Paternity Test Myths

Finding out the identity of a baby’s father provides certainty, allowing the mother and child to move on with their lives. Moreover, getting a paternity test may be necessary for important legal reasons. Despite DNA paternity testing being around for many years, several aspects of testing are still widely misunderstood. In this article, we strive to separate fact from fiction. We hope the following paternity test facts eliminate any remaining doubts you might have about these tests.

1. “Paternity testing is expensive.”

Due to significant advances in technology, paternity tests can now be performed for $130 to $500. The cost depends on who performs it as well as whether the results need to be used for personal knowledge only or for legal purposes. Quality should never be sacrificed for price, especially in situations as sensitive as paternity testing. Nevertheless, efficient and accurate paternity testing should be affordable. Some companies, including Validity Genetics, can start the testing process as soon as they receive notice from the client.

2. “It doesn’t matter where a paternity test is performed because all labs are created equal.”

All labs aren’t created equal. You need to check the accreditation of any laboratory you’re considering.

DNA testing involves far more than technique and instrumentation. It requires the experience and expertise of qualified scientists, careful laboratory protocols, and client-service professionals who understand the unique needs of each client. Our lab has held AABB accreditation since 2015. It also hold accreditation and certifications from governing bodies such as AABB, A2LA, ISO 17025, ISO 9001, MoJ (UK), and ILAC.

3. “I can’t order a paternity test because the potential father lives hundreds of miles away from me.”

We can ship collection kits to multiple address across the country and internationally. Most of these options can be selected from out product page. Additionally, samples can also be collected at different times, places, and across collection sites.

4. “My ex-boyfriend is gone. Without him, I’ll never know who the father of my child is!”

In some situations, the possible father is unavailable or unwilling to partake in a paternity test. In these situations, a grandparent test can be performed. This test uses the paternal grandparents’ DNA to determine if the child is biologically related to them. If the child is determined to be a descendant of the grandparents and they have more than one son, all sons would be considered the potential father of the child.

5. “Paternity testing takes too long and I need results now.”

In most cases testing is done within 2-3 business days, but, it can be done in as quickly as one business day. It will cost more if you need the results quickly. In most cases, a few labs offer results in five days, on average. Validity Genetics has the capability to provide accurate results in 1-2 business days. If you’re using a private lab, you should receive prompt service and results. If you’re planning on going through a government child-support agency, it could take months for the processing and paperwork to go through, even though the actual testing may only take a few days.

6. “Paternity testing divides families.”

Paternity testing has many benefits. It’s used in adoption, immigration, genealogy, and other family-building cases. Testing benefits the child in cases in which paternity must be verified for inheritance or insurance purposes, as well as child-support and custody cases. Of course, you need to prepare yourself emotionally for the results, but finding out the truth enables you to make important decisions and move on with your life.

7. “If I get a test, people will find out about it.”

Each case is unique and is handled with the utmost confidentiality, privacy, and discretion. At a private laboratory like Validity Genetics your results are confidential. Keep in mind if you go through a child-support agency, your results may be public record. In addition selecting a privately-conducted test provides you with sole control of what to do with the results after you receive them.
We also ship all collection kits, returned samples, and correspondence, in nondescript anonymous packaging free of logos.
To see more info surrounding how we retain samples and results see our Privacy Policy.

8. “A cheap $99 test is the right choice for me.”

A $99 paternity test can be more expensive to the consumer in the long run. These tests are generally not as reliable because the testing may be done outside industry protocols and/or performed by inexperienced staff, which could lead to results that are interpreted incorrectly. If you’re inquiring about a paternity test for important matters experience in DNA testing is required. Wouldn’t it be better to pay only once for something so important? The accuracy Validity Genetics can provide for the definitive answers you need, is well worth it.

9. “I can’t stand the sight of blood or needles, so I could never participate in a paternity test!”

While a blood sample is one method of testing, most labs today, including Validity Genetics, use a painless buccal swab to collect samples for all DNA testing. The swab is similar to a cotton swab, much like a common q-tip. As mentioned above, this collection process is painless.

10. “Tests can’t be done through the mail due to contamination.”

While contamination isn’t a myth per se, is the common concern that samples might get contaminated. Validity Genetics and our highly-accredited laboratory takes this responsibility seriously and has established strict processes to ensure samples aren’t contaminated at the lab level. As a participant in the testing, it’s your responsibility to follow instructions and due diligence by sending us samples in the best condition possible. Please allow samples to air dry

We recognize that every situation is unique and so offer a variety of testing options and payment plans to fit your specific needs and circumstances. Still have questions or concerns? We encourage you to contact one of our paternity experts for a confidential chat via Facebook or send us an email at: Info@ValidityGenetics.com.

