Who is the father of this baby? Let's learn about DNA Paternity Test in simple terms

Sometimes in life we ​​have to face very complicated questions. Especially when it comes to a new addition to the family. The question of "Who is the real biological father of this child?" can arise for many legal, social, and personal reasons. So at a time like this, the most accurate way to find a clear answer to it without any doubt, scientifically, is a DNA paternity test. Today we will talk about everything very simply.

What is a DNA test in simple terms?

To understand this, we first need to know what DNA is. The full name of DNA is `(Deoxyribonucleic acid)`. Simply put, DNA is like an instruction book containing genetic information inside the cells of our body. Everything from your hair color, eye color, height, and skin color is determined by the information contained in this DNA.

The important thing is that we inherit this DNA from our biological parents. To be precise, half of our DNA comes from our mother and the other half from our father .

Here's what a DNA paternity test does:

The child's DNA pattern is taken and compared with the mother's DNA pattern and the DNA pattern of the person suspected of being the father. If the part of the child's DNA that was not inherited from the mother matches that person's DNA, then he is most likely the child's biological father.

Why do you need to do such a test?

There are many reasons to get a DNA test. Some of the main reasons are:

• For legal purposes: Proof of paternity is essential for legal matters such as including the father's name on a child's birth certificate, obtaining child support, obtaining child custody, inheriting property, and receiving some social security benefits.
• For health reasons: Some genetic disorders can be passed down from generation to generation. For example, conditions like Cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome. Knowing who the biological father of the child is can help identify any genetic disorders that may be passed down from the father. This is very important for the child's future health.
• To know family history: A child has the right to know their family history and who their relatives are. It is very important for the child's psychological development and identity.

What types of DNA tests are there?

DNA testing can be done before the baby is born (during pregnancy) and after the baby is born. Here are some of the main methods used.

What should you do before the test?

Typically, if you are having a cheek swab taken, you are advised to avoid the following for about an hour before:

• Brushing teeth
• Using mouthwash
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• If you are wearing dentures, remove them.

These things can affect the quality of the sample you take. If you are having a blood sample taken, your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.

Truth or falsity about at-home DNA paternity tests

There are now online DNA testing kits that you can take home. These are usually less expensive than a test done at a medical center. Also, it is convenient because most people can do it in person.

But there are a few things you need to know about this:

• No legal acceptance: The results of a home test are not accepted as evidence in court or other legal proceedings. For legal proceedings, a test (`(Legal DNA Paternity Test)`) is required, which requires samples to be taken through a recognized medical center, according to the proper procedure (`(chain of custody)`), and in the presence of witnesses.
• Accuracy: It is important to check whether the company that sends the home test kits is an accredited company. Sometimes, errors in sample collection can affect the accuracy of the results. Tests are more reliable if they are performed in laboratories that are accredited by organizations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

How do you understand the results?

The result of a DNA test is usually given as a "probability of paternity".

• If the result is 0%: This means that there is no genetic match between the alleged father and the child. He is not the biological father of the child.
• If the result is 99.9% or higher: This means that there is a very high probability that the person suspected of being the father is the biological father of the child.

Results usually take a few days to two weeks to come back. However, results from tests like `Amniocentesis` or `CVS` may take several weeks to come back.

Can't you do this test without Dad?

The best and most accurate method is to obtain a DNA sample from the alleged father. However, if he is not alive or cannot be found, a test can be performed using the DNA of his closest relatives. For example, DNA samples from the father's parents (the child's grandparents) and siblings can be taken and compared with the child's DNA to arrive at a conclusion.