Using a home DNA test kit

A home DNA test kit is exclusively used in the sampling stage of a home based DNA paternity test. The key component in the kit is usually a pair of serrated cotton swabs, and some DNA free sample tubes. These two components allow the obtaining of the source material which will ultimately be used to determine the biological relationship of a child to the putative parents.

Using a home DNA test kit is very straightforward and requires so little expertise, that a child could carry out the procedure. In broad terms all that is required, is the removal of some cheek cells from the inside of the mouth by rubbing the cotton swabs on the inside of the mouth. A few gentle rubs of the serrated cotton swab on the inside of both cheeks should result in sufficient material being recovered to allow a full DNA paternity test to be carried out. It is important that a single DNA kit is used only for one person, to ensure there can be no possibility of a mix-up between samples. This will ensure the reliability of the final result.

Once the samples have been taken they should be placed in the sample tubes provided and the tubes sealed. This will ensure preservation of the cellular material present on the swab heads, and prevent any environmental contamination of the source cells. In general the identity of the biological mother of the child is rarely questioned, and most applications of this technology are in confirming the identity of the biological father. If this is the case, a sample from the child and the putative father are essential, with a sample from the mother being desirable but not essential.

Samples are generally mailed back to the testing company to carry out a full DNA analysis, generally resulting in a report within a few weeks. The report should provide a clear unambiguous outcome to answer the question as to the biological relationship of the putative father to the child.

If the results of the DNA testing are to be used in a court of law, and require a legal standing, a home DNA test is not usually admissible. A much more rigorous approach in verifying the source of every sample is required. The process of obtaining the samples is witnessed and fully documented, including taking photographs of all the parties associated with each sample. This continuity is maintained with the laboratory environment, and allows an expert witness to provide an opinion in court, as to the relevance of the test results.

If you want to find out more about DNA paternity testing, or obtain a free home DNA test kit, click on the link in the author section below.

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