Did you know that the number of Nuclear American families has been decreasing since the 1960s? Currently, only 18 percent of households have the traditional nuclear structure.
Alongside alternative family structures, sometimes comes the need for paternity testing. Whether you’re a kid looking to understand more about your heritage, a mother unsure who the father is, or an unsure father, there’s a time and a place when getting a paternity test is necessary.
However, you need to follow the instructions carefully; failing to complete the steps of a paternity test incorrectly could lead to an inconclusive, or even incorrect, result.
If you’re thinking about doing a DNA paternity test, read on to find out how to do it.
1. Find A Reliable Paternity Test
The results of a paternity test are usually life-changing; therefore, make sure you do research first and choose the right type of test.
Several stores sell budget home test kits that can give you an idea of paternity. However, be aware that these tests may be less accurate than laboratory-certified paternity tests.
Either way, follow the instructions carefully if you do a home test.
2. How To Do A Home Paternity Test
Before telling you the basic steps to collecting DNA for a home paternity test, let us note that you must follow the specific instructions on the test. However, some standard instructions apply to every test.
First, ensure that your testing area is sterile. This means you need to wash your hands and only touch areas necessary for testing. Avoid smoking, eating, and drinking before the test.
Your home test kit will either require a cheek or saliva swab sample. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and don’t contaminate any materials.
Finally, once you’ve collected your swab, follow the shipping instructions strictly. If your sample doesn’t make it to the lab in time, the results could be inconclusive.
3. Choose The Right Test
When it comes to paternity testing, everyone will agree that getting the correct results is essential. Although home testing is an option for some people, it isn’t appropriate or possible in some cases.
For example, a home test kit may not be appropriate if you need the results to hold up in court or you need a prenatal paternity test.
In these cases, you should invest in lab-certified DNA testing to ensure you get results that are >99% accurate.
How To Do A Paternity Test: Explained
That’s everything you need to know about doing a paternity test this year. There are all sorts of paternity tests available; whether it’s a paternity test while pregnant or a post-natal paternity test, there’ll be one that suits your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Search for ‘paternity test near me’ and find your perfect match.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, make sure to check out our other posts for all things health, lifestyle, family, and more!
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