DNA paternity testing is the use of DNA profiles to determine whether an individual is the biological parent of another individual. Paternity testing can be especially important when the rights and duties of the father are in issue and a child's paternity is in doubt.

How does parentage testing work?

The process is based on analysis of free-floating DNA from the fetus found in the mother's bloodstream. This test requires only a simple blood sample collection from the mother, and a blood draw or cheek swab from the alleged father. This test can be performed as early as the 8th week of pregnancy.

What is DNA parentage?

DNA testing

35.18 DNA parentage testing usually involves determining whether the putative parent has a series of DNA markers identified as having been inherited by the child.