Paternity Test | DNA Testing Glossary
A paternity test is a DNA test used to determine whether a specific man is the biological father of a child. The test works by comparing genetic markers in the child's DNA to those of the alleged father. Because a child inherits exactly half of their DNA from each biological parent, the lab can check whether the father's markers are present in the child at every tested location. Modern paternity tests using STR analysis are definitive — they produce either an inclusion (99.99% or higher probability) or a complete exclusion (0%). US Diagnostics Center offers home paternity test kits for personal knowledge and is pursuing AABB accreditation to offer legal paternity testing.
Related Terms
Alleged Father, Probability of Paternity, Combined Paternity Index, Home DNA Test, Legal DNA Test
