Results tagged “paternity test” from DNA Lady

Understanding the Numbers and Symbols on your DNA Results

With all the information on various laboratory blog sites, I thought I would go back to a basic and review how to read the paternity test results.

The paternity test results will show allele (see DNA Dictionary for explanation of allele) sizes for the parties who participated in the test.  If the test indicates no allele size, it is considered that the same allele size is present at both loci.  When mother, alleged father and child are included in the DNA paternity test, the alleles that the child received from the biological father (called the obligate paternal alleles) can be determined by subtracting the mother's contribution to the child's DNA.  If the alleged father does not have the obligate paternal alleles at three or more loci, he is excluded as the biological father of the child.  If only a child and alleged father are tested, and they do not share any common alleles at three or more loci, the alleged father is also excluded.  When the alleged father contains the obligate paternal alleles at the loci tested, then he is not excluded as the biological father of the child.  While it is not necessary to have the mother tested to confirm Paternity, it is obviously a better choice to have all 3 parties tested so at least the mother's DNA is a known factor in the paternity index and probability of paternity figures.  

There are cases, where test results show a non-match for one or two loci.  This may indicate mutations which will require additional analysis but it may also indicate that a close biological relative of the tested alleged father (such as a brother, father or son) may actually be the biological father of the child.  Always, let your DNA collector know the circumstances of your case and if there are possible related males involved in the paternity.  Additional calculations can be performed to help address these factors.  However, it is best to have all possible alleged fathers tested to establish the true biological father.  DNA testing facilities can offer you Paternity Testing with additional samples prices so that anyone thought to be the alleged father can be tested.  Talk to your local DNA expert about the circumstances of your case, so that discretion is used during the actual collection.

The final results will indicate the Probability of Paternity expressed as a percentage.  This percentage is called Paternity Index (PI).  The PI is calculated  using a "prior probability of paternity" of 0.5 in the calculation  This prior probability is a neutral value (without bias) that assumes the alleged father is as equally likely to be as he is not to be the child's biological father.  A DNA test results with 0% PI means that the alleged father is excluded, or cannot be the biological father.  A PI of 99% and above means that the alleged father is most likely the biological father.  

When using a local DNA collector, you have the ability to ask questions before, during and after the DNA collection process. Take the time to understand what the results indicate - in the long run - when you doubts are erased - the child involved in the test will be given a solid foundation on which to build their life.   

According to the American Association of Blood Banks, about 30 percent of paternity tests in the US find that the man thought to be the father is not actually the father.

So you think your girlfriend is pregnant or you received a call from a girl that you met briefly a few months ago or your ex-wife says she pregnant and it is yours, she thinks.  Here are some things to think about before you take any action:

Positive Steps to Take Today

Listen to the young woman and understand that she had the courage to call you with this information and needs to hear your support, regardless of your initial thoughts. The situation involves more than just you.

Stay Calm. She may be carrying the baby, but you are both responsible for the care and support of the child now.  Regardless of your relationship with the mother, now and in the future, every baby needs to have both parents in his/her life.

Talk about it - not only with each other, but talk with parents, counselors, doctors, spiritual advisors, siblings and others close to the situation. Hiding the news from people who can genuinely help you only increases your stress.  Think of what your life would be like if you didn't have both of your parents or what your life would have been if you had both parents present.  Providing a child with confirmation of both biological parents helps to build a foundation for self esteem.

Gather all the facts. Today, your local DNA collector can offer Pre-Natal Paternity Tests.  An OB/GYN will need to explain the risks associated with Amniocentesis or CVS sampling, but from these two Pre-Natal Genetic testing, we can provide Paternity results in as fast as 5 business days.  The pregnancy has to be at least 9 weeks along.  Get all the information and seek wise counsel so you can make the best decision for both of you and for the unborn child.  If you are able to wait, a regular Paternity Test can be done as quickly as the day of birth.

