Blood based DNA sampling is a common method of paternity testing. In this, blood is taken from the child, alleged father and sometimes from the mother too. Upon analysis of multiple genetic markers in the DNA samples, paternity is confirmed. Paternity tests are often carried out to resolve issues where a biological father refuses to adopt the child or where a woman has had several sexual partners around the time she conceives. Paternity tests may also be provided as evidence in legal cases. There are two types of blood paternity tests: 1) Human Leukocyte Antigen test or HLA test: In this test, various Major Histocompatibity Complex (MHC) regions are analyzed. If an HLA test indicates the statistical probability of 95% or greater, it is presumed that the alleged father is the biological father. 2) General DNA paternity test: In this test, various established markers across the genome in all samples are fingerprinted and compared. The determination of paternity is of paramount importance, since the court cannot issue an order against the father unless the paternity of the father is established.
DNA & Genetics
DNA & Paternity
