fees can
be expensive though, usually several hundred dollars. Many
centers will provide you with a home DNA collection test which you
can return via mail. The center will begin DNA testing and send you
the results. The time for testing varies with what kind of testing
is needed. Typically, a paternity test may take up to two
weeks.
A good place to look for paternity DNA testing is in the yellow
pages.
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