Paternity DNA Test
DNA TESTING- PATERNITY DISPUTE
Question 1. What is Parent Dispute DNA Testing?
This test is also known as Paternity DNA Testing. This test is done to identify the biological father of a child. It is commonly performed when a young unmarried woman accuses a male of being the father of her child. It can also be done in a circumstance where a man refuses to accept the child born to his partner or wife. Paternity testing can also be used to find biological parents of an adopted person as well as in identifying the parent of a child innocently or criminally swabbed at the time of birth.
Question 2. How is it possible to identify a father?
Each individual has a unique genetic profile, passed on (inherited) equally from the mother and the father. DNA samples taken from the child and suspected father can be compared using DNA Paternity Test and assist to prove whether or not the suspected father is the biological father. Sample taken from non-biological father will not match or show any relationship.
Question 3. What type of samples can DNA be extracted from?
The testing involves taking samples of blood, hair, mouth swab, or hair for analysis of DNA. Some laboratories can accept other items such as cigarette buds, pillow case or other beddings with saliva, blood or semen on it. The sampling is carried out according to the instructions provided by the laboratory using DNA Sample Collection Kit. Once collected, sample can be posted to the laboratory.
Question 4. Is the Paternity test accurate?
The Paternity DNA Test uses multiple different genetic markers in area called ‘short tandem repeats'. This is much more than required by a court: in fact the test is 100 times more accurate than a court will require as proof, and in percentage terms the test provides evidence to within 99.99% accuracy.
Question 5. Is the mother needed for a Paternity Test?
The Paternity test requires only the child and alleged father to provide samples. Although the mother's sample would help to make the results more positive, the test is sufficiently accurate that mother’s sample is not usually required. In some cases where the biological identity of mother is unknown, e.g., child was accidentally swopped at birth, mothers sample is required.
Question 6. Can my DNA Test results be used in Court?
If you want your test results be used in court, you should consult your lawyer. Often you will request a Legal DNA Test that is more involved than the normal 'peace of mind/curiosity' test. A court recognised physician or clinic may be required to take the samples and also to get legal proof of identity of the subjects. Otherwise the legal test is as accurate as the normal test.
Question 7. I have heard of the ‘Chain of Custody ‘- What is that?
In order for a Paternity DNA Test, or any DNA test for that matter, to stand up in court there must be a secure 'chain of custody' of the samples in order to ensure that the identity of the individuals providing the samples is known. This is a process whereby a sample is collected, handled, transported, stored and analysed in a legally recognised and accepted way.
In the absence of this procedure, the DNA test results may not be recognized in court, and are for your own information only. That is because the identity of the samples has not been secured. Other than that the results of ‘legal’ or ‘curiosity test’ are the same.
Question 8. What happens if the alleged father doesn't want to undergo the test, but a close relative is willing?
If the alleged father refuses to provide a sample, then it might still be possible to get a result using a relative's DNA through tests such as the Siblings DNA Test. Discuss with your doctor to find out. If the mother is willing to provide a sample, then the probability of obtaining a stronger result is significantly improved when testing a close relative of the potential father.
Question 9. How long do DNA samples survive?
A lot depends on the form of the sample and how it is prepared before storage. Blood or saliva including saliva swab when kept dry can last for several years and still give good DNA Test results.
Question 10. What is the cost of DNA testing?
At the time of writing the DNA test is only available overseas in Australia or USA. You can enquire privately to have the samples taken and posted for you. It cost over AUS $300-500 /test in Australia but you may be charged up to K3000 to send samples overseas.
Question 11. What is the difference between a DNA Maternity Test and Paternity test?
There is no difference. A test comparing an alleged mother's DNA with that of a child is the same as that of an alleged father's. The charges for laboratory testing are usually the same.
Question 12. How long before my results come through?
Your DNA test results usually takes 5-7 working days once the laboratory receives your sample. In some laboratories you can opt for urgent or express test option but cost I will be much higher.
Question 13. Is it true that Blood (Group) Type can be used for paternity testing?
Sometimes blood typing is used in paternity testing. The rationale for using blood type is that we have only 4 main blood group types; namely A, B, AB, and O inherited from our parents. Blood type A and B are dominant while Group O is not. In other words, group O is only expressed when both parents give the child O blood type. Therefore, if a mother with blood type O and has a child with blood type A , the father is unlikely to be someone with blood type is O or B. On the other hand, if her child has blood type B, the father cannot be a person with blood type O or A. Similarly, a mother with blood type A and a child with blood type O cannot accuse a father whose blood type is AB. Other, possible combinations of blood types of children born to parents are given below.
Question 14. Where can I get the Blood Type Tested?
You can visit your local hospital and request for blood typing to be performed. Your doctor can assist you and arrange for your bloods to be collected for typing. It is better to have both parents as well as the child tested same time. An easier way for adults is to volunteer to donate blood in your local hospital or setup and you can request to have the results of blood Type given to you.
Question 15. My blood type says I could be the father but I am 100 per cent sure that I am not the father. Why is that?
You could be right. Blood typing does not identify that you are the father of the child. If your blood group matches with the child, it only tells you that you could be the father. You have to disprove that by doing DNA test. Blood typing can only assist as far as saying that you are not the father of the child. i.e., it cannot be used to prove that the accused is the father of a child. Once your blood type matches it means that the accused have a change of being the father but to prove or disprove this you need further DNA testing as above.
Question 16. What are the legal implications of Paternity Testing?
The legal ramifications of a man or woman’s paternity claim are endless. There are obvious issues of family and belonging, but also custody, support and inheritance. Internationally it has now become common practice that whenever paternity is disputed, it is resolved through the use of a DNA test. Where there is refusal from one of the parties to participate, the court might intervene to force the parties to participate, especially when custody and separation claims are being made.
Questions 17. What if the alleged father refuses to give sample?
For your own private peace of mind, you can organise to collect hairs or any items in close contact with the person. However, this may impinge on the privacy of the alleged father or person and if you are do that you can’t use the result to claim parental support. It is better to get court order to have the alleged father submit samples for examination. The Family District Courts of Waigani, National capital District, Port Moresby is well aware of this.
Question 18. Where can I get further information?
For more information see DNA testing or See your local doctor.
