DNA Paternity Testing in India

What is "proof of paternity?"

Proof of paternity means testing a man to prove that he is the father of a child. The word paternity means origin or descent from a father.

What is paternity testing?
Paternity testing is a procedure that involves collecting and examining the DNA of a small sample of bodily fluid or tissue from a child and the alleged father. DNA is the genetic coding or unique genetic "fingerprint" that is present in every cell of a human's body. When a baby is conceived, a mother's unique genetic coding (her 23 chromosomes) combines with the father's unique genetic coding (his 23 chromosomes) to create a unique baby whose genetic coding (46 chromosomes) is a shared mix of only its mother's and father's DNA. By collecting and examining a small sample of DNA from the baby and the alleged father, a paternity test can confirm or disprove that the alleged father is indeed the biologic father of the baby (Note: To provide a complete DNA picture, typically, a mother's DNA is also collected and tested although this is not absolutely essential for confirming or disproving the identity of the father. To determine if a man is the biological father, only DNA samples from the man and baby are needed).

What bodily fluids and tissues can be sampled?
Since every person's DNA is present in every cell of the body, a small sample for testing can be obtained from any bodily source, including blood, semen, body tissue, hair, bone, saliva, and even cells taken from the inside of the cheek of the mouth (also called buccal cells). DNA paternity testing using buccal cells is a common testing source since obtaining a sample from the mouth is fast, simple, and painless.

How is the cheek cell test conducted?
Cells are collected by gently rubbing a inside cheek of the mouth. The swab is sent to a laboratory and a select number of specific sequences of DNA are examined to determine if the DNA collected from the baby match DNA collected from the alleged father.

How accurate is DNA testing?
DNA testing is generally considered the most accurate testing method available. DNA paternity testing can indicate that a man is highly likely to be the father with about 99.99 percent accuracy or that he is excluded as being the father with 100 percent accuracy.

Can paternity be confirmed before the baby is born?
Yes. Two different testing methods can be gathered from the baby while still developing in the mother's womb. One test, called chorionic villus sampling, is conducted only between weeks 10 to 12 of pregnancy. This test involves retrieving a small sample of tissue from the placenta. Another test, called amniocentesis, is performed between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy. This test involves passing a needle through a mother's abdomen to the womb in order to withdraw a small sample of amniotic fluid. . The collected samples are then forwarded to a laboratory for examination. Although technically possible to confirm paternity with these tests, the risk of harm to the developing baby--although remote-- should be considered. For this reason, it's generally advised that paternity testing be postponed until the child is born, if possible.

Are home DNA paternity testing kits available?
Yes. Eastern Biotech offers home testing kits that can be purchased through the various test centers in India. The kits contain all the necessary materials and instructions for conducting a cheek cell swab test. After the DNA cheek cells are collected, the sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. If directions are correctly followed, the testing technique and accuracy of a privately conducted home test does not differ compared with a test required by court order. For court ordered testing, however, the alleged father would need to report to a facility so that the testing can be witnessed and fingerprints and photographs can be confirmed.

How much do home paternity tests cost?
The cost in India for Paternity test is Rs. 11500 (http://www.paternitytestindia.com)