Collecting Samples For The Dna Paternity Test

By Author: Glenn Farrier
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A DNA paternity test requires samples for the alleged father, child and the mother. The method of sample collection is so simple and straight forward these days that companies are providing home DNA sampling kit with which people can collect their own DNA samples following a few simple steps.

How are DNA samples collected?

First and foremost, you will be sent a home sampling kit. The kit contains the following items:

• 2 oral swabs per person
• The instructions for sample collection
• The consent form
• An address where you need to return your samples

Oral swabs are indeed simple to use. These cotton-bud like swabs need to be rubbed against the inner surface of the cheek (inside the mouth) and under the tongue. This rubbing needs to be carried out for just 10 seconds. Once you have done this for everyone you need to let the swabs dry for around an hour. Always make sure that swabs from different people never come into contact with each other as this might create a problem of sample contamination. Fill in the consent form and send everything off for laboratory analysis.

Do ...
... I need to include the mother’s sample?

You do not need to include the mother’s sample for the DNA test. The mother’s sample is however, strongly recommended as it help get a stronger result.

Is there a big difference between a Home Paternity Test and a Legal Paternity Test?

It is important to understand that there is no difference between the two tests when it comes to the accuracy of the results. Both tests endure the exact same process in an accredited laboratory, and will render the exact same results. The difference between the two tests is in the way the samples are collected. This is the key to the authenticity of the legal test. As explained, a home paternity test is for peace of mind, and the results are purely for your personal benefit. If there is any possibility that these results will need to be presented in a legal court, then you must ensure that the DNA samples are collected by a third party, usually a doctor or registered nurse, who will also be responsible for sending them on to an accredited laboratory for testing. Without this third party involvement and witness to the authenticity of the sampling, the test will not be court admissible.

Karl McDonald is a writer specializing in the field of Parental DNA verification. Other articles written by the author are related to Gender Prediction Testing, DNA sibling testing and genetic testing and can be found on the net.