Here are some reasons why DNA Paternity testing is conducted: for peace of mind, family medical concerns, child support, custody, adoption, citizenship/immigration, inheritance/benefits (social security, insurance, etc.), and crime scene analysis (forensic testing).
(1) What is paternity?
Paternity means fatherhood. Paternity is established when a paternity testing laboratory uses genetic testing methods/DNA test, to demonstrate to a legal standard, that an alleged father is or is not the biological father.
(2) What kinds of samples are needed for DNA testing?
P.C.U.P. frequently uses a cheek swab collection (buccal swab) since it is easy to obtain, completely non-invasive, painless and is just as accurate as blood samples. Almost any biological sample could be used since DNA is located everywhere throughout the body in the same exact form.
(3) Are the paternity test results confidential?
Yes, P.C.U.P. DNA test results are strictly confidential. They are released only to the adult persons who were tested and as requested, to their authorized agents (e.g., attorneys). Typically, all adults over age eighteen who are tested are eligible to receive a copy of the test results. In addition, individuals representing tested parties, such as attorneys, can receive a copy of the report at the request of a test participant. Let Client Services know if you have special requirements and we will work with you to meet your needs.
(4) Are the results admissible in court?
Yes. P.C.U.P. follows a strict chain-of-custody procedure which allows for court/legal admissibility. If you are interested in other types of DNA testing, please contact our Client Services department at (405) 698-2870 for more information.
(5) Can paternity testing be done without a specimen from the Mother?
While a paternity test can be conducted without the mother, it is always recommended that the mother be included in the test. Including the mother not only acts as a quality control step to ensure the proper child has been sampled but it also strengthens the genetic evidence of the test. Not including the mother in the test can cut the combined paternity index value in half. This becomes important when the combined paternity index is low. Not including the mother in the test, reduces the ability to detect false inclusions.
(6) Can testing be done if the alleged father is missing or deceased?
Yes. Other relatives, such as the alleged father’s parents, can replace him in the test if necessary. At times, biological samples from a deceased person can be obtained from a hospital or the coroner’s office. For additional information, please contact our Client Services department at (405) 602-5669.
(7) What if the two possible fathers are related?
When possible, both men should be tested at the same time. Relatives have similar DNA patterns, but the laboratory will always perform enough tests to completely resolve the paternity issue. It is important that you inform us of the situation when you order your test.
(8) Can I do anything to alter the results of the test?
No, you cannot alter the results of a test. Medication, drugs, alcohol, food, age, or lifestyle cannot alter the DNA pattern within an individual.
(9) How accurate is DNA-based paternity testing?
DNA Profiling method is an extremely accurate genetic testing method. It can absolutely determine if the man is the biological father or reliably exclude him. DNA Profiling can establish that the alleged father is the child’s biological father with a probability of paternity of ninety-nine percent or higher. Each year many individual clients, child support offices, attorneys, judges, and physicians choose P.C.U.P. as their source for information, guidance and testing services in order to determine paternity.
(10) How old does the child need to be for paternity determination?
There is no age limit with DNA Profiling. Children who are just a few days old can be tested using buccal swab sample collection. Newborns are readily tested by collecting blood from the umbilical cord on the day of birth. Under special circumstances, DNA paternity testing can be performed on unborn children during pregnancy by using amniotic fluids or CVS samples.
(11). Can I get a paternity test while pregnant?
Yes, you can! Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test can be performed with a strict chain-of-custody process and is the first and only prenatal test accredited by the AABB for paternity testing while pregnant. P.C.U.P. will performs the specimen collection and the DNA Diagnostic Center (DDC) will complete the testing. Results are ready in seven business days.
(12) Is the Lab accredited? Are the results reliable?
P.C.U.P. partners with laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) for the purpose of performing paternity tests.
(13) How long does it take to receive results from the paternity test?
It typically takes about three to ten working days to complete the testing. In cases where the mother’s sample is not included or when an abnormal/difficult sample is used, testing may require more time. For specific information on the time required for your test, please contact Client Services at (405) 698-2870.
(14) What does DNA testing cost?
The Client Services department will be pleased to answer any pricing/cost questions that you may have. Call us at: (405) 698-2870 for more information or to make an appointment.
QUESTIONS? Contact your Oklahoma City testing agent to learn more.
