Paternity Test Guide: What you should know before taking a paternity test

Imagine carrying a puzzle with a missing piece—it might not stop you from moving forward, but it leaves an itch for clarity and completion. Paternity DNA testing is like finding that missing piece for families and individuals seeking answers about biological relationships. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive personal doubts, navigating a legal dispute, or fulfilling immigration requirements, understanding paternity testing can offer the clarity you deserve. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about paternity testing, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

Paternity Test Basics

Paternity DNA testing is a scientific method used to determine whether an individual is the biological father of a child. By analyzing and comparing specific genetic markers in the DNA of the alleged father and child, these tests provide conclusive and accurate results. Every person inherits half of their DNA from their biological mother and the other half from their biological father. With this foundation, paternity tests can confirm biological relationships with 99.99% accuracy for inclusion or 100% accuracy for exclusion.

Modern paternity tests are non-invasive, requiring simple samples like cheek swabs. Whether for personal, legal, or medical reasons, they offer a reliable solution to questions about parentage. 

Paternity DNA testing is a process that involves collecting DNA samples from an alleged father and child to determine if they share a biological relationship. These tests compare genetic markers unique to each individual. With advancements in technology, the process has become straightforward, painless, and accessible to everyone.

Paternity tests can serve various purposes—from personal peace of mind to meeting legal and immigration requirements. The results are delivered as either a positive match (inclusion) or a definitive exclusion, offering clarity and certainty.

Use Cases

Paternity DNA testing has a wide range of applications. Below are some of the most common scenarios:

Personal Reasons: Doubts about parentage can strain family relationships. Many individuals seek paternity testing to confirm a biological connection and provide peace of mind, strengthening family bonds.

Immigration Applications: Paternity tests are often required by embassies and immigration authorities to confirm family relationships when applying for visas or residency. This is particularly useful when documentation is incomplete or unavailable.

Legal Disputes

In cases involving child custody, child support or inheritance, a paternity test provides court-admissible evidence to resolve disputes fairly.  

Medical and Health Purposes

Establishing parentage can be crucial for creating accurate family medical histories, identifying genetic conditions, or finding suitable organ donors in medical emergencies.

Benefits of Paternity DNA Testing

Paternity DNA testing offers numerous benefits beyond confirming biological relationships including:

Peace of Mind

The certainty provided by a paternity test eliminates doubts and brings emotional clarity.

Legal Protection

In child support, custody, or inheritance cases, having conclusive evidence helps prevent future disputes.

Stronger Family Relationships

Knowing the truth about parentage fosters trust and improves familial bonds.

Simplified Immigration Processes 

By providing clear proof of biological relationships, paternity testing can expedite immigration approvals.

Medical Insights 

Accurate medical histories are essential for effective healthcare, and confirmed parentage ensures the validity of this information. Non-Invasive Procedure: Modern paternity testing involves simple cheek swabs, making it a quick and painless process.

The process of Paternity Testing involves these simple steps

 Sample Collection: DNA is collected from the alleged father, child, and, if necessary, the mother using a painless cheek swab.

Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are sent to a laboratory, where the genetic markers are analyzed and compared.
Results: The results are prepared, showing either a match or exclusion. Results are typically ready within 3 to 5 business days.

Where Can You Do DNA Testing in Nigeria?

Typically, many factors will influence your decision to choose a paternity test provider. Factors like recommendations by your contacts, your expectations for the quality and integrity of the test result, and whether or not you have tolerance for errors.  Generally, however, it’s reasonable to choose a service provider with the necessary scientific expertise, the technology and the experience to handle the entire testing process, from sample collection to result delivery, discreetly and professionally.  

Why you can trust us 

At Terogene, we understand the sensitive nature of paternity testing and are committed to providing fast, accurate, and confidential DNA services. Here’s why we are routinely recommended by medical professionals, immigration consultants, and embassies.

Accurate and Reliable Results

Our tests are conducted by Eurofins Medigenomix Forensik Germany, an ISO-accredited Forensics leader, to ensure 99.99% accuracy for inclusions and 100% for exclusions. Our results are scientifically validated and certified, giving you peace of mind.

Legal and Court-Admissible Results

For legal cases, our tests follow strict chain-of-custody procedures, ensuring that the results are admissible in court. Whether for custody disputes, child support claims, or inheritance issues, we will provide the evidence you need to make your case a success.

Support for Immigration Applications

Our paternity testing services meet the stringent requirements of embassies and immigration authorities. We will also assign a dedicated case handler to guide you through the entire process, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Fast Turnaround Times 

We understand the urgency of your needs and deliver results in as early as 5 days, with options to expedite a test, especially in urgent legal cases, without compromising accuracy.

Professional and Confidential Service

Your privacy is our priority. From sample collection to result delivery, we ensure that all information is handled securely and discreetly. For guaranteed privacy, your results are delivered digitally. You can rest assured that your genetic information is yours alone. 

Flexible Sample Collection 

We offer multiple options for sample collection. You can request your test kits to be delivered at home or at any location of your preference, or you can visit any of our certified locations to receive your test kits or having your sample collected by a trained professional. Whatever your preference, we have made the process convenient for you.

Transparent Pricing 

At Terogene, we provide affordable paternity testing with no hidden costs, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. So, whether you’re piecing together a personal narrative, resolving a legal matter, or facilitating family reunification, paternity DNA testing is a tool of empowerment and resolution. It provides not only answers but also the peace of mind to move forward with confidence. Armed with the information from this guide, you can navigate the process of paternity testing with clarity, making decisions that are best for you and your loved ones.