Relationship Testing: Do Siblings Have the Same DNA?

If you have siblings, you’ve probably experienced occasions when well-meaning folks said you look nothing like your sister or perhaps that you’re the spitting image of each other. And when you were born, relatives and friends felt the urge to say you looked just like your father or your mother! It is human nature for people to make these comparisons, but what does DNA have to do with it?

DNA contains information that determines eye color, hair color, height, and even the size of your nose. In fact, DNA contained in your cells is responsible for these physical attributes and many more. You and your siblings are a slightly different combination of your mother and father’s DNA. This explains why you and your sibling’s physical features resemble a combination of both parents and why your sister or even brother looks more like your mom than you do.

The Role Chromosomes Play

To fully understand how siblings inherit DNA from their parents, it helps to have a basic understanding of how X and Y chromosomes are passed down. Biological males have an X and a Y chromosome and biological females have two Xs. Fathers pass their X chromosome to daughters and Y chromosome to sons; this Y chromosome is passed down directly from father to son and can be traced back for generations of direct descendants. Mothers pass down a mix of their two X chromosomes in a process called recombination.

Sibling Similarities and Differences Tied to Genes

But it’s not as simple as X and Y chromosomes. Human DNA is packaged in a total of 23 pairs of chromosomes that you inherit from both parents. Each of these have sections called genes that determine different physical features and traits. Your genes make up your genotype that determines your physical appearance (aka phenotype). Furthermore, genes can be either dominant or recessive. You inherit one gene from your mother and one from your father for each trait. And it’s possible to inherit a combination of dominant and recessive genes for each trait. When both forms of a gene are the same (e.g. dominant) this is called homozygous, whereas one of each is called heterozygous. This can result in many physical-characteristics differences between siblings and even fraternal twins.

• Male-pattern baldness can be passed down from one generation to the next, however, the DNA you receive may come from your mother, father, or even your grandparents. This explains why one brother experiences baldness while the other has a full head of hair

• A biracial couple in the UK had fraternal twin girls, one of whom inherited her English-born mother’s light brown hair and fair skin, while the other girl has black hair and brown skin like her father, who is of Jamaican descent.

• Two sisters are more likely to share many of the same gene versions compared to two unrelated women

• Height is determined by more than 100 genes and each child in the same family gets a unique, complex combination of these genes from their parents. If one parent is tall and the other short, the child’s height can be similar to one or the other, although it’s usually in between the two. Random gene assortment can lead to a child being substantially shorter or taller than both parents and explains why siblings can vary greatly in height

Do Siblings Share the Same DNA?

Siblings share much of the same DNA, but recombination explains why it is possible for siblings to have different DNA mixtures that give each their distinct look. Due to recombination, each chromosome you get from your mother is a mix of her parents’ chromosomes and each chromosome you got from your father is a mix of his parents’ chromosomes. With that said, if you and a sibling took a DNA test, it would reveal long stretches of common DNA letters. These segments are referred to as a DNA match.

Full Siblings: Each child with the same biological mother and father inherits an estimated 50% of DNA from each parent, but not the exact same half. A portion of the DNA full siblings inherit will be the exact same DNA from both parents. The siblings will match at the same location on their DNA on both the mother’s and father’s strand of DNA.

Half Siblings: Unlike full siblings, half siblings only match DNA on the one parent they share in common. On average, half siblings share about 25% of their DNA. Typically, half-sisters with a common dad share more DNA than a half-brother and half-sister due to how X and Y chromosomes are passed to children. But due to the mix of the other 22 pairs of chromosomes, it’s a remote possibility for a half-brother and sister to share as much DNA as same-gender siblings.

Do Fraternal Twins Share More DNA Than Siblings?

Fraternal twins are siblings who share the same womb. Each starts out as a separate egg fertilized by a separate sperm. Therefore, fraternal twins don’t share more DNA than any two siblings, which is 50%, however, they may look more alike than other siblings in the family.

If you’ve been thinking about ordering a sibling test, you’ve come to the right place. Validity Genetics offers the latest technology and accurate testing to resolve questioned biological-sibling relationships.

Home Sibling DNA Test

from $199.00

Forensic Infidelity: How Does DNA Testing With Hair Work?

Do you need to confirm a relationship? Curious to know if you can test DNA from hair? We will walk you through how hair DNA testing works, the advantages, the drawbacks, and more. 

Can You Do an Infidelity DNA Test with Hair?

Using hair as a DNA source for testing has been common practice for decades. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, and at the root of each hair is a follicle, which contains DNA. When a hair is plucked, often the DNA-containing follicle is removed with it. Access to the hair follicle DNA is one of the most critical aspects of testing. 

