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DNA paternity testing is the most widely used means of establishing the biological father of a child. What is the situation when the father is not available to provide the DNA sample necessary? The reason for the popularity of DNA testing to prove paternity is that it is the most accurately known means of doing so, and the 99.99% certainty it offers is acceptable to courts as legal proof. For such a test to be carried out, it is essential that samples be taken from both the child and the prospective parent, and that such samples are notarized as belonging to the correct subject. This is not normally a problem, but in the case that either of the subjects, generally the father, is unavailable to provide a sample, the test can still be carried in a manner acceptable to the courts. Making Use of the Relatives If the father is not available for testing, or refuses to take part, one of his relatives can be used instead, in what is known as Relationship Analysis. This is based upon the fact that the DNA of a child's grandparents, uncle and aunts and brothers and sisters is going to be very close to that of his or her father. It is a technique that is frequently used by people who want o find out for themselves whether or not a specific person is or is not the father, particularly when that person refuses to be tested. Characteristics are passed down the generations, and these are determined by the structure of their DNA. However, for a more legally acceptable test, modern technology has made use of the sex chromosomes, particularly in the case of disputed paternity of a son. Male DNA contains an X and a Y chromosome, and female DNA only the X chromosome. The Y chromosome remains more or less unaltered down the male lineage, and the DNA of any male blood relative can therefore be used to determine paternity - or deny it. This test was developed from the DNA screening of samples taken from rape victims, particularly when relatives of the suspected offender were available for testing, but not the offender himself. Referred to a Y-STR, it involves testing the Y chromosome for short-term repeat fragments that indisputably proves the relationship. The test has to be carried out on relatives down the bloodline of the alleged father, such as his father (the child's grandfather), brothers (child's uncles) and other male children. Even his uncles' male children (cousins) will provide relevant Y chromosome repeating fragments. In this way samples from the father are not needed to prove paternity and refusal to provide a DNA sample is no longer a safe way to avoid the DNA test being carried out. If you require such DNA paternity testing, you are advised to contact the company carrying out the testing and they will advise on the best type of test to meet your needs, and who should be involved. |
