Every person has 46 chromosomes in each cell. The only
exceptions are the sperm and egg cells. They each have 23. At the moment of
conception, however, the 23 chromosome from the sperm and egg combine to form
46, and at that moment, you have the chromosomes needed to create a new person.
This pattern for your genetic makeup is a combination of maternal DNA and
paternal DNA. In other words, half your makeup is your mother’s and half is
your father’s. Now, since the mother would be the person giving birth, there is
no dispute about maternal proof. She was there at birth. But what about
paternal proof? How do you determine the identity of the father, without a
shred of doubt?
Enter DNA paternity testing. DNA testing works in the
following way. The DNA of the child is tested. A test strip of DNA “bands” is
established. The DNA is then tested from the alleged father. If the child and
the man share common “bands” in a number of different locations, then paternity
is established with 99.9 percent accuracy. That is as accurate as the results
can be. This is a seemingly simple test, to have such a staggering effect on
the people’s lives that are involved. Entire families have been ripped apart
over paternity issues. Lives have been forever changed, thanks to one little
DNA test.
Today, paternity testing is utilized to decide custody
cases, establish legitimate child support cases, influence adoption proceedings,
and to aid in claiming inheritance by providing proof of relationship. By far,
however, the largest use of DNA testing is in determining paternity issues.
Most courts accept 99.9 percent positive as equal to a result of 100%.
There are tests available that can be used at home, but in
the case of a legal battle, or establishing legal paternity, only the tests
conducted by certified and licensed facilities will be allowed.
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