Paternity DNA Test

Paternity DNA tests simply allow for the biological father of a baby to be clearly and accurately identified should there be any doubts.

When booking a paternity DNA test with your local Peek A Baby clinic, a buccal swab sample will be taken which will test the DNA of a suspected father alongside your baby's DNA. DNA is present in almost all cells; these will be profiled alongside your baby's DNA in order to establish a match or not.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule in the body that carries our genetic code and makes us who we are. We inherit half our DNA from our biological mother and half from our biological father. Each person inherits a unique mixture of our parent's DNA which, except identical twins, makes each of us genetically different.

Children inherit half their DNA from their biological mother and half from their biological father. Our DNA test analyses 24 DNA locations across our genome. We analyse and compares the DNA of the child to that of the alleged father tested to determine whether the DNA Of the child was inherited from the alleged father. This assists in determining the likelihood that a man is the biological father of a child. The test will result in either a man matching a child with a probability of paternity of over 99.9% or it will exclude them completely.

Yes, the DNA profiles of only the child and the alleged father can be compared without the mother's DNA being needed. 

It can be done immediately after birth. Taking a swab from the inside of the baby’s mouth is totally harmless, painless, non-invasive and quick.

The samples are destroyed after THREE months unless we are otherwise prior instructed in writing or the samples relate to a case where we have been notified of possible fraudulent activity. All other confidential documentation will be destroyed after TWELVE months unless we are otherwise instructed. All DNA profiles are retained for up to 6 years.

It is possible to identify a biological father of a child, even after the man has passed away. These are called kinship tests. It is the exact same test but different statistical hypotheses are analysed and other family members are required to give samples for DNA profiling. Biological parents, siblings or other children of the deceased father can be analysed against the DNA of the child in order to obtain a likelihood of paternity. It is not routinely as conclusive but may well suggest a biological relationship between the deceased and the child.