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What to Expect from DNA & Paternity Tests

by | Dec 23, 2023 | Uncategorized

What To Expect From DNA and Paternity Test

Genetic testing can yield life-changing results for individuals and their families in Omaha. Consequently, health care providers are often hesitant about recommending or performing them. Medical professionals generally recommend DNA testing when they believe no other route will yield the information and results they seek. It’s also important to factor in the DNA test cost when making a decision.

Legal vs. Non-Legal Paternity Testing

This is not the difference between legally and illegally obtaining DNA for genetic testing. Instead, it categorizes the two main types of DNA testing and the resulting DNA test cost:

Legal DNA Testing: This type of testing is admissible in court and is used for legal purposes. DNA testing might place someone at the scene of a crime or absolve them. The family court might also use genetic testing to establish paternity. Governments might also require paternity testing for immigration purposes.

Non-Legal Testing: This type of testing is generally not admissible in court, and people conduct them for more informal reasons. For example, adopted persons might want to track down potential relatives. Some people also use this type of test for confirming paternity but not for court purposes. DNA test cost is often less for this option.

What Is Tested for Prenatal Genetic Testing?

Sometimes, courts, government agencies, or alleged fathers demand prenatal testing to determine paternity. Mothers can be tested as early as seven weeks. The non-invasive procedure involves extracting free-floating DNA from plasma in the mother’s blood. Labs then compare this to the mother’s DNA and isolate’s the fetus’s DNA profile. 

This provides information for comparison to the father’s DNA, which only requires a cheek swab. This is considered a legal paternity test and holds up in a court of law.

When Will I Get the Results?

The Omaha lab will need some time to complete DNA isolation and comparisons. You can expect results in 3 to 5 business days.

How Is a DNA Paternity Test Performed?

The specific steps will depend on whether any of the children tested are unborn. See above for the procedure on testing flee-floating prenatal DNA via blood samples.

How DNA Is Collected

Most paternity tests involve cheek swabs of the individuals tested. This includes a cheek swab from the alleged fathers and the children. Each individual uses four cheek swabs to painlessly and firmly rub the insides of the cheeks for DNA. If the swabs are too wet, wave them in the air to dry them. Once completed, put the swabs in paper envelopes. Repeat for each individual and ensure proper labeling of each envelope.

How the Test Works in a Lab

When lab technicians receive the DNA, they amplify each sample to make them easier to work with. These professionals use the Short Tandem Repeat method to analyze 16 STR genetic markers and analyze information from each. A geneticist then uses a special formula to calculate the probability of paternity.

DNA & Paternity Testing in Omaha

If you need paternity testing in Omaha and its surrounding areas, you can count on ARCpoint Labs of Omaha for the fastest DNA test. You never wait for more than 10 minutes, and we get you out the door in 15 to 20 minutes tops. Need help swabbing the children? We complete this task as well to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of contamination. 

Our qualified professionals also stand ready to answer any question you might have, such as: does urine hold DNA? Contact us for more information about the DNA test cost.

Image Source: Natali _ Mis  / ShutterStock

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