Technicians can use the DNA found in hair follicles for a variety of tests, including:

• Paternity Testing

• Forensic Infidelity Testing

• DNA Relationship Testing

• Drug Testing

• Medical Testing

• And More

How Does DNA Testing with Hair Work?

A sample of multiple hairs (7-10) with intact follicles is necessary to achieve the best results from a hair DNA test. To ensure a hair sample has the necessary follicles attached, it is vital to look at the end of the hair closely. A hair with an intact follicle will appear slightly thicker at the root end and you will see a tiny light-colored bulb. After the testing provider receives the hair sample, they can begin processing it for DNA extraction. 

Normally, the DNA within the hair sample will be amplified or copied so that there is enough of it to be analyzed. The amplification of DNA is achieved through a process called polymerase chain reaction or PCR. PCR works by repeatedly heating and cooling DNA. When DNA is heated, it separates into two single strands. Next, an enzyme called “Taq polymerase” is introduced to the sample. This enzyme synthesizes and uses the original DNA strands to “build” two new strands of DNA. Technicians can repeat this process many times, producing millions of copies of the original DNA. 

With paternity testing, a laboratory technician would compare the extracted DNA from the alleged father’s hair to the child’s DNA. They would analyze the two DNA samples and look for similarities. From there, they could determine a probability of paternity based on either the presence or absence of similarities in the DNA. 

The Advantages of a Hair DNA Test

Using hair as a sample for DNA testing is a method that has been around for many years. Below are some of the advantages that a hair DNA test provides.

It’s Great for People Unable to Provide a Cheek Swab

Hair DNA testing is totally non-invasive, meaning that it is a great option when a tested party (adult or child) is unable to provide a cheek swab. The non-invasive aspect of hair testing makes it a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Hair DNA Testing is Reliable

Hair DNA testing is a reliable identification method and has been used for many years across a plethora of industries. Hair DNA testing is often used in forensic investigations to identify potential suspects of crimes. In some scenarios, it can even be used to legally establish paternity (in select cases**).

Using a Hair Sample is Sometimes Less Expensive

Hair DNA testing is occasionally more affordable than other types, such as blood testing. Certain DNA testing providers have more extensive fees when it comes to handling bio-hazards like blood. 

Discrete Sample Collection is Possible

Discrete sample collection using hair can be possible, though it is vital to remember that multiple hairs would need to be removed from the dermal layer of the skin with intact follicles. Perhaps you’re a mother, and you are questioning who the biological father of your child is, but you do not want to alarm the potential father. In this scenario, using the alleged father’s hair as a sample for a paternity test could be an option for you. 

The Drawbacks of a Hair DNA Test

Although using hair for DNA testing is generally considered to be reliable and accurate, there are some limitations, including:

Hair Samples Must Contain The Follicle

Hair clippings and shed hair on a brush do not make for acceptable samples. A hair sample for DNA testing needs to have the hair follicle attached. Some DNA testing companies may claim otherwise, but accredited industry leaders will strongly discourage DNA testing with a hair sample that does not contain a follicle. 

Testing Will Require Multiple Hairs 

In addition to the hair sample needing to have the follicle attached, the sample also should be comprised of more than one hair; 7-10 hairs is the industry standard when it comes to an acceptable sample size. 

A DNA Test Is Only as Good as the Testing Provider

The accuracy of a hair DNA test can be affected by several factors, including the testing provider. If the laboratory that performs the test lacks necessary accreditation or does not have a good reputation, it is more likely to produce inaccurate or untrustworthy results. Our laboratory has over 9 accreditations and certifications including: AABB, ISO 17025, A2LA, MoJ (United Kingdom), CAP, ISO 9001, and ILAC.

Other DNA Test Sample Options

Overall, hair DNA tests are a valuable tool for identifying individuals. However, it is essential to be aware of the limitations of this type of testing. Many other types of samples can be used for DNA testing, including:

• A Buccal Swab (Cheek Swab)

• Blood/Dried Blood Stains

• Semen

• Nail Clippings

• Diabetic Test Strips

• A Toothbrush

• Ear Swabs

• Shaving Razor Blades

• Cigarette Butts

• Chewing Gum (Sugar-Free Is Preferred)

• And More

Our DNA experts are happy to provide a free consultation and help you understand all of your testing options for your unique situation, including pricing. Contact us at Info@ValidityGenetics.com or via Facebook Messenger. 

**It is crucial to note that DNA samples collected at home are only applicable for peace-of-mind testing. In order for a DNA test to be admissible in court, a specific chain of custody needs to be followed. Samples must be collected in an approved facility where individuals provide identification before submitting samples. This chain of custody ensures that DNA samples cannot be tampered with and that those who provide them are who they claim to be.

