: Specialists compare the patterns between the child and the potential father to calculate the "probability of paternity". Types of Paternity Tests
Information for Parents on U.S. Citizenship and DNA Testing - Travel
: Laboratories extract DNA and analyze specific regions called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) or genetic markers. paternity testing
: Includes amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , which collect samples directly from the womb but carry a small risk of miscarriage. Legal vs. Personal Tests :
: Requires a strict "chain of custody," where an unbiased third party verifies identities and supervises collection. These are admissible in court for matters like child support or custody. : Specialists compare the patterns between the child
: The most frequent type, typically involving simple cheek swabs from the child and alleged father. Prenatal (During Pregnancy) :
Testing can be categorized by timing and the intended use of the results: : Includes amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
: Analyzes fetal DNA found in the mother's blood; can be done as early as the 7th or 8th week .