Paternity testing

Paternity testing is a type of genetic testing used to determine if a man is the biological father of a child. This is done by comparing the DNA of the alleged father and the child. The most common type of paternity test is a DNA profile test, but other types of tests, such as blood type tests, can also be used.

History

Paternity testing has been used for many years to resolve disputes over child custody and child support. The first paternity tests were blood type tests, which could only exclude a man as the father, not definitively prove he was the father. The development of DNA profiling in the 1980s made it possible to definitively determine paternity.

Types of tests

There are several types of paternity tests, including:

• DNA profiling: This is the most common type of paternity test. It involves comparing the DNA of the alleged father and the child. If the DNA profiles match, the man is likely the father.

• Blood type tests: These tests can exclude a man as the father if his blood type is not compatible with the child's, but they cannot definitively prove he is the father.

• Y chromosome tests: These tests can determine if a man is the father of a boy by comparing the Y chromosomes of the alleged father and the child. This test cannot be used if the child is a girl, as girls do not have a Y chromosome.

Legal implications

Paternity testing can have significant legal implications. If a man is found to be the biological father of a child, he may be required to pay child support. He may also have rights to custody or visitation. In some cases, a man may be legally presumed to be the father of a child if he was married to the mother at the time of the child's birth, even if a paternity test later proves he is not the biological father.

See also

• Genetic testing
• DNA profiling
• Child custody
• Child support

Paternity testing Resources
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