Example Infidelity Test Results

How Does Infidelity Testing Work?

Maybe you’ve been suspicious about the behavior of your partner lately and wonder if they are having an affair but don’t know how to find out. Have you found unexplained stains on a pair of underwear or sheets with signs of sexual activity? Or perhaps you’ve found stains in his car or on the furniture that can’t be explained?  Is there a way to prove your husband or wife is having an affair? How does Infidelity DNA Testing really work?  What kind of forensic infidelity tests are there to test for adultery?

Most Common Infidelity Tests

Semen Detection

The semen detection test used by Validity Genetics is a test to detect semenogelin. This test is highly accurate and specific to human semen. It will detect even the most diluted samples of semen or semen mixed with other body fluids. Put plainly, this semen test will not cross react with other proteins or enzymes and will not cause a false positive result.  For this very reason it is the semen detection test governmental crime and forensic labs use to confirm the presence of semen on a sample. It is the gold standard in criminal and forensic cases.

The Semen Detection Test will have two possible results:

• Negative: Semen was not detected.

• Positive: Semen was detected.

Please Note: Semen can be detected by our Semen Detection test, but may not have DNA present in a high enough quantity to obtain a DNA profile. This can be for many different reasons. The donor may be possibly vasectomized, oligospermic, or aspermic.

What to do after a positive Semen Detection Test

If a positive test result is reported, and enough visible sperm are present to warrant supplemental testing we recommend that an Infidelity Test be performed. This test will extract the profile(s) from the sample and can compare your, or anothers, DNA against the profiles found.

A positive result for the presence of semen without detection of male DNA can mean that either the male DNA is present in extremely low amounts relative to any DNA present, or that the male contributor is possibly vasectomized, oligospermic, or aspermic. An infidelity test may be performed when no sperm is visible at a clients discretion; however, results are not guaranteed.

Please note that the type of Semen Detection Test used by our Laboratory does not cross react with other fluids to produce false positives even if there is no sperm/DNA present.

Infidelity DNA Test

A DNA Infidelity Test is the ultimate test for those who want to get peace of mind or to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that their partner is being unfaithful. DNA in humans is 99.9 percent identical.  It’s the last 0.1 percent of the DNA profile that makes each of us unique.  Comparing those sections of the DNA that are different is how we determine if two samples of DNA come from the same person. The chances of another person’s DNA matching yours are a billion to one. There’s no denying the presence of DNA that doesn’t belong to you. If you’ve found underwear, clothing, panty liners, or other items with signs of semen or sexual activity it can be tested for DNA.  Testing is normally completed within five to ten business days and can tell you if the semen or DNA in a stain is yours or someone else’s.

Our Advanced Infidelity Test is a DNA comparison test that shows you if DNA is present, the gender, if your reference DNA profile (or other sample you provide) matches what is produced from the sample, and display the DNA profiles found.  The reference sample is usually in the form of a buccal or cheek swab, but many different items can be used. This test is done when you want to confirm that any DNA present does or does not belong to you or your partner. This test is most commonly done as an Autosomal test but can be run as a Y-STR test to test for only male DNA markers.

Example Infidelity Test Results

Semen Detection Test Results Example:

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Example Semen Detection Test Results

Explanation of Semen Detection Results

Item #### produced a POSITIVE result for the presence of semen. Semen was detected on this item - Semen was found on the Special Sample

Item #### produced a NEGATIVE result for the presence of semen. Semen was not detected on this item - Semen was not found on the Special Sample

Please note, our Semen Detection test does not give false positives. But may not always be able to generate a DNA profile if additional testing is performed.

Infidelity Test Results Examples:

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Example Infidelity DNA Test Results Page 1 - Validity Genetics

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Example Infidelity DNA Test Results Page 2 - Validity Genetics

Explanation of Infidelity Test Results

DNA from a Male/Female contributor was detected on item #### - DNA was detected on the Special Sample tested

DNA was not detected on item #### - DNA was not detected on the Special Sample tested

Samples produced a DNA profile from a Male/Female contributor - If DNA was detected on a Special Sample this will clearly state whether the profile found is Male or Female

Samples produced a Mixed DNA profile from a Male and Female contributor - If DNA was detected on a Special Sample from multiple sources this will state that both Male and Female DNA was found

The DNA profile obtained from Reference Swab is consistent with the DNA profile(s) obtained from items #### tested and cannot be excluded as a contributor - The DNA profile found on the Special Sample matches the DNA profile on the Reference Swab

The DNA profile obtained from Reference Swab is inconsistent with the DNA profile(s) obtained from items #### tested and can be excluded as a contributor - The DNA profile found on the Special Samples does not match the DNA profile on the Reference Swab and can be ruled out as a contributor

Item produced a mixed DNA profile from (multiple) contributors. At least one contributor is Male and one contributor is Female. The gender(s) of (multiple) contributor(s) is indeterminate - The DNA found is a mixture. Depending on if any of the DNA profiles are present as a comparison we may not be able to separate all the profiles from one another. While we may be able to put a number to how many contributors are found we may not be able to give an exact amount of contributors or specify which contributors are male and which are female.

