Seeking Justice

DNA Paternity Testing is amongst the recent developments in science and technology.  It has become useful in a lot of situations such as fixing family issues and aiding in law enforcement matters.  Not like in the years ago, DNA Testing is currently more accessible and affordable.

There are various methods in using Paternity Test but the widely used methods in these modern times are Polymer Chain Reaction Method (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP).  The PCR Method is utilizing polymer – a large molecule consists of repeating structural units.  In this approach, DNA is extracted, fragmented, amplified and then divided by the process of gel electrophoresis.  The sequence of the DNA fragments will be studied and in comparison.

Meanwhile, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) makes use of the homologous DNA sequences.  In this type of DNA Test, the extracted DNA is fragmented by enzymes.  The DNA fragments are then sorted by size after which go through identification.

In the two methods, DNA samples from the father and the mother is compared with the offspring’s DNA.  DNA Paternity Test can carry on even without DNA samples from the mother yet it will take a little bit more of laboratory work.  Every band of the offspring’s DNA must match a band with the father to conclude that he or she indeed his child.

In Prenatal Paternity Testing, samples of the unborn baby’s DNA are obtained through the Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) procedure or the Amniocentesis Procedure.  In the primary procedure, placenta cells are collected while in the second procedure, fetal cells from the amniotic fluid are collected.  Each of these testing procedures are invasive treatments and could have certain amount of risk thus it shouldn’t be performed without the advice of an OB-Gyne.

Nevertheless, ethical and medical problems surround prenatal paternity testing because of the possible risks to the fetus.  It is consequently recommended that DNA Paternity Testing be performed soon after the child comes into the world.  It is safer and a lot less expensive that way.  It can be achieved simply by taking blood sample from the umbilical cord.

For Home DNA Paternity Test, the huge difference is always that samples are collected in your home.  Procedure is similar to a traditional DNA paternity test and are just as accurate.  For this method, the samples are sent in to a testing company laboratory.  Individuals more often than not take advantage of this process of personal purposes only like mere curiosity and to settle their doubts.  Be reminded that in this kind of procedure, the result is not admissible in court.  Therefore if you’re planning to present the result in court, home DNA paternity testing is not the most appropriate method.

Filed under: technology by Robert