How does a Paternity Test work?
Genetic testing identifies the unique genetic profile of an individual. The genetic profile of a child is inherited partly from the father and partly from the mother. By comparing the child’s genetic profile with that of the alleged father, a Paternity Test determines whether this person is the real biological father.
What is the procedure to get a Paternity Test done?
Synergene offers two types of Paternity Tests: the At-Home Paternity Test may be ordered from us directly by a private individual, whereas the Official Paternity Test is requested on the individual’s behalf by a third party, generally a legal or medical professional or a Court appointee.
Upon demand, Synergene supplies a free sample collection kit that employs a simple and painless procedure, using a mouth swab to wipe off a specimen of saliva and cheek cells from a subject’s mouth. The collected specimens are deposited in specially supplied packets that may be mailed to Synergene. Alternatively, we also routinely accept specimens in other forms, including blood samples.
At Synergene, the samples are analysed with our state-of-the-art genetic identification system using 16 different genetic markers. This guarantees a probability of paternity greater than 99.99%.
What can a Paternity Test be used for?
Paternity Tests examine the relationship between parent and child. They may be used:
- to resolve cases of uncertain paternity, for example:
- to assist a man in a custody or visitation dispute
- to assist a woman seeking child support from a man who denies he is the child’s biological father
- for peace of mind when a man wants to confirm that a child is his own
- to determine maternity in cases of child abduction or abandonment
- to confirm an adopted child’s biological family
- to match accidentally switched newborns with their actual parents
- to confirm parentage of children conceived through alternative reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilization
- to confirm relationships between reunited brothers or sisters
- to determine parentage or grand-parentage for insurance or inheritance rights claims
- to prove kinship to a citizen for immigration purposes
- to assist legal professionals in resolving relationship disputes without unnecessary Court proceedings.
How accurate is the Paternity Test?
Synergene’s Paternity Test is extremely powerful in answering questions of parentage. Since we use 16 different genetic markers to build the genetic profile, our test is 100 times more accurate than that required in Court. The results guarantee minimum probabilities in excess of 99.99%.
Whose samples are required for a Paternity Test?
Usually the test is performed using samples from the alleged father, the child and the mother. However a Paternity Test can still be performed reliably when a sample from the mother is not available.
How are samples for a Paternity Test obtained?
Synergene accepts both mouth swabs and blood samples for paternity testing. The source of the DNA sample does not affect the accuracy and reliability of the Paternity Test, since an individual’s DNA is the same throughout the body.
Mouth swabs: Synergene supplies sample collection kits for mouth swabs on demand free of charge. Please fill in our on-line Sample Collection Kit Request Form or contact us, and we will send you a sampling kit. The procedure for collecting the samples is simple and painless, and can be performed easily by following the step-by-step instructions provided. When using these kits it is important to make sure that enough sample is collected. Since collection of these samples is so easy, we recommend sending samples in duplicate to ensure an adequate amount.
Blood:Synergene requires at least 1 EDTA tube (5 ml) of whole blood per donor. The assistance of a medical professional is required to obtain blood samples. The tubes may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, but the blood must NOT be frozen.
The method adopted for sample collection may effect whether the result can be used in a Court of Law or not. For legal cases, it is recommended that individuals contact an authorised medical or legal professional to assist in the procurement of a Paternity Test and provide legal advice.
Samples must be accompanied by the appropriate Synergene Submission Form, which is provided with the collection kits or may be downloaded from this web site.
How long does it take to get the results of a Paternity Test?
Once Synergene receives the samples, results are available within the specified time.
Which type of Paternity Test should I choose?
Synergene offers two types of Paternity Tests:
- The At-Home Paternity Test¹ is a test that allows the individuals involved to collect their own samples without the need to engage a third party.
- The Official Paternity Test requires involvement of an official third party, generally a legal or medical professional or a Court-appointed individual. Sample collection is performed according to a legally endorsed procedure.
There is no difference in the laboratory method employed for the two types of Paternity Tests or in the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained. The differences lie in the procedure followed to collect the samples and the method of reporting.
The At-Home Paternity Test is designed for clients who do not intend to use the results for legal purposes. Legal Courts require a special procedure to be followed for a Paternity Test, including documentation of chain of custody and proof of identity of all parties concerned (with photographs). The Official Paternity Test is designed for this purpose and should be used when there is a good possibility that the test results may eventually be used in a legal context.
Synergene cannot offer the At-Home Paternity Test in Malta for legal reasons.
Where can I find more information about Paternity Tests?
For additional information about paternity testing please visit www.PaternityTests.info, a comprehensive informational website supported by Synergene that tackles various aspects of paternity testing.
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