WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?

DNA paternity testing is the use of DNA profiling (known as genetic fingerprinting) to determine whether two individuals are biologically parent and child. A paternity test establishes genetic proof whether a man is the biological father of an individual, and a maternity test establishes whether a woman is the biological mother of an individual. 

Tests can also determine the likelihood of someone being a biological grandparent to a grandchild. Paternity testing can now also be performed while the woman is still pregnant from a blood draw. 

DNA testing is currently the most advanced and accurate technology to determine parentage. In a DNA parentage test, the result is 0% when the alleged parent is not biologically related to the child and the probability of parentage is typically above 99.99% when the alleged parent is biologically related to the child.

DNA paternity testing is performed by collecting buccal cells found on the inside of a person's cheek using a Buccal swab or cheek swab. These swabs have wooden or plastic stick handles with a cotton on synthetic tip. The collector rubs the inside of a person's cheek in order to collect as many Buccal cells as possible. The Buccal cells are then sent to a laboratory for testing. For paternity testing, samples from the alleged father and child would be needed. For maternity testing, samples from the alleged mother and child would be needed.

Salami Abiodun is a Snr.Geneticist with DNA Centre for Paternity Test Nigeria. He can be reached on 07059999333 for free DNA testing consultancy.