Paternity Test Problems

Science has used genetic material to attempt to link a child to its parents since the 1920s. Although the first paternity tests were quite inaccurate, current testing uses DNA to provide excellent accuracy. Despite the precision of DNA testing, the veracity of a paternity test also depends on a properly trained individual performing the test in a reputable laboratory. Information from a paternity test could be used by individuals for improper purposes. Invasive paternity testing procedures could endanger the mother and the child, which is why doctors perform them during pregnancy only when absolutely necessary.

A pregnant woman considering the problems of a paternity test.

History

The use of genetic sampling to test for paternity started in the 1920s after scientists discovered that people inherited blood types from their parents. However, paternity testing from blood samples is not very accurate because several different blood types can form any specific type. DNA testing developed in the 1980s allowed doctors to compare unique strands of DNA that provide almost 100 percent accuracy.

Function

Paternity testing gives an infant's doctor medical information to make future diagnoses and information for legal care for the child, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Paternity tests are often used to establish the biological father for the courts, so that the mother may receive alimony payments and social benefits. Establishing a biological father can also determine any possible inherited diseases the child may develop.

Accreditation

Private paternity testing facilities do not need any certification to perform a paternity test, according to DeltaBravo's Separated Parenting Access & Resource Center. Only an American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)-accredited facility ensures that the paternity test is performed accurately and with the best methodology. Getting a test from an AABB-accredited center is the best way to make sure that the courts accept the results.

Accuracy

DNA paternity testing can be very accurate, as close to 100 percent accuracy as one can get. However, some states, such as Georgia, require only a 97 percent chance of fatherhood to establish a biological relationship, according to DMQ Law. While 97 percent seems high enough to reduce a false positive, it still results in around 1 out every 35 cases incorrectly naming a father. Over a sample of thousands of cases, this accuracy minimum results in many cases of illegitimate claims of fatherhood.

Confidentiality

Problems with a paternity test do not just arise from the procedure, but the ethical standards of the physician performing the test. Doctor-patient confidentiality agreements require that a primary caregiver not reveal information about a patient's medical history. Someone involved in the handling of paternity information could use it for illegal purposes, such as blackmailing an individual by threatening to reveal fatherhood or motherhood of a child outside of marriage.

Complications

Performing a paternity test after the birth of the child poses no known risk, but conducting a DNA paternity test before live birth does carry some health risks. A process done during the second trimester of pregnancy, called amniocentesis, draws fluid out of the uterus and could potentially harm the fetus or induce a miscarriage. Possible side effects to the mother include cramping and vaginal bleeding.

References

• American Pregnancy Association
• DeltaBravp; SPARC
• DMQ Law; DNA