DNA testing, a short explanation
A laboratory conducted test to determine the father of a given child is what Paternity testing is all about. Amplification techniques on the DNA of an individual by which the unique sequence that occurs in each individual is examined is the process involved in modern paternity tests. It is well established now that DNA that resides in the nucleus of all cells of the human body is unique except in cases of identical twins. The laboratory test involves comparing a certain required number of these DNA sequences between the two involved individuals to arrive at a conclusion of biological relationship existing between the two.
The result is given as a percentage of probability rather than any accurate number with some base fixed index. The laboratory test result can prove or disprove to a very accurate probability index the fact of a man being the father of a given child or not so.
Paternity tests are extensively used in legal cases and therefore necessitate very strict procedure for ensuring the evidence that is the sample on which the DNA test would be carried out is not tampered with. There are additional evidence also taken which would corroborate that the individual has given the said sample and on own accord. The samples collected are also transported in special packages which ensure there is no tampering or mix up of the samples.
As presence of DNA is there in all living cells, the sample could be the saliva from the inside of the mouth or even a few blood drops taken by a prick of the needle on the finger tip.
Given the simplicity by which the DNA can be collected and thereafter the processes available for conducting the test what is missing is a national regulation to govern the various stages of the entire process. There is therefore absence in rules of interpretation and their liability thereafter upon the concerned individuals.
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