Friday, November 16, 2007

DNA Paternity Guide: Paternity Testing Before A Child's Birth

By JB Anthony


It is not unknown to many that men told to have fathered a child sometimes suspect if they truly are the father of the child. Now, men – and even mothers - need not wait for nine months or even years after before finding out the real or biological father of the child.
DNA testing and biomedical technology is so advanced nowadays that DNA paternity testing can be done even with the child still in the mother’s womb. This is what DNA test laboratories call the Prenatal DNA Paternity Testing.
Prenatal DNA Paternity Testing is done by collecting either one of two sample specimens from the mother’s womb: the amniocentesis or the CVS.
The amnioncentesis is the collection of the amniotic fluid that contains the fetus. The CVS is the collection of the chorioinic villi that composes the placenta. The chorionic villi is best collected when the mother is into her 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The amniotic fluid containing the unborn child’s DNA is best collected when the child is within 12 to 21 weeks in the womb. How are these specimens collected?
The collection of these specimens is very much different from DNA Paternity testing using kits or DNA paternity testing in labs where buccal swabs are used for sample collection. In a prenatal DNA paternity test procedure, an OB-Gyne will perform the procedure of collecting amniotic fluid or chorionic villi that will contain the unborn child’s DNA.
Parenting a child whom you suspect is not biologically yours can be emotionally and mentally disturbing not only for the father but for the child as well. A child can always feel whether he or she is genuinely loved or raised for the sake of obligation. Thus, it is best to perform Prenatal DNA paternity testing to clear any doubts and for peace of mind.
JB Anthony is the co-webmaster and co-promoter of www.dnapaternityguide.com. To link to our affiliate DNA Testing Laboratories, to order online DNA test kits, to find out more on DNA Testing and DNA paternity guides, to ask questions and clarifications on DNA testing procedures, please log on to www.dnapaternityguide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JB_Anthony

Paternity Test: Are You the One?

By John Morris


With the dawn of the new era of technology, everything seems to be possible under the sun. With high tech gadgets and innovative devices, you can detect a fingerprint, a person lying, and even determine the father of your baby through paternity test.
Since the beginning of modern technology, paternity test has quite gained popularity since rape cases have escalated to greater height. Paternity tests, today, are one of the methods being used in solving cases that involve pregnancy, rape, child claims, and for very simple reason that the mother would just like to know who the father of the baby is.
Sounds quite peculiar isn’t it? But these things really do happen and there are women who just don’t know who is the father of their baby. Paternity test is also common in situations wherein the man does not accept the truth that he is the biological father of a certain child.
Generally, paternity test are conducted through a comprehensive DNA testing and analysis of different enzymes, proteins, and HLA antigens.
The utilization of DNA, when checking for confirmations of the alleged claims of fatherhood, has been a breakthrough in the world of science. It is also an effective measure because, in reality, the DNA of an individual is almost exact replicas of every “somatic cell” of the parents. The combination of these DNA from the parents is united during sexual reproduction wherein these combinations will form another new cell.
The paternity test, on the other hand, has three test options available: prenatal testing, viability test, or in-home testing.
The Prenatal Paternity Test
The very first option is the prenatal testing. This is done when the pregnant mother is still on its 10th through the 13th week or 14th to 24th week of pregnancy, depending on the procedure to be used.
Mothers who undergo through this option wish to determine the paternity even before the baby is born. The baby’s DNA is enough to determine and prove the paternity of the father.
Most people contend that it is not advisable to conduct paternity test during pregnancy. In contrast, conducting paternity test during pregnancy is already reliable and effective in determining the paternity. This is because the baby’s DNA is already developed since the start of conception.
Alternatively, the prenatal paternity test may be conducted either through amniocentesis or chronic villi sampling (CVS).
When using a chorionic villi sampling, the process is conducted during the 10th through the 13th week of pregnancy. In this process, the cells from the placenta are collected. This is done by inserting a catheter through the vagina to collect cells. The ultrasound will be the one to guide the OB-GYN during the process.
In amniocentesis, the process is the same. Though, it must be done during the 14th to the 24th week of pregnancy. Also, the type of cells to be collected is the loos fetal cells embedded in the amniotic fluid. It is the fluid that is collected.
The Viability test
This type of paternity test uses remarkable samples so as to check for the DNA. This is commonly used when the supposed to be father is not present or cannot be found. In this process, they use preserved samples like hair, body tissues, and blood.
The In-Home Test
This is the most convenient procedure among the three. The in-home testing, as its name implies, is done within the comforts of one’s home.
In most cases, people who uses this kind of method is not at all determined to make such a fuss about the issue. It is usually for some personal reasons or other rationale and usually wouldn’t want other people to know about it. Though, it must be kept in mind that the results derived from this process is not admissible in court in the light of rape cases, divorce, child custody, or other legal issues where determination of paternity is important.
In this process, the DNA is collected using the buccal swab. This buccal swab resembles to the common cotton-tipped swab but has a special component known as the “Dacron.” It is then rubbed against the interior of the individual’s cheek. Several loose cheek cells stick to the swab. Here, the DNA can be obtained.
After the DNA is collected, it will be brought to the laboratory for some series of tests. It is a must that DNA samples must be in a sealed and tamper-evident packing.
Usually, paternity test results are available after 5 working days. It can also be earlier depending on the viability of the samples.
Indeed, paternity test had definitely made a major breakthrough in the world of science. Because of these innovative procedures, paternity tests are now considered as one of the most effective investigative methods in the society today.
For more great paternity test info and advice check out: http://www.dnatestinghq.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Morris

