DNA Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Samples of DNA can be used to establish whether individuals are related. The test will either:

DNA paternity testing can be performed on a wide variety of samples including cheek cells, tissue samples, blood cells and semen. Every person's DNA is unique (except for identical twins).

DNA is the genetic material in the cells of your body. Every nucleated cell has 46 chromosomes, except the sperm and the egg which contain 23 chromosomes each. At the moment of conception they join together to start creating a person. Therefore each human being receives half of their genetic material (DNA) from the biological mother, and the other half from the biological father.

To do the test, DNA is extracted from the buccal (cheek) cells from inside the mouth. Enzymes are used to cut the DNA sample into fragments which are then placed into a gel. An electric current is used to drive the fragments across the gel - the smallest of which move the farthest. The separated DNA fragments are transferred to a nylon membrane which reveals black bands where the probes are bound to the DNA. The visible band pattern of the child is unique - half matches the mother and half matches the father. The process is repeated several times to provide a certainty greater than 99.99% that there is a paternal relationship with the child.

Testing can be performed on a child of any age after birth. Using mouth swabs as instead of needles for blood samples makes the testing of children safe and painless.