Paternity testing uses deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis to establish whether a man is the biological father of a child. This method compares the child’s genetic profile with that of the alleged father to determine a biological relationship with high accuracy. The individuals and organizations involved, including who performs the analysis and who collects the samples, depend entirely on the intended use of the test results. Understanding the context of the test is the first step in determining the necessary providers and procedures.
Determining the Test Context: Legal vs. Private
The purpose for which a paternity test is sought dictates the requirements for both the laboratory and the sample collection agent. A test is categorized as either a legal test or a private, “peace of mind” test, which are handled under different protocols. Legal paternity testing is required when the results will be used in official proceedings, such as court-ordered child support cases, child custody disputes, inheritance claims, or immigration applications. This context demands rigorous procedures to ensure the results are admissible as evidence.
For a test to be legally admissible, it must adhere to the Chain of Custody (CoC). The CoC is a documented procedure that tracks the sample from collection to the final delivery of the results. This ensures the samples are collected from the correct individuals and have not been tampered with or swapped. This process requires samples to be collected by a neutral, authorized third party, which is the primary distinction from private testing.
Private, or at-home, paternity tests are used solely for personal knowledge and do not follow the CoC procedure. These tests involve the individual collecting their own cheek swab samples, meaning the identity of the tested parties cannot be independently verified. While the DNA analysis is highly accurate, the lack of an authenticated collection process makes the results non-admissible in court or for other legal purposes. The choice between legal and private context determines whether a certified professional or the consumer is responsible for the initial sample handling.
Clinical and Accredited Laboratories
The analysis of the DNA samples is performed by specialized clinical or forensic laboratories, not the individuals who collect the swabs. These laboratories receive the collected samples and conduct the procedures necessary to generate a genetic profile for each participant. Technicians first extract the DNA from the sample material, isolating the unique genetic blueprint. The lab then uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify specific regions of the DNA, known as short tandem repeats (STRs) or genetic markers.
The STR profiles of the child and the alleged father are then compared at multiple points, often twenty-one or more genetic locations, to calculate the probability of paternity. For legal test results to be considered valid, the performing laboratory must hold specific accreditations. The most recognized accreditation for relationship testing in the United States is from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB).
AABB accreditation is considered the gold standard because it promotes high levels of quality in testing. Many U.S. statutes require it for legal relationship tests, including those for immigration and court cases. This accreditation ensures the laboratory follows strict quality control, maintains high accuracy standards, and adheres to the proper handling of Chain of Custody documentation. Labs that are not AABB-accredited cannot process tests that will hold up in a court of law, even if they provide accurate results for personal use.
Professionals Who Collect Samples
For a paternity test to be court-admissible, the DNA samples must be collected by an authorized, neutral third party who serves as the official collector. The primary role of this professional is to maintain the Chain of Custody, guaranteeing the identity of the individuals being tested. Collection agents are responsible for verifying the identities of all participants, typically by checking government-issued photo identification and taking photographs or fingerprints.
Authorized collection agents include trained healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, medical assistants, or specialized laboratory technicians at an approved collection facility. After verifying identities, the professional witnesses the collection of the cheek swab sample and seals the samples into a tamper-evident package. This package is signed and dated by both the collector and the tested parties before being sent directly to the accredited laboratory, preserving the CoC.
In contrast, for private testing, the consumer is the collector, which bypasses the verification and witnessing process. The lack of a neutral third party to confirm the source of the DNA is why private test results are inadmissible in legal settings. The official collector’s job is administrative and procedural, ensuring the sample’s integrity and documentation, separate from the laboratory technicians who perform the DNA analysis.