Thursday, July 15, 2010

Types of DNA Paternity Testing for Genealogy


If you’re considering having your child tested to see if you’re the father, or to establish who the father is, you’re probably wondering how the tests are done. Even if the child isn’t born yet, there are ways to determine who the father is by using DNA paternity testing for genealogy.

Before birth, doctors can do a procedure called amniocentesis to determine the father of the baby. This test requires a small sample of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac. There are risks with this method, but hundreds of these procedures are done on a daily basis with no problem. Another method before birth involves taking a sample of the fetal genetic material and using that to determine who the father is.  With this method, physicians will go through the cervix and extract a small amount of cells from the bottom of the amniotic sac. This is typically done at about five weeks into the pregnancy while amniotic fluid testing is done later in the pregnancy.

After birth, a DNA paternity testing for genealogy sample can be taken from the inside of a child’s cheek, his or her urine, or his or her blood. This is then compared with DNA from both parents to determine who the biological father is. There are numerous benefits to having a paternity test done – from medical reasons to custody and child support issues. In addition to all of this, when a child becomes an adult, he or she will want to know who their biological father is, and will appreciate it if you’re able to tell them. 

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