If you watch any network television like “CSI” or “Law and Order” you’ve probably heard the term DNA.  DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid and is a large, double stranded helical molecule that carries genetic information which controls cell growth, development and replication.  The genetic information, or genes, is responsible for passing on your traits and characteristics like hair or eye color to future generations.    

When you take a home paternity test, you are collecting a sample of DNA from each of the people being tested.  DNA is contained in every cell of your body, and is exactly the same in every cell.  That’s why you can test DNA from a saliva swab from the inside of the mouth, from amniotic fluid, or from blood samples. 

Each person’s DNA is unique to them – except in the case of identical twins.  Identical twins have the exact same DNA.  And we get our DNA from both our parents – half from our mother, and half from our father.  A home paternity test will compare the sequences found in the DNA in each sample.  When a trained scientist performs the comparison he or she can tell whether or not two people are related, and can further tell if a person is the biological offspring of someone.

Through DNA testing it is possible to determine if someone is the biological father to a child.  If the test determines that the DNA sequences do not match the person is “excluded” and it is a 100% certainty that he is not the biological parent to the child.  If the sequences match then the person is “not excluded” and there is a greater than 99% chance that the person is the biological parent to the offspring.  Since close biological relatives (like brothers) have similar DNA it is not possible to tell with 100% certainty if someone is the biological father to a child.  That’s why it’s important to work with a home paternity testing laboratory that can give you the highest probability based on their testing protocols.