| How Paternity DNA Testing Works |
The Technology of Paternity DNA TestingPaternity testing is based on the Mendelian laws of inheritance. Each child has a unique DNA profile inherited equally from each parent. Samples of DNA-containing material taken from the mother, alleged father, and child are characterized. By comparing the DNA profile of the mother and the child, the maternal contribution to the child can be determined. The child's DNA characteristics not found in the mother are the characteristics of the biological father. The DNA characteristics of the biological father are then compared to the alleged father's DNA profile. If the alleged father's DNA profile does not match the profile of the biological father, paternity of the child by the alleged father is excluded. The biological father has not been identified. If the alleged father's DNA profile matches the biological father's profile, the findings are compatible with paternity. A probability of paternity is calculated from the known frequency of the biological father's DNA profile in the random population and the probability that a mating of a man with the profile of the alleged father and mother will produce the child's DNA profile. The following are simplified examples of these concepts.
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