Express yourself honestly - depending on the situation, it is very normal to have feelings of fear, anger, betrayal, and mistrust.

Negative Actions that will Affect Your Life in Future

Don't bail. The more you run from this, the harder it becomes to think and act clearly.  The State can mandate that you participant in a DNA test but wouldn't it be better if you took the action first and kept your DNA out of the State system.  If the pregnant woman says you are the father, and you have any doubts, a simple, non invasive DNA test confirms Paternity or not.  If you ask her to have a PreNatal Paternity test, be sure you are both aware of the risks to both mother and baby.  If the mother plans on having the baby regardless of whether you will support her in this decision, you can have a regular Paternity Test performed any time after the baby is born.   To be fair to the child, have the DNA test done as quickly as possible after birth, thus eliminating unnecessary stress and allowing you and your family members to begin bonding with the baby.

Don't pressure her. Applying pressure will only push her away, possibly into a regretful situation. You will do well to work together as a team - it is a practice for when you are both parenting.  It is time to "man up", you took the action and now you need to take responsibility for your actions.  Family members are a tried and true source of support, but failing that, the State provides many services for new moms and dads, including parenting skill classes, employment training, food stamps, housing assistance.  Everyone is behind you in creating a good life for your new baby.

Don't forget. You have a very active role in this situation. Listen to input from people who have experience and have your best interest at heart.  Give your thoughts and fears about the situation a voice.  Talk to other men with similar experience.

We have all heard the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child",
and when the village is small and one parent is missing the task
becomes even more challenging. Fortunately, being proactive and
understanding your rights as a parent will help alleviate any issues
that might arise as you take on the role of single parent. Every child
has the right to a parent-child relationship with both parents, and
all three deserve an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in the
relationship.

Establishing Paternity
Every child has the right to know both parents and have the
father's name appear on the birth certificate. Voluntarily
establishing paternity is not expensive and does not have to involve
an attorney or attorney fees. Both parents may contact the State
Department/Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Central
Paternity Registry, or the Department of Community Health and request
an Affidavit of Paternity. There may be a small fee for filing this document but it will ensure legal paternity is established.  

If the father inquestion has any doubt that the child is biologically related, a simple, non-invasive DNA test can be performed privately or by the State.   The benefits of a private DNA test are speed of results, ease in appointment setting and overall privacy in a very sensitive matter. 

Paternity Testing
Paternity testing is a series of genetic tests used to indicate the
likelihood that a man is, or is not the biological father of a child.
The most common method used today is DNA testing which are 99.9
percent accurate in determining that a man is not the father. The
child can be tested at any age, and the DNA test is obtained by
rubbing a cotton tipped swab on the inside of the check or DNA can be
extracted from blood or other tissues.  Pre-Natal Paternity tests are

also available today.  Participants should understand the risk of

Amniocentesis or CVS to the mother and baby, before undergoing

such test for the purposes of establishing paternity only. 

Laboratories performing paternity test should be accredited by the

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

Financial Security
The law requires both parents support their children. This is true
even if the pregnancy is unplanned. Children supported by one parent
often do not have enough money for their needs. A child support order
cannot be established if paternity is not proven.   In the State of New

Jersey, child support payments are not refunded if a man has been named

as father and later establishes that he is not the father.  Another reason, why a man with any doubt about the paternity of the child, should have a DNA test to confirm Paternity.

Survivor & other Benefits
Medical and dental insurance may be available through the non-
custodial parent's employer, union, or military service. In addition, many

employers offer scholarship programs for children of employees. Medical
assistance programs may be available through the local and/or state
family/child assistance agencies. Later on in the child's life, when applying

for financial aid for college, the role of both biological parents must be proven

in order for the child to receive financial aid.  How harmful will it be for a child

to have to focus on locating a biological parent at a time when the focus should be on college preparation. If something should happen to either
parent, the child could qualify for Social Security, pensions,
inheritance rights, veterans' benefits and life insurance. Paternity
must be established to receive these benefits.

