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How Does a DNA Test Determine Paternity?

By Speedy Sticks Clinical Team·Updated July 11, 2026·7 min read·Updated July 11, 2026

Medically reviewed by Brenda Heller, CPT

How Does a DNA Test Determine Paternity?

In this article

  1. 1.How is DNA inherited?
  2. 2.Why Get a Paternity Test?
  3. 3.AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit: Complete DNA Test
  4. 4.What are the Types of Paternity Tests?
  5. 5.Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit
  6. 6.Conclusion
  7. 7.Sources and further reading

DNA tests are stereotypically used to determine paternity on sensational reality programs and in high-profile court cases. However, DNA tests for paternity have other uses as well, including verifying a family line for medical reasons.

Over the years, the technology and methodology involved in these tests have changed, resulting in safer and more accurate ways to determine paternity. Continue reading to learn how DNA tests determine paternity and why you may order one. To receive a DNA paternity test from the comfort of your home book today. 

How is DNA inherited?

How DNA is inherited is key to how DNA tests work. Our DNA is an individual schematic for our identity at the genetic level. Half of the “material” in our DNA is inherited from each parent. Tests that assess the likelihood of parentage using samples of DNA from both the potential father and child are just that – a test of likelihood.

This is why the results of a paternity test will never be 100% accurate using current technology. However, by testing similarities between two genetic codes, lab technicians can determine with near certainty the identity of a child’s father, accurate to about 99.99%, regardless of the test used.

Why Get a Paternity Test?

Paternity tests could be ordered for many reasons. They are often ordered as part of the evidence of a custody hearing to determine who is a child’s real parent and therefore who has legal responsibility for them.

However, DNA paternity tests can also be used for personal reasons, such as confirming a lineage to assess your risk factors for a genetic condition. The test might also be used to verify the parentage of a potential heir in an inheritance situation.

Often, the legal rights of parents for custody of children as well as the legal obligations of child support hinge on these DNA tests. This is why accurate testing methods are essential. Our Legal DNA paternity testing service is an easy, painless, and quick method for obtaining legal DNA paternity testing that is admissible in a court of law. 

AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit: Complete DNA Test


Curious about your family heritage? Dive into the fascinating world of genetics with the AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit. While our primary focus today is on determining paternity, understanding your ancestry can be an enriching experience that provides valuable insights into your family tree.

Why Choose AncestryDNA?

Accurate and Comprehensive Results: AncestryDNA offers personalized genetic results, providing you with in-depth details about your DNA ethnicity, origins, and ethnicities. Whether you’re exploring your heritage out of curiosity or to establish paternity, the AncestryDNA test delivers accurate and reliable results.

Simple and Convenient: The test process is incredibly straightforward. Inside the kit, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions and a DNA collection kit. Just provide a small saliva sample, send it back to the lab using the prepaid package, and wait for your results online.

Uncover Hidden Connections: AncestryDNA’s extensive database helps you connect with potential relatives, expanding your understanding of your family tree. This feature can be particularly useful when exploring paternity and discovering unknown family links.

How Can AncestryDNA Assist in Paternity Determination?

While AncestryDNA is primarily designed to explore your ancestry, it can indirectly assist in paternity determination. By comparing the DNA of the child, the alleged father, and other known relatives, you can gain a clearer picture of familial relationships. Although AncestryDNA does not offer paternity-specific tests, the information it provides can be a valuable piece of the puzzle when establishing biological connections.

Why We Recommend Them:

We highly recommend the AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit for anyone interested in understanding their genetic heritage and exploring the science of paternity determination. The detailed insights provided by this kit are not only enlightening but also fascinating for anyone curious about their roots.

Get Started Today!

Ready to uncover the mysteries of your DNA and explore the world of ancestry? order your AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit now. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, connect with your roots, and gain valuable insights that can contribute to understanding your family’s paternity dynamics.

What are the Types of Paternity Tests?

DNA paternity tests come in several types, broadly separated by whether the child in question has been born or not. If they have, there are two types of DNA collection methods: blood and saliva.

If blood is used, both the potential child and father will give samples of blood, which will then be shipped to a lab to be analyzed. This is an important step since some states will not accept a paternity test as legal evidence if the tests are performed at home (New York is one).

