Since the beginning of modern technology, paternity test has quite gained popularity since rape cases have escalated to greater height. Paternity tests, today, are one of the methods being used in solving cases that involve pregnancy, rape, child claims, and for very simple reason that the mother would just like to know who the father of the baby is.
Sounds quite peculiar isn’t it? But these things really do happen and there are women who just don’t know who is the father of their baby. Paternity test is also common in situations wherein the man does not accept the truth that he is the biological father of a certain child.
Generally, paternity test are conducted through a comprehensive DNA testing and analysis of different enzymes, proteins, and HLA antigens.
The utilization of DNA, when checking for confirmations of the alleged claims of fatherhood, ahs been a breakthrough in the world of science. It is also an effective measure because, in reality, the DNA of an individual is almost exact replicas of every “somatic cell” of the parents. The combination of these DNA from the parents is united during sexual reproduction wherein these combinations will form another new cell.
The paternity test, on the other hand, has three test options available: prenatal testing, viability test, or in-home testing.
The Prenatal Paternity Test
The very first option is the prenatal testing. This is done when the pregnant mother is still on its 10th through the 13th week or 14th to 24th week of pregnancy, depending on the procedure to be used.
Mothers who undergo through this option wish to determine the paternity even before the baby is born. The baby’s DNA is enough to determine and prove the paternity of the father.
Most people contend that it is not advisable to conduct paternity test during pregnancy. In contrast, conducting paternity test during pregnancy is already reliable and effective in determining the paternity. This is because the baby’s DNA is already developed since the start of conception.
Alternatively, the prenatal paternity test may be conducted either through amniocentesis or chronic villi sampling (CVS).
When using a chorionic villi sampling, the process is conducted during the 10th through the 13th week of pregnancy. In this process, the cells from the placenta are collected. This is done by inserting a catheter through the vagina to collect cells. The ultrasound will be the one to guide the OB-GYN during the process.
In amniocentesis, the process is the same. Though, it must be done during the 14th to the 24th week of pregnancy. Also, the type of cells to be collected is the loos fetal cells embedded in the amniotic fluid. It is the fluid that is collected.
The Viability test
This type of paternity test uses remarkable samples so as to check for the DNA. This is commonly used when the supposed to be father is not present or cannot be found. In this process, they use preserved samples like hair, body tissues, and blood.
The In-Home Test
This is the most convenient procedure among the three. The in-home testing, as its name implies, is done within the comforts of one’s home.
In most cases, people who uses this kind of method is not at all determined to make such a fuss about the issue. It is usually for some personal reasons or other rationale and usually wouldn’t want other people to know about it. Though, it must be kept in mind that the results derived from this process is not admissible in court in the light of rape cases, divorce, child custody, or other legal issues where determination of paternity is important.
In this process, the DNA is collected using the buccal swab. This buccal swab resembles to the common cotton-tipped swab but has a special component known as the “Dacron.” It is then rubbed against the interior of the individual’s cheek. Several loose cheek cells stick to the swab. Here, the DNA can be obtained.
After the DNA is collected, it will be brought to the laboratory for some series of tests. It is a must that DNA samples must be in a sealed and tamper-evident packing.
Usually, paternity test results are available after 5 working days. It can also be earlier depending on the viability of the samples.
Indeed, paternity test had definitely made a major breakthrough in the world of science. Because of these innovative procedures, paternity tests are now considered as one of the most effective investigative methods in the society today.