Keep Track of Child Support Information
It is imperative that both parents, (the custodial and non-custodial) keep track of parent information, parenting time,
(visitations), receipt of child support payments, court ordered or
not, names of child support workers, attorney contacts, names of
judges/referees, docket/court numbers etc. concerning the child
support case. Remember to keep this information in a secure location
and let someone you trust know where this information can be found in
the event of an emergency.

Choosing a reliable paternity testing facility is as important as choosing the right lifetime partner. Besides the possible "clerical" errors mentioned in the below Raleigh, NC newspaper, some laboratories and collectors do not carry the proper accreditation and therefore the results are less reliable. Non-accredited DNA laboratories have been known to test less genetic systems. The rule of thumb in the DNA testing industry is to beware of tests results that do not provide a probability of paternity equal to or greater than 99%.

Find a private DNA Collections facility in your community, not state funded, so you are confident that their goal is to provide an accurate, reliable and convenient DNA test.  There are no motives for a private DNA testing facility to name you as the father, or not

Besides having the correct accreditations such as AABB, CAP, CLIA, NYSDOH - all important accreditations in quality control measures within the laboratory, once you receive your DNA tests results, you may have questions. When you use a local, private DNA testing facility, you have access to someone who will answer your questions. That individuals will most likely also remember your individual circumstances and may be able to further assist you in interpreting the results of the DNA test. A private, community based DNA testing facility is more likely to respond to your questions as they will also ask you for referrals to others in the same community. Relying on State-funded tests or out of state laboratories, both of whom hire independent collectors is a short sighted savings for such an important issue as Paternity.Many of the private DNA collections facility will work with you on the cost and payment plans.

See the below article from a NC newspaper - do you really want the State to determine if you are the father?

Excerpt from Raleigh, NC News & Observe

RALEIGH, N.C., April 13 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man said a clerical error following a paternity test nearly resulted in his making child support payments for a child that he did not father.

Charles Moody, 44, of Raleigh, said he took the paternity test after an ex-girlfriend claimed he was the father of her child and he became suspicious of her claim because of the time line of the baby's birth, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Monday.

However, Moody said he was prepared to start child support payments after Wake County Child Support Enforcement sent him a letter reading: "Enclosed is a copy of the paternity test result which shows a probability of 99.99 percent that you are the biological father."

Moody said he eventually double-checked the letter and discovered that the test results, which were stapled to the letter, stated that the "results indicate that Charles Moody is not the biological father."

Moody said he contacted the department and received another letter five days later saying that the case had been dismissed.

"How many people don't bother to look at the test?" he asked. "Can you imagine how many people this has happened to?"

Lillian Overton, Wake County child support director, said the incident was the result of an employee mistakenly pushing a computer key confirming paternity rather than the key that would rule it out.

"Trust me," she said, "that is not a common error."

More babies were born in the United States in 2007 than any other year in the nation's history -- and a wedding band made increasingly little difference in the matter.

The 4,317,119 births, reported by federal researchers recently, topped the 1957 record which was at the height of the baby boom. The lowest birth rates recorded in the United States occurred during the Great Depression.The difference between the baby boom of post World War II USA, and the "boomlet" of today is that less woman were having more babies in post World War II (an average of 4 children per household) as opposed to more women having less babies today (an average of 2.1 per household) - that would mean there are more men having more babies today, too. The U.S. population is more than replacing itself, a healthy trend, however, the trend also indicated that teen birth rate was up for a second year in a row - perhaps a result of lack of education on birth control, a snapshot of the changes in our culture or the decline in abortions in our country. Whatever the case, teen birth rates generally fall into the "unwed" mother category and the father needs to sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity in most states.

The birth rate rose slightly for women of all ages, and births to unwed mothers reached an all-time high of about 40 percent, continuing a trend that started years ago. More than three-quarters of these women were 20 or older.

