How is DNA used to prove or disprove paternity?
Since everyone inherits half of their genetic material (DNA) from their mother and the other half from their father, DNA analysis makes it possible to determine first, which maternal traits are present in the child, and second, to check whether the remaining traits are present in the presumed father. If the latter does not have the traits that the child must have inherited from the biological father, then paternity is excluded. If the presumed father has these traits, then paternity is statistically established.
How accurate is the PRO-DNA Paternity Test?
The PRO-DNA™ Paternity Test performed by Warnex provides clear unequivocal answers. If the presumed father is not the biological father, the probability of paternity will be 0%. If the presumed father is the biological father, the paternity will be confirmed with a minimum probability of 99.95%.
Is a blood sample better than a buccal sample?
No. A buccal sample yields results that are as accurate as those obtained from a blood sample. In fact, since the DNA is identical in each and every cell in a person's body, a wide variety of biological samples, even dating back several years, can be used because the DNA molecule is highly stable.
Can the paternity test be performed if the mother is unavailable?
In most cases, the samples are taken from the mother, child and presumed father, but it is also possible to conduct the test with samples from only the child and the presumed father. However, if the mother is not available, the legal guardian must present a court order in order to sign the child's consent form, if the latter is under 18 years of age. Under no circumstances will our laboratory conduct a test without the consent of the parties concerned.
Do all the parties have to be present at the same time and at the same collection centre?
For the test to be legally admissible, generally speaking, the mother, child and presumed father must be present at the same time and at the same collection centre in order to identify each other. However, it is possible to take samples at different times or at different places if the parties do not wish to see each other or if they live in different regions.
Does the DNA test have any legal value?
Yes, if the legal admissibility option is ordered. Warnex is committed to establishing its protocols according to good laboratory practices and maintaining a strict chain of custody in order to ensure the admissibility of the results in court. In addition, Warnex's expertise is supported by the analysis of several thousands of genetic profiles. If necessary, a qualified professional can testify in court regarding the results of a DNA test, the procedures followed or the chain of custody.
Are the results confidential?
Yes. All the circumstances surrounding a DNA test, including the results obtained and all communications, are strictly confidential. To ensure their confidentiality, no results are disclosed either over the telephone, by e-mail or by fax. Results are transmitted by mail only to the person who ordered the test, unless indicated otherwise by this person, as specified in the forms submitted with the collection kit.
Is it possible for a person to alter his or her DNA to falsify the results?
No. Alcohol, drugs, medications, age, and lifestyle cannot alter DNA. Only a bone marrow graft can alter DNA, and it affects only the DNA of the blood cells. The blood cells of the recipient of the graft thus contain the same DNA as that of the donor, but the DNA of the buccal cells remains unchanged.
What are some of the reasons why a person might request a DNA test?
- To establish the truth in a family dispute
- To use in a dispute concerning child support
- To recognize a child as your offspring
- To resolve ambiguous family situations that are a source of anxiety
- To look for your biological father or mother
- To contest a will
- To obtain a forensic assessment