For saliva tests, cheek swabs are submitted to laboratory testing in the same way. At-home testing kits are also available which, if the legal requirements of the situation permit it, can be mailed directly to the designated lab from your post office.

Paternity tests can also be performed on unborn children for the same reasons, such as confirming custody or a lineage. These tests are just as accurate as others, though they require different sampling methods.

The most common method is an NIPP or noninvasive prenatal paternity test. This test can be conducted on a mother’s blood since blood from the baby mixes with it during the first trimester of the pregnancy. A medical technician can then compare the second source of DNA found in the blood to the father’s saliva or blood sample to confirm parentage.

The second confirmation method involves CVS or chorionic villus sampling. This requires inserting a needle into the mother’s womb to extract a cell sample of her placenta. This can be performed between weeks 10 and 13 of the pregnancy. The cells are then scanned for their DNA and compared to the father’s sample.

The last and least often used method is called amniocentesis, which requires a sample of amniotic fluid, which contains the DNA of the fetus. This sample can be compared to the father’s sample for matching DNA segments. This test must be performed between weeks 15 and 20.

An NIPP tests for paternity with no risk to either the mother or baby. While the other two methods are regarded as generally safe, they pose a small risk of miscarriage, which makes them less commonly ordered methods.

Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit 


If you’re looking for a reliable and confidential DNA paternity test, the Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit is an excellent choice. This kit provides everything you need for accurate and secure testing in the comfort of your own home. With easy-to-follow instructions and a quick turnaround time, Genetrace ensures precise results you can trust.

Why Choose Genetrace?

Having confidence in the accuracy of your paternity test is crucial, and Genetrace delivers precisely that. Their state-of-the-art technology, coupled with a commitment to confidentiality and convenience, makes them a top choice for individuals seeking paternity answers. Plus, their excellent customer support ensures you’re guided every step of the way.

Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit Features

Accuracy: Genetrace utilizes advanced DNA analysis techniques, ensuring highly accurate results.

Confidentiality: Your privacy is of utmost importance. Genetrace maintains strict confidentiality throughout the testing process.

Convenience: Test in the comfort of your home without the need for a lab visit. The kit includes all necessary components and easy-to-understand instructions.

Quick Turnaround: Receive your results promptly, providing clarity and peace of mind.

Ready to Uncover the Truth?

If you’re ready to embark on the journey of paternity discovery, the Genetrace DNA Paternity Test Kit is your trusted companion. Take the first step toward clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

DNA paternity tests work by comparing scans of DNA in the prospective father’s sample with those of the potential child. Whether born or unborn, the child can be confirmed or denied as the father’s child at a percentage of certainty of around 99.99%.

There are many reasons to order a paternity test. Make sure you know the rules of legislation in your state to determine if an at-home test is a legally viable option for you. Otherwise, an accredited lab guarantees the accuracy and legality of this all-important test.

Speedy Sticks is a mobile concierge phlebotomy service that provides at-home blood draws and on-site diagnostic/health screenings for businesses and individuals. One of these tests is a DNA paternity test which can be performed by one of our specialists. Book an appointment today.

Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that we may earn a commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through the affiliate links provided on this page. This comes at no extra cost to you. We recommend these products because we believe in their quality and usefulness to our readers. Your support through these links helps us continue to provide valuable content on dental health and wellness. Thank you for your trust and support.


Sources and further reading

  • MedlinePlus: Paternity Test
  • MedlinePlus: Genetics

Frequently asked questions

How does a DNA test determine paternity?

A DNA paternity test compares specific markers in the child's DNA with the alleged father's DNA. Since a child inherits half of their DNA from each parent, matching markers confirm or rule out paternity.

What samples are needed for a paternity test?

Usually a cheek swab or blood sample from the child and the alleged father. A sample from the mother can be included to strengthen the analysis but is not always required.

How reliable are DNA paternity results?

Results are highly reliable, typically confirming paternity at greater than 99 percent probability and excluding a non-father with near certainty when performed by an accredited lab.

Can paternity be tested at home?

Yes, but at-home results are for personal knowledge only. For legal purposes, collection must be supervised with proper chain of custody by an accredited provider.

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