What is Home DNA Paternity Testing?

DNA paternity testing aims to determine beyond reasonable doubt, if a man is the biological father of a child. A paternity test is more frequently required compared to maternity tests since the identity of the mother is generally easier to establish.
DNA Paternity testing make use of DNA technology that is remarkably precise. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic outline of an individual that is unique to each and every person. This type of genetic testing method provides an accuracy rate of about 99%(!) or more. DNA paternity tests are admissible in any legal court within the United States, as long as certain protocols have been established and followed throughout the DNA testing process.
With the introduction of DNA paternity testing, the earlier methods used for testing biological associations like blood group typing and HLA analysis have become obsolete. Aside from accuracy, collecting samples for paternity tests is painless and non-invasive compared to other methods. A swab from the inside of the mouth is widely accepted as the method of choice for obtaining the source material for a paternity test.
Illustration showing the structure of DNA

Paternity Test - Settling Personal and Legal Issues
A paternity test can be used for either personal or legal purposes. Personal paternity tests can be carried out in cases wherein legal involvement is not required. The people involved can do the collection of samples for personal paternity tests themselves and simply send the DNA samples to the DNA paternity test lab for processing. So if you simply want to know who the father of a child is 'discretely', then a home-conducted paternity test is for you.
On the other hand, legal paternity tests require more detailed documentation to be admissible in a court of law. The results of legal paternity tests need to be supplemented by a strict chain of custody that involves photographs and finger printing. A legal paternity test can be ordered online at any reputable DNA Paternity testing company. In most cases, a DNA testing company can also provide expert witnesses for court proceedings.
Whether for personal or legal circumstances, there are paternity test kit you can order for home use, or alternatively paternity test clinics you can discretely go to, to have your samples both taken and processed. The bottom-line however is this - knowing who a child's father is, may result in some difficult discussions, which should be fully anticipated before the DNA tests are conducted.