Paternity and Parentage Testing

Ampath Diagnostic Guide | Pathology solutions are in our DNA

👨‍👦 What is Paternity?

Paternity means fatherhood. A paternity test determines whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child.

• Paternity is excluded if DNA testing shows the man is not the biological father.

🧪 What is a Paternity Test?

A DNA paternity test is a genetic test.

Key features:

• Multiple DNA locations (markers) are analysed
• A unique DNA profile is created for each individual
• DNA is present in all body cells
• Various sample types can be used:
  • Buccal (cheek) swabs
  • Blood
  • Other biological specimens

It makes no difference which sample type is used—DNA remains the same.

🧬 How Does DNA Paternity Testing Work?

• We inherit 50% of our DNA from each biological parent.
• In paternity testing:
  • DNA is extracted from the child and alleged father
  • Their DNA is analysed and compared

Process:

1. DNA profiles are constructed using multiple genetic markers
2. Each marker has two numbers:
   • One from the mother
   • One from the father
3. The child’s DNA is first compared to the biological mother
4. Remaining unmatched numbers should match those from the alleged father
5. The probability of paternity is then statistically confirmed

If the child’s DNA does not match the alleged father at more than two markers, he is excluded as the biological father.

📊 How Accurate is DNA Paternity Testing?

• It is the most accurate and widely-used method for confirming parentage
• If there are more than two mismatches, the probability of paternity is practically 0%
• If all markers match between mother, child, and alleged father:
  • The probability of paternity is 99.8% or greater

👩 Can Testing Be Done Without the Mother?

Yes, testing can be done using just the child and alleged father.

However, it is recommended to include the mother’s DNA sample when possible.

👪 Why Include the Mother’s Sample?

While not essential, the mother’s DNA:

• Improves accuracy
• Clarifies which DNA markers came from the mother
• Helps confirm that remaining markers came from the father

Summary:

• Each person has two numbers per marker, one from each parent
• Including the mother helps eliminate ambiguity and increases certainty

🧾 How to Book a Paternity Test

To arrange testing:

1. Contact your nearest Ampath facility to book an appointment
2. Each person being tested must bring an ID document:
   • ID card, passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate
3. All participants must sign informed consent
4. Samples are collected from the:
   • Biological mother
   • Alleged father
   • Child

Sample types:

• Buccal swab (cheek)
• Saliva
• Blood

Testing can be done at any age, even before birth using amniotic fluid.

📞 Need More Information?

For details on:

• Testing options
• Costs
• Appointments

Contact the Ampath Genetics Team:
📞 012 678 1354
📧 paternities@ampath.co.za