Other Types of Infidelity Tests

Another infidelity testing option is DNA Detection Test. This will determine if DNA is present and if it’s male or female or a mixture of people. This test is used when you only need to know if there is male or female DNA present on a item. For example, if you want to know if male DNA is present on female clothing or vice versa. This type of test does not include a comparison reference swab or display any DNA profiles found.

Saliva Detection tests can be performed much like a Semen Detection Test. It will only test for the presence of saliva.

Contact us to see how we can help or to build an Infidelity Test that is specific to your needs. For this and more information on DNA and Paternity testing write us at: Info@ValidityGenetics.com or through Facebook messenger to chat with a representative.

Example Paternity Test Results

Paternity DNA Test Results

We are often asked by our clients what exactly the DNA test results of our Paternity Test show, or will look like. We have provided sample paternity test reports, one positive and one negative, to demonstrate what information will be provided in the report.

Detailed Paternity Test Results Report Overview

The paternity test results contains the following main sections in the report, each displaying important information.

• Statement of Results

• Genetic System Table (Locus/Allele chart)

• Combined Direct (Paternity) Index

• Probability of Paternity

Below you can find sample reports to see what your result will look like.

Example Paternity DNA Test  – Inclusion

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Example Paternity DNA Test – Exclusion

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 Statement of Results

This is arguably the most important section of a Paternity DNA Test Result. Unfortunately, because of the legal wording used it can be the most confusing. The report will show one of two conclusions, an Inclusion and an Exclusion. Here are the two conclusion statements and what exactly they mean.

Inclusion = When the conclusion states, “cannot be excluded as the biological father” this means the tested male most likely IS the biological father of the child, as all data gathered from the test supports a relationship of paternity.

Exclusion = When the conclusion states, “is excluded as the biological father” this means the tested male IS NOT the biological father of the child, as all data gathered from the test does not support a relationship of paternity.

Genetic System Table

Paternity tests from Validity Genetics tests for up to 24 different locations, including sex markers, on your DNA. These locations or markers are listed in the “STR locus” column. Each marker is compared with the same locations on all of the tested parties. The DNA segments of the markers are called “alleles”, and every child inherits one copy of this DNA segment from the mother, and one copy from the father.

Our advanced DNA testing technology determines the length of each participants alleles and compares them with the lengths of the alleged father’s alleles to determine the number of matches. If the mother participates, the mother’s alleles will also be compared.

In the Inclusion example provided above, the child shown has two sets of alleles at each location tested, and you can see that at least one of these matches with the alleged father’s alleles at all locations.

In the Exclusion example, while the child shown has multiple sets of alleles that do match, there are many that do not a have corresponding match to the alleged father.

Combined Paternity Index

The Combined Paternity Index is the number on the lower right side of the report, directly under the Locus/Allele chart. If the tested male is considered the biological father, there is a number listed for the Combined Paternity Index. If the tested male is not considered the biological father, the report shows “0.” 

The Combined Paternity Index is a ratio indicating how many times more likely it is that the tested male is the biological father than a randomly-selected unrelated man with a similar ethnic background. This number varies on a case by case basis. The higher CPI number, the stronger the results.

The above sample DNA test reports are for Paternity DNA Tests without including the Mother. For other DNA test reports, such as Siblings DNA Testing, the wording will differ slightly.

Contact us for more information on DNA and Paternity testing at: Info@ValidityGenetics.com or through Facebook messenger and chat with a representative right away.

Holiday Hours

Have a Merry Christmas!

Validity Genetics would like to extend to you and your families our very best wishes this Christmas Season. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Christmas and Holiday hours

In celebration of Christmas, our offices will be closed on December 24 & 25 and reopen on December 26. During this week, from December 23 - 28, we will be on reduced office hours but all DNA testing will be unaffected.

In celebration of New Year’s, our office will be closed January 1 and will reopen on January 2.

If you need immediate support, email us at info@ValidityGenetics.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can. All other needs will be addressed when we return to the office.

Thank you for your business, and have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!