|
A paternity test can be conducted to prove whether or not a man is the biological father of another individual. The test may be relevant with regards to determining the rights and duties of the father. Knowledge of one's biological father is also important so that the offspring can know his or her family's medical history and predict any genetic susceptibility to particular illnesses. A maternity test can also be carried out, but this is less common since it is obvious who the mother is at childbirth. The comparison of secific DNA sequences of two individuals can prove whether or not the genetic material of one individual was derived from that of the other. Thus, paternity can be proved or disproved.
Although paternity tests can be administered at a lab, many individuals find it preferable to use one of the many home DNA testing kits available for purchase. These kits allow an individual to obtain a DNA sample with a cotton swab and return it to the lab to be tested. Once the DNA sample is received by the lab, it can usually return the test results in a matter of days. Below is a list several DNA testing services offered nationwide.
|