For a variety of reasons, it's become more acceptable for women to have babies without a husband, said Duke University's S. Philip Morgan, a leading fertility researcher. Should sperm donors be required to submit to a DNA test for the record, in case in 20 years from now, their offspring require DNA history for medical purposes?

Even happy couples may be living together without getting married, experts say. And more women -- especially those in their 30s and 40s -- are choosing to have children despite their single status.In most states, if the mother and father are not married, then the child's birth certificate does not automatically have the man listed as the father. The father usually has about 60 days to have his name placed on the birth certificate which is ample time to have a paternity test.

While the number of births in the U.S. reached nearly 4.3 million in 2006, mainly due to a larger population, especially a growing number of Hispanics, it's not clear the boomlet will last. Some experts think birth rates are already declining because of the economic recession that began in late 2007.The 2007 figures reflected a relatively good economy coupled with cultural trends that promoted childbirth; however, we need the fathers of these children to be properly acknowledged so that the children receive support from their father's and not the state. Today's DNA tests provide fast Peace of Mind for any man with a doubt about the paternity of a child.

Meanwhile, U.S. abortions dropped to their lowest levels in decades, according to other reports. Some have attributed the abortion decline to better use of contraceptives, but other experts have wondered if the rise in births might indicate a failure in proper use of contraceptives. Some earlier studies have shown declining availability of abortions.

Taking a Paternity Test is easy.  Just make a phone call to your local DNA collections expert.

You are not alone.  In today's "hook-up" society (and let's face this has been going on for years and years)husbands, boyfriends and ex's don't have to live with a doubt about whether the child is really their own.  A simple, non-invasive DNA test can confirm if you are really the father.

Here is an example of a recent test taker:

A friend of ours was set up by his ex. They were separated on and off for a few years before making it a permanent separation, she refused to give him a divorce. Anyway during one of their reconciled periods she got pregnant. She had a girl. This was a red flag to me because he comes from an all boys family and they had only had male kids. Their other kids are boys. So they separated for good soon after the baby girl was born. He paid child support and private school fees etc. This continued for about 10 years. She had her BF move in with her and our friend reconnected with an old GF. His GF thought there was something odd going on and suggested they have a DNA test done. Sure enough his ex's BF was the father and he knew it! They had done a test years earlier and kept it quiet. The BF even had the nerve to complain if our friend was unable to take the kid for weekend visits!

Legitimate DNA paternity testing establishes legal proof-of-paternity/non-paternity for a variety of legal applications, including child support and custody cases. The process, though subject to stringent collection standards, is still painless, and relatively simple for all participants.

As an independent party to the case, the appointed collector ensures that each participant is properly identified, officially witnessing the collection of each sample. This individual is responsible for mailing samples directly to the lab thereby eliminating the possibility of any tampering or contamination by participating parties.

There are only a select group of labs accredited by both the AABB and ISO standards bodies, the organizations responsible for monitoring the legal DNA testing process. The collection process and materials used are subject to strict AABB/ISO guidelines.

Collecting the Proof

The best labs provides the collector with a complete legal DNA collection kit, which includes the following forms and collection materials for each participant:

• Chain-of-custody forms
• Pre-addressed air bill
• Swabs/Envelopes
• Instructions
• Plastic bio-hazard bag

Acceptable identification and documentation includes items such as government-issued photo identification and birth certificates.

The official process is completed in three easy steps:

• The collector reviews all identification and documentation, and--along with all participants--signs and dates photocopies of each. (Acceptable identification and documentation includes such items as government-issued photo IDs and birth certificates.)
• Each participant signs (where possible) and dates the completed chain-of-custody form, which the collector certifies with their signature.
• Sample collection is completed in the collector's presence, after which test swabs are sealed in their respective envelopes, and--together with the completed documentation--submitted to the lab for testing.

It's that simple.

Client Services representatives should be available to provide assistance with this--or any other--testing process. The goal is to make the entire experience as smooth and painless as possible.

