The most important thing to know about DNA testing
If you have decided to undergo a DNA test to prove that you are or are not the father of a child, you know how important this decision is. You also know how many questions it can ask! As the day you submit your DNA for the paternity test approaches, you may be wondering “Does it work?” “Is there a possibility of an error”? “Will this finally tell me the truth”? Take a break. A DNA test will not only give you all the answers you need, but it will give you peace of mind that you probably haven’t had since the question of paternity was raised.
The answer to all of these questions, and many more posed by the prospect of a paternity test, lies in how a DNA test is performed. Although you may have many doubts on your mind, a DNA paternity test is still the best and most conclusive way to find out who the father of a child is. Knowing how DNA works is important if you are concerned about the accuracy of a test. When a child is conceived, the child receives half its DNA from its mother and half its DNA from its father. When a parent contributes DNA to a child that is biologically theirs, half of the child’s DNA will match each parent’s DNA. If a child’s DNA is aligned with the DNA of an unrelated person, only half of the DNA will match. It is the most scientifically sound way to determine paternity.
There is virtually no chance of error when taking a paternity test. DNA sequences (or genes) are called alleles. These are analyzed during DNA testing and since they are so specific to each person and each family relationship, the chance of an incorrect result is one in a million. A DNA test will give you the peace of mind you need by telling you the truth about your relationship with the child. Why go through the agony of trying to find out if the child you are raising is biologically yours? The test results you receive from a DNA paternity test will give you the definitive answer as to the biological father. If you are only concerned with discovering the truth, it is important that you also prepare to handle the test results. If it is proven that you are the biological father of the child in question, you will be partially responsible for the financial support of the child, as well as the emotional support he or she needs as he grows older. If you are not the parent of a child you previously believed was yours, you will have some tough decisions to make about your role as a father figure.
When you’re ready to take a paternity test, you can take comfort in the fact that they are accurate, quick, and private. Go to your test knowing that the truth will be revealed and that your peace of mind will return soon!