What is DNA testing?
DNA paternity testing uses the DNA (deoxribonucleic acid) genetic material in the cells of your body to determine parentage. At the moment of conception, the 23 chromosomes present in the woman’s egg and the 23 chromosomes present in the man’s sperm combine to give a total of 46 chromosomes to the child. These 46 chromosomes are presents in every cell of your body. Thus, every parent has given their child 23 of their own chromosomes, and this is what DNA testing tests for.
Each person is born with a unique genetic blueprint or pattern known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Half of each person’s DNA is inherited from his or her biological father. DNA Testing is a comparison of DNA patterns to determine if there is or is not a biological relationship between tested people.
DNA testing or “profiling” is used to identify a potential source of biological evidence by matching questioned samples (left at crime scenes) with known samples from victims and suspects. For example, when a sexual assault occurs and seminal fluid is left on the vaginal samples of the victim, it is possible to compare the DNA profile obtained from the semen donor to a known DNA profile from a suspect. Since the DNA profile from the suspect’s semen will be the same as that of his known saliva or blood, a match will link a suspect to a crime. What can be tested? Blood and semen are most commonly tested but they are not the only possible sources of DNA. Saliva, sweat, vaginal fluid, hair (with suitable root structure), muscle tissue and bone may also be tested. Urine and fecal samples may contain small quantities of DNA but are poor sources for testing. How should samples be collected?