DNA Paternity Testing - Submitting Non-Standard Samples - Part 1

By Kevin Camilleri


DNA Paternity testing is the most accurate way of confirming biological relationships between individuals. The standard way of collecting samples from the individuals to be tested is through the use of oral/buccal swabs. Buccal swabs are relatively easy to use and pain-free since the procedure involves simply rubbing the swab on the inside of the mouth to collect a saliva sample. In addition, they can be easily sent by post to the client when they order a test. Hence, they provide an excellent medium to obtain DNA from an individual.
However, occasions arise when it is not possible to obtain the sample directly from the individual, as for example in the case of a dead or missing person or samples collected from a crime scene. Therefore, in such cases, it is possible to utilize alternative samples (defined as non-standard samples), to obtain the DNA of a person for the purpose of DNA Testing.
The following list provides information about a number of non-standard samples that can be used to obtain DNA for testing purposes.
1. Direct Biological Samples
Hair
Any hair submitted must have roots or the follicle attached. Hair that is cut will not produce significant DNA. When submitting a hair sample, one must make sure not to touch the part with the follicle as much as possible to avoid contamination. The hair can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample. The lab will normally require a minimum of 6-10 hairs (or as many as possible) depending on what is available. The more the hairs available, the more the chance of obtaining a DNA profile from them.
Blood
Blood samples can take various forms including whole blood, blood spots on paper or other material (tissues, clothing, and furniture), dried blood etc. Blood used to be the most common form of submitting DNA samples for DNA paternity testing until the advent of buccal swabs. It now rarely requested as it is an invasive procedure as opposed to the non-invasive and painless nature of a buccal swab. Fresh blood sent in a normal tube will provide a more than enough sample for obtaining DNA. In cases where blood is sent as spots on some form of material, then the success of the extraction will depend on the state of the blood and whether it has been exposed to possible contamination such as the elements, human contamination and/or chemical agents.
Nails
It is also possible to extract DNA from Nails. Freshly trimmed nails work best and have the highest chance of success. Nails are normally recommended (apart from hair) in cases where the person has recently died. It is important to handle the nails with minimal direct contact as possible to avoid contamination. The nails can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.
Sperm
In the case of liquid semen, it is recommended that the sample is absorbed through a clean cotton swab and air-dried for about one hour. In the case of dried semen stains, either send the material directly to the laboratory or else absorb the stain onto a clean cotton swab moistened with distilled water. Then air-dry for about an hour. The samples can then be sent in sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.
Bone
Bone samples are one of the most difficult materials to obtain DNA from and not all DNA laboratories offer the service. The success rate will depend on the condition of the bones (e.g. how long the person has been dead, how his body has been preserved etc). When submitting bone samples it is normally recommend that fragments from the shaft of the femur or humerus are obtained weighing approximately 2 grams per individual. It is recommended that the laboratory processing the sample is contacted prior to taking the samples to discuss the case in advance. Collection of samples should be performed by a qualified person.
2. Everyday items that may contain DNA for testing purposes
Cigarette Butt
Cigarette butts can be an excellent source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the cigarette has been smoked the more DNA is likely to be available. If the cigarette has been shared it is likely that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained, in which case more specialised analysis will be required to separate the profiles. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end used to inhale the smoke. Ideally the client will submit 2-4 cigarette butts if available. The butt can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.
Toothbrush
A toothbrush can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the toothbrush has been used the more DNA is likely to be available. If the toothbrush has been shared it is possible that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained in which case more specialised analysis will be required. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end of the bristles to avoid contamination. Also the brush should be air dried for about 30-60 minutes to ensure that it is properly dried before sending to the laboratory. The toothbrush can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.
Envelope and Stamp
Licked envelopes and stamps can provide a source of DNA for paternity testing purposes. However, the success rate on this type of sample can very widely since it is not always possible to know if the stamp and envelope have been licked or not. In cases where there has been no contact with a person's saliva then it is clearly not possible to obtain DNA. Because of this, the sample is normally classified as having a low rate of extraction success rate. When submitting the sample, it is important to ensure not to touch the seals and the back of the stamp to minimize possible contamination.
Chewing Gum
Chewing gum can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated by exposure to contaminating agents. Sugar free gum is preferred to normal type of gum. It is important to try not to touch the gum with the fingers as this can lead to contamination. The gum can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.
Kevin Camilleri writes articles for dna paternity test. Other articles written by the author related to paternity testing, home paternity test and paternity test kit can be found on the net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Camilleri

