If you have suspicions that your child isn’t really yours, you might consider getting a DNA test done to prove whether or not you are the father. It has never been easier, cheaper or more convenient to order a DNA test. There are dozens of accredited DNA testing companies to choose from, who can offer a number of DNA relationship tests for an affordable fee.
That said, a number of DNA testing myths still persist. In this article, we’ll tackle 5 of the biggest myths that people believe.
- DNA testing is expensive
Maybe this was true in the past, but it certainly isn’t the case now! Today, you can order a basic home paternity test for around £100 or $120. Improvements in DNA testing science along with the number of testing companies available has driven down the price in recent years.
2. You have to give a blood sample to get a DNA test
This is not true. Almost every cell in your body contains DNA. The standard method for collecting a cell sample is via a simple cheek swab (also known as a buccal swab). A large cotton bud is rubbed against the inner cheek, removing loose cells. This is quick, non-invasive and entirely painless. The only time a blood sample is needed is for a prenatal test.
3. Prenatal paternity testing is dangerous and invasive
Not anymore! It’s true that in the past getting a DNA test during pregnancy was an invasive procedure that involved passing a needle into the womb, but that is no longer the case. Today, you can have a prenatal paternity test using nothing more than a simple blood sample taken from the arm of the pregnant woman. Scientists can detect & extract small traced of the baby’s DNA from the mother’s bloodstream and compare it to a sample taken from the potential father. Modern prenatal testing is safe & non-invasive.
4. You can’t prove paternity without the alleged father
Not true. If the suspected father is unwilling or unavailable to be tested, there are other ways to prove paternity. For example, the parents of the alleged father could be tested and the lab could run a grandparent test instead. Depending on the circumstances, you could also use a sibling test, an aunt/uncle test or a Y chromosome test.
If you need a paternity test without the father involved, contact an accredited lab for advice on the best test (or combination of tests) to run.
5. You can secretly test someone using their comb or toothbrush
It’s true that DNA can sometimes be extracted from a personal item such as a comb or a toothbrush. However, you cannot ‘secretly’ test an alleged father without their knowledge. Every adult that takes part in a DNA test must provide signed consent to be tested. For children under 18, an adult with parental responsibility provides consent on their behalf.
That said, toothbrushes are useful when you want to test older children without arousing suspicion or prompting difficult questions. You can find information and advice about toothbrush testing here.
Always use an accredited testing lab
If you’re thinking about getting a DNA test done, be sure to use a testing company that is fully ISO accredited. Only an accredited lab is guaranteed to give you accurate and honest results.
