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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q:
How does Paternity Testing works? Ans: Since half of our DNA are inherited from the biological father and the other half is from the biological mother. By comparing the DNA patterns of the putative parents of a child, it is possible to determine whether an individual is one of the biological parents. Q: How about blood relatives? Ans: Based on the pattern of inheritance, the genes shared by blood relatives can be determined. Accordingly, siblings, uncle-aunt/nephew-niece, grandparents and cousins relationships can be established by genotyping the test subjects. In some cases, the genetic composition of a particular relative can be "reconstructed" by genotyping other blood relatives. Q: Paternity testing requires blood? Ans: No. Cellular samples from different part of the body can be used for testing because the DNA is the same in every cell of the body. Besides blood, other cells such as oral cells or hair cells are commonly used for paternity testing. Q: Is the buccal swab suitable for Paternity Testing? Ans: Certainly, since DNA is the same in every cell of the body, the accuracy of the testing performed on cheek cells by rubbing the inside of the mouth with a soft cotton swab is the same as using blood cells. In fact, it is better than blood cells because blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant will not affect the result. (see below) Moreover, it is fast, convenient and painless, and anyone can do it. It is the preferred method among professionals. Q: Why can't you prove 100% that the man is the biological father? Ans: It is always possible that a man could match the genetic description by chance. By conducting a battery of tests, the probability of paternity (all else being equal) can be increased further to 99.9%, or even greater. Since a match by chance cannot be completely ruled out, therefore the probability of being the biological father could be 99.9999…% but it will never be 100%. Nevertheless, many courts treat probabilities of paternity greater than 99% (all else being equal) as a strong evidence in favor of paternity. In GenePro Dnagnostic Technology, the power of discrimination can reach 99.9999567% or more in our tests. Q: Can you prove 100% that the man is not the biological father? Ans: Yes. A child must inherit all the genes from his/her biological father. Mismatches between their genotypes (exclusion) indicate the absence of blood relationship. Q: Can drugs, medications or blood transfusions affect the Paternity Test results? Ans: DNA tests are not affected by drugs or medications. However, as blood is made in the bone marrow, testing of blood from individuals who have had a bone marrow transplant will give DNA results that will reflect the donor, rather than the recipient. Therefore, testing of transplanted individuals should be done using other specimens, such as buccal swabs. For the same reason, a recent blood transfusion will bring in DNA from another person, thereby affecting the test result. Individuals under test are asked to give information regarding any blood transfusion and/or bone marrow transplantation before doing the test. Q:The baby has not been born yet. Do we have to wait? Ans: Testing can be done on specimens obtained prior to eighteen weeks gestation via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis . However, these are not risk-free procedures. Prenatal and cord blood testing should, of course, be discussed with your obstetrician. Q:Do we need a doctor's request or court order to have the testing? Ans: In Hong Kong, there is no such requirement. However, we recommend a lawyer, doctor or minister who can act as an advisor if the test may have legal consequences. In any event, the test results can have a significant impact on the child. Independent counseling is especially important when the mother is not tested. Q: How soon can I get the test result? Ans: Unless there are additional tests that needs to be done (in which case, you be informed), a report based on the requirements of the regulatory agent of paternity testing in the US, AABB, and signed by a Ph.D. molecular genetics/biotechnology scientist will be ready 2-3 working days for a personal use test. If needed, express service is also available. |