How Does Testing Work?

A reputable genetics laboratory analyzes markers according to the FBI-developed Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for a genetic print; this focus on 13 important genetic signposts is the most reliable paternity test method commercially available.

In addition, some laboratories employ a unique dual-sample testing process that, concurrently examines multiple instances of genetic specimens in-parallel. This method yields extremely high levels of accuracy, with inclusion probabilities regularly exceeding 99.99%.

 

Time Frame

Paternity test results are released as early as 3 business days following receipt of viable specimens. Upon test completion, data reporting specialists prepare detailed genetics analysis that can be accessed immediately.

Cutting Edge Technology

Genetic research recently has distinguished itself with an unparalleled combination of rigid scientific discipline and technical excellence. Laboratories with their pool of Ph.D. and M.S. scientists are dedicated to the tireless spirit of innovation. There has been a perpetual drive to innovate and improve the speed, accuracy and comprehensiveness of DNA testing

Whether you are planning to become one of the 6 million American women who become pregnant each year or you are already pregnant, the healthy choices you make before, during and after your pregnancy can have lasting, positive affects on you and your unborn child. 

Today's technology allows for couples to plan more effectively for pregnancies, however, if you find yourself pregnant here are some steps to help ensure a safe delivery and healthy baby:

• See a doctor for a pre-pregnancy exam
• Stop Smoking.  Your doctor can help you find the best method for you to use to quit.
  
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  
• Minimize caffeine intake.  Caffeine can impair fertility and increase the risk for miscarriage and
• low birth weight.
  
• Exercise regularly - talk to you doctor on the best exercises for you
  
• Get adequate sleep
  
• Reduce Stress
  
• Gain or lose weight, if necessary.  It is best to begin your pregnancy at a healthy weight.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, like fruit juice, milk or water instead of soda and coffee.  Drink skim milk or eat low fat cheese or yogurt.
  
• Talk with your doctor to make sure you are getting enough folate
• Avoid Alcohol. 

As soon as you suspect you're pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor, who will give you advice about diet, prenatal vitamins, exercise and other issues that may affect you and your baby, and help prevent or treat pregnancy related complications.

If you are unsure of the father of your unborn child, and you want to have a father involved in the care taking of your unborn child, you can request a Pre-Natal Paternity test.  In many cases, due to the age or genetic predisposition of the mother and alleged father, your doctor may recommend an amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling to determine if there are any other complications.  At the same time either of these tests are performed, you can schedule a Pre-Natal Paternity Test with your local DNA Lady.

A prenatal paternity test is completed by taking an oral swab of the mother, the alleged father and either a sample from the amniocentesis or cultured cells from the chorionic villi.  There is no additional risk to the mother or unborn child to have a prenatal paternity test scheduled.  Knowing the father of your child in advance, allows you to plan in advance for hospital and state paperwork, health benefits, visitation and other details that happen so quickly after the baby is born.  Having one more detail, already taken care of relieves the stress from this eventful time in new parents' lives and provides a strong foundation on which both families can begin to bond with the new child.  
 

Do you have a question about the Paternity or Maternity of a child or relative?  Do you have a question about the biological background of a family member?

In New Jersey, you do not need a doctor's prescription or Court Order to have a private DNA test performed to confirm any family relationship.   

There are a few methods by which we can test to determine paternity:

1.)  Prior to Birth

Amniocentesis Prenatal Paternity Test
This test proves the paternity of an unborn child.  This medical procedure is performed between the 14th and 24th weeks of a pregnancy.  The procedure involves inserting a needle into the womb and drawing out about 15 - 30 mls of amniotic fluid.  Your gynecologist should discuss with you the potential risks to you and your unborn child involved in having an amniocentesis performed.  You must arrange with your doctor to have them perform the amniocentesis and coordinate with us on the same day to have your DNA sample collected and the alleged father's DNA sample collected by oral swab and sent to our laboratory together with the amniotic fluid to be tested immediately.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) Prenatal Test
This test proves the paternity of an unborn child.  The CVS is a medical procedure performed between the 9th and 12th weeks of a pregnancy.  A very small piece of the placenta is removed through the vagina.  Your gynecologist should discuss with you the potential risks to you and your unborn child involved in having a CVS performed.  As with an amniocentesis, you must coordinate with your doctor and a DNA collector, so that on the same day the CVS is performed, we can collect a DNA sample from the mother and the alleged father and have all 3 samples sent to the lab for analysis immediately.

