Paternity tests are the surest way to check if the tested man is the biological father of the child being tested. The result allows not only to regain peace and breathe a sigh of relief, but also to solve the legal situation of the family. The test can be performed on any sample - not only a cheek swab, but also a nipple, cigarette butt or razor. What is the paternity test, and what else should I know?
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What is the paternity test?
The paternity test involves taking DNA samples from test subjects, determining genetic profiles, and then comparing them. Genetic profiles are commonly referred to as "genetic fingerprints" because each of us (except for identical twins) has a unique profile. The comparison of the profiles makes it possible to unequivocally determine whether the examined child comes from the examined father.
DNA tests clearly confirm or exclude paternity. To produce a certain result, the participation of the father and the child is sufficient.
What samples are suitable for the paternity test?
Any sample is used for paternity testing, e.g.
cheek swabs,
nipple,
a razor,
cigarette butt,
mug, glass, glass,
cutlery,
soda can,
a toothbrush,
a handkerchief with a runny nose,
a patch with a blood stain,
meter strip,
lollipop stick.
Importantly, each sample is equally certain, so it is best to pass the one that is easiest to collect for testing. The DNA fragments analyzed in the paternity test are unchanged regardless of the type of sample.
testDNA Laboratorium Sp. z o.o. has experience in the analysis of various types of materials, does not divide samples into "better" and "worse". Each sample is additionally covered by the warranty - if for some reason it is not suitable for testing (e.g. DNA degradation), another one can be provided free of charge.
When is it worth taking a paternity test?
The paternity test is a test that allows you to resolve many family issues, dispel doubts and regain peace. In fact, there are as many Patient Stories as paternity tests. But what are the most common reasons for taking paternity tests? The paternity test is worth doing, among others in a situation where:
doubts appeared - related to, for example, suspicion of betrayal, lack of similarity, gossip in the family or incompatible blood type;
you want to check whether the maintenance is paid correctly;
you need evidence in a court case - e.g. for denial or paternity;
you need proof for the prosecutor's office - when the time limit for the father to deny paternity has expired, only the prosecutor who needs proof that it is justified may file a claim;
you want to make sure before paternity is recognized in the Civil Registry Office;
you suspect a baby change in hospital.
Is the paternity test result certain?
Yes - the result of the paternity test is reliable if the test is performed in a reliable laboratory. The most important factors for a certainty of the result are:
analysis of up to 34 DNA markers - in testDNA Laboratorium Sp. z o.o. each tested person has 24 to 34 DNA markers, which guarantees a certain result even with the participation of only the father and the child;
results issued in accordance with the recommendations of the Polish Society of Forensic Medicine and Criminology - i.e. confirmation of paternity with a probability of over 99.9999% and exclusion of 100%;
PCA accreditation and certificates - courts and the police may commission tests only in accredited laboratories, as this is a guarantee of competence and independence in action; certificates are also important, incl. GEDNAP and ISFG;
high-quality reagents - i.e. those with validation that are checked from every angle;
rigorous safety procedures in place - e.g. performing the test twice, from two samples, by two different teams in the case of a result that excludes paternity.
How much does the paternity test cost and what is the deadline for completion?
The paternity test costs PLN 1247. This is the final price which includes:
analysis of 24 DNA markers (with free extension to 34 DNA markers if necessary),
sampling at the facility or self-collection at home,
analysis in a laboratory with PCA accreditation,
online access to the result and / or sending the result by post,
testing of any samples (with guarantee until effect).
The test result is available within 3-5 working days from the time the samples arrive at the laboratory (cheek swabs from all persons) or up to 10 working days (minimum discrete sample for one person).
If you want to speed up the result, you can perform the test in the express mode (result up to 48 hours), the price of which is PLN 1647.
At the price of PLN 1447, an option with the analysis of 34 markers as standard is also available.