Five Top Things to Know About a DNA Paternity Test

By Kevin Camilleri


Whilst the awareness about DNA Paternity testing has greatly increased throughout most of the world, there is still a lot of information about the test that is not known.
The following are the five top things to know about a DNA Paternity Test:
1. Most accurate method of determining biological relationships
A DNA Paternity test is the most accurate way of determining a biological relationship between an alleged father/mother and their child. Whilst in the past blood grouping analysis was used as a screening method, the relevance of this test has been greatly reduced as the level of accuracy of this type of test is low compared to the result of a DNA test. A DNA paternity test will provide 100% certainty of exclusion and 99.9%+ probability of inclusion.
2. Difference between an At-Home Paternity Test and a Legal Paternity Test
The difference between an At-Home Paternity Test (also called Curiosity Test) and a Legal Paternity Test is not the actual result but the way in which the sample collection is performed. For an At-Home Paternity test, a home DNA kit is normally sent to the requesting party. The kit will normally include i) oral swabs to take the saliva sample, ii) documentation to provide relevant information including consent iii) instructions and terms and conditions of sale. The sample is taken by the parties themselves who are participating in the test. In a Legal DNA Paternity Test, the sample collection must follow a strict chain of custody procedure. All samples need to be collected and documented by a independent third party (normally a qualified general practitioner or nurse) who will be responsible to verify and authenticate the samples. The actual result of the paternity in terms of the biological relationship will not differ.
3. Always select a properly accredited laboratory
Always chose to do your paternity test through a company that uses an ISO17025 and/or AABB accredited laboratory. This will ensure the quality and accuracy of the results. Also make sure that when report the result a full DNA profile is provided for the 16 loci analyzed, as well as the statistical probability of paternity. A simple Yes/No answer should not be deemed acceptable.
4. Paternity tests can be performed without the sample of the mother
To perform a DNA Paternity test the sample of the Mother is not necessary to obtain an accurate result. However, when available, it is always recommended that the sample of the Mother is also provided. Only in specific cases will the sample of the mother provide more accurate results such in the case of gene mutation. Many companies offer to test the mother at no extra charge.
5. DNA can be obtained from a diverse range of samples
It is possible to obtain DNA from a number of other sources such as hair, blood, semen and items such as cigarette butts and a toothbrush. Whilst the current standard is to use an oral swab to collect saliva samples, in cases where a person may not be physically present, able or willing to donate a sample, then alternate samples can be obtained.
Top writer Kevin Camilleri writes about DNA paternity test. The author focuses on topics about dna paternity and DNA testing. Additional resources and articles written by Kevin Camilleri related to DNA paternity testing are accessible on the net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Camilleri