DNA Paternity Testing: What Is It All About?

Paternity testing may have risen to fame through dramatic, talk show style entertainment like the Jerry Springer and Maury Pauvich shows-where a woman is often shown screaming and yelling at potential fathers before a dramatic reveal-but it has practical, reasonable, and emotional applications that can improve the welfare of the child, its mother and, yes, even its father.

It's important to first establish what, exactly, we are referring to when we say "paternity testing." This type of test, simply put, refers to testing which compares the DNA of a child with the DNA of a potential father. These tests can determine whether or not a man is the father of a child.

Types of DNA Paternity Testing

Although most people simply say "paternity testing" when they are referring to this type of DNA testing, there are actually several different types of DNA paternity tests which can be performed either before or after a child is born.

Before a child is born, prenatal testing can be performed through several procedures. This includes a process called amniocentesis, which requires a physician to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus and comparing the DNA from the amniotic fluid with the DNA of the alleged father. This test requires the consent of a physician before it is performed because it does present a small chance of a miscarriage. However, a newer technology has provided many parents with a way to test paternity without requiring an invasive procedure. A SNP Microarray is a newer procedure which involves preserving, then analyzing, the DNA of the child which can be found naturally in the mother's bloodstream.
After a child is born, postnatal testing can be done through a number of different collection tests which are relatively non-invasive and post little to no risk to the child. Blood testing, cheek swabs, and umbilical cord testing are all common postnatal DNA paternity test procedures.

Why is testing Important?

DNA testing is an important procedure for everyone involved-not only the child, but the mother and father as well. Some of the benefits of paternity testing are practical. Establishing the paternity of a child can allow that child access to any legal benefits it is due from the father, such as social security, medical benefits or veteran's benefits. Benefits that are also due to the mother-such as child support-can also be enacted after paternity is established through a DNA test. Many states require a legal father to be listed on a birth certificate and will not allow a child to receive social security or other similar benefits until this has been legally established.

Some of the benefits of a paternity analysis, however, cannot be measured through the amount on checks or received medical benefits. When a child knows the identity of their father-and vice versa-it can create a stronger, healthier relationship that will not only provide the child with another parental figure, but will provide the father with a child that they know, support and love as well.

Well, so what can we conclude? Paternity testing is indeed the best way you can possibly chose to clear every single doubt. It may be hard getting all the info you need however, so it might make sense to contact a lab before your test. Here are some further writings about this type of test that you could well find useful.

http://karlmmcdonald.livejournal.com/611.html
http://www.realbuzz.com/blogs/u/dantemilton/the-new-era-of-affordable-dna-testing/about/

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By Karl M McDonald
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7663577