DNA BAHAMAS
12-23-04, - 12:14 PM
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis is by far the most powerful and reliable method of parentage testing for personal, medical or legal reasons. In order to determine if the alleged father is the true biological father, specimens are obtained from either the alleged father(s) and child(ren) or the alleged father(s), mother and child(ren). The conclusions are based upon the principle that the child inherits fifty percent (50%) of the characteristics in his/her genetic sample from each of his/her biological parent. DNA is the unique genetic blueprint within each nucleated cell in the body that determines a person's genetic pattern and individual characteristics. This is what truly makes us different from each other.
The term parentage testing is an accurate description since the mother's sample is included in the analysis. On rare occasions the status of the mother is in question (e.g. an infant improperly labeled or switched at birth). However, seeing that the child would share half of it's genetic make up with the biological father, paternity can still be proven in the absence of a specimen from the mother.
Unfortunately, a renewed interest in parentage testing has resulted due to the fact that there is an epidemic increase in the amount of illegitimate births in the world. Since the father is often times absent from the home, many of these mothers are forced to raise their children without additional financial aid. In order to gain financial aid, the mother must identify the father and the named man may deny paternity. There are some fathers who voluntarily contribute to the support of their illegitimate children but there are others who may not unless ordered to do so by a court of law. After such a motion, paternity has to be formally proven before the financial assistance is granted.
DNA parentage testing is recognized in most countries as a means to settle many paternity disputes. The testing facility chosen should ensure that a strict chain-of-custody is upheld. All parties being tested should be positively identified, photographed and fingerprinted when the samples are collected. Specimens should also be properly labeled with each client's name, date of birth, collection date and the name of the collecting technician. The notarized test report should then be sent to all parties tested and their attorney if requested. It it is a private collection, then only the tested individuals need know the findings. On average a paternity test report is available to the client two to four weeks later. It is best to incorporate the services of a testing facility that follows the chain-of-custody regime so that the report, pending the outcome, is legally admissible.
DID YOU KNOW ...
* A doctor's order and in some cases a court order is not required to have a
DNA paternity test
* Mouth swabs are very accurate in determining paternity - the bonus is that they are PAINLESS compared to a needle stick
* Client relationships and results are strictly confidential
* Accurate paternity testing can be performed when the mother is not available for testing - the child obtains 50% of its DNA from its biological mother and the remaining 50% from its biological father
* There are no age restrictions for paternity testing - from the newborn baby to the elderly can be tested
WHY IS THIS TEST REQUESTED ...
* A woman is seeking child support from a man who denies that he is the child's biological father
* A man is attempting to win custody or visitation rights
* A man wanting to confirm paternity for his peace of mind
* A man wanting to prove biological parentage before writing a will - a copy of the report can be affixed to the will so that an illegitimate child can be recognized by the remaining family members once the biological father passes
* A couple is going through a divorce and the parentage of the children are in question
* An adopted child is seeking his/her biological parent, etc
DNA parentage testing is a very private matter. It is quite often that we forget about the true victors (or victims) in this battle, the children. The advantages of knowing your biological parent far out weighs the disadvantages. A common saying goes, "What he or she doesn't know can't harm them". This is not the case when it comes to knowing who your mother or father is. There may be hereditary ailments like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc. that an individual may not be aware of. I am sure that if you knew that your parent were predisposed to any of these ailments, you would pay keen attention to your own health. Suppose a family member needed a bone marrow transplant or organ donation and it is not until you were tested that you realize that you are in no way a match (not even close). Then there is always the issue of brothers and sisters unknowingly becoming romantically involved only to find out later that they are so closely related. Why is it that you think the elder generation always asked, "Who your people is?" whenever a young man came courting. Some husbands today are bringing up children who are not their own. Some men are standing as god fathers for children that they fathered. Some women are collecting money to bring up one child from more than one man. Thus the saga continues ...
These scenarios are frightening to us but they can and have happened. It is advisable that all persons know "Who their people is". Forget about the initial embarrassment of having to do a paternity test. In the long run it may be a life saver.
The term parentage testing is an accurate description since the mother's sample is included in the analysis. On rare occasions the status of the mother is in question (e.g. an infant improperly labeled or switched at birth). However, seeing that the child would share half of it's genetic make up with the biological father, paternity can still be proven in the absence of a specimen from the mother.
Unfortunately, a renewed interest in parentage testing has resulted due to the fact that there is an epidemic increase in the amount of illegitimate births in the world. Since the father is often times absent from the home, many of these mothers are forced to raise their children without additional financial aid. In order to gain financial aid, the mother must identify the father and the named man may deny paternity. There are some fathers who voluntarily contribute to the support of their illegitimate children but there are others who may not unless ordered to do so by a court of law. After such a motion, paternity has to be formally proven before the financial assistance is granted.
DNA parentage testing is recognized in most countries as a means to settle many paternity disputes. The testing facility chosen should ensure that a strict chain-of-custody is upheld. All parties being tested should be positively identified, photographed and fingerprinted when the samples are collected. Specimens should also be properly labeled with each client's name, date of birth, collection date and the name of the collecting technician. The notarized test report should then be sent to all parties tested and their attorney if requested. It it is a private collection, then only the tested individuals need know the findings. On average a paternity test report is available to the client two to four weeks later. It is best to incorporate the services of a testing facility that follows the chain-of-custody regime so that the report, pending the outcome, is legally admissible.
DID YOU KNOW ...
* A doctor's order and in some cases a court order is not required to have a
DNA paternity test
* Mouth swabs are very accurate in determining paternity - the bonus is that they are PAINLESS compared to a needle stick
* Client relationships and results are strictly confidential
* Accurate paternity testing can be performed when the mother is not available for testing - the child obtains 50% of its DNA from its biological mother and the remaining 50% from its biological father
* There are no age restrictions for paternity testing - from the newborn baby to the elderly can be tested
WHY IS THIS TEST REQUESTED ...
* A woman is seeking child support from a man who denies that he is the child's biological father
* A man is attempting to win custody or visitation rights
* A man wanting to confirm paternity for his peace of mind
* A man wanting to prove biological parentage before writing a will - a copy of the report can be affixed to the will so that an illegitimate child can be recognized by the remaining family members once the biological father passes
* A couple is going through a divorce and the parentage of the children are in question
* An adopted child is seeking his/her biological parent, etc
DNA parentage testing is a very private matter. It is quite often that we forget about the true victors (or victims) in this battle, the children. The advantages of knowing your biological parent far out weighs the disadvantages. A common saying goes, "What he or she doesn't know can't harm them". This is not the case when it comes to knowing who your mother or father is. There may be hereditary ailments like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc. that an individual may not be aware of. I am sure that if you knew that your parent were predisposed to any of these ailments, you would pay keen attention to your own health. Suppose a family member needed a bone marrow transplant or organ donation and it is not until you were tested that you realize that you are in no way a match (not even close). Then there is always the issue of brothers and sisters unknowingly becoming romantically involved only to find out later that they are so closely related. Why is it that you think the elder generation always asked, "Who your people is?" whenever a young man came courting. Some husbands today are bringing up children who are not their own. Some men are standing as god fathers for children that they fathered. Some women are collecting money to bring up one child from more than one man. Thus the saga continues ...
These scenarios are frightening to us but they can and have happened. It is advisable that all persons know "Who their people is". Forget about the initial embarrassment of having to do a paternity test. In the long run it may be a life saver.