Results for both of these types of Prenatal Paternity Tests take approximately 5 - 7 business days.  We will call you at a convenient number with the results and then mail directly to you (or where you instruct) the hard copy of the tests.
 
2.)  At Birth

Legally Admissible Paternity Test - a DNA Collector can come to your hospital room as quickly as the day of birth, as a visitor and perform DNA collection on the mother, child and alleged father.  Proper identification is required for both mother and alleged father, ie, driver's license, state services identification card, work ID, current student ID, current military ID.  Our DNA Collector has undergone a series of vaccinations as well as criminal background check, to insure she is not infectious to a new born or anyone with a weakened immune system. You must clear our presence with the floor nurse, prior to our entering the facility.  The mother's DNA is not required to prove paternity, however, results are stronger if the mother is included in the testing.  If the hospital would prefer that you not have us enter the facility, we are happy to offer our private office for collections at a time convenient to everyone.

Private Paternity Test - A DNA Collector can come to your hospital room as soon as the day of birth, as a visitor and perform a DNA Collection on the mother, child and alleged father.  There is less time spent on identification of the mother and father; however, you must clear our presence in your room with the floor nurse.  The mother's DNA is not required to prove paternity, however, results are stronger if the mother is included in the testing.  If the hospital would prefer that you not have us enter the facility, we are happy to offer our private office for collections at a time convenient to everyone.

Home Paternity Kit - you have seen these on the market and in local drug stores.  We want to participate in this market as well; however, we notice that many customers are paying for the over the counter kits and then not confident in the results.  We offer a short lesson on how to perform the actual collection when you purchase a Home Paternity kit from us.  You will leave our private office confident in your skills to properly collect a DNA sample from all parties.

The results for any of the above 3 after birth paternity tests are provided within 3 - 5 business days.  90% are provided within 3 business days.  Only the Legally Admissible Test can be used in the future to secure child support and benefits.

3.)  Father not available for testing

If the father is missing or deceased, we can establish paternity of a child to obtain survivor benefits (military, social security)  through other methods.  If for any reason, the alleged father is not available for a DNA test and you have access to any of the following biologic fluids:

Blood, fresh in cold storage, less than 30 days old
FTA Blood Stain Card, less than 30 days old, usually held by a County Medical Examiner's Office if an autopsy was performed in New Jersey
Semen, fresh or frozen, on a swab or in a vial
Cotton Swab (mouth swab)
Bone Marrow - fresh or frozen, not on slides or in paraffin

Other unusual samples can be used as well please check with your local DNA collector.

We first will need to test the biologic fluid for viability of DNA.  If viable (usable) DNA is present, we can then proceed with a regular paternity test using the mother and child's DNA and comparing to the genetic sequencing found in the biological fluid of the alleged father.

Relatives
If your baby is a boy, and the father is not available for DNA testing but his father (the paternal grandfather) and mother are available we can perform a Y-Chromosome Test to determine the probability of paternity.

If your baby is a boy or girl, and the father is not available for a DNA test, but his father and mother (paternal grandparents) are available, we can perform a GrandPaternity Test to determine the probability of paternity

Brothers and Sisters
There are various methods to establish a familial relationship by collecting DNA samples from brothers and sisters - siblingship tests.  Call us with your unique circumstances and we will provide you with the best test available to determine the relationship you are seeking to prove.

Call 1-732-632-8830 for a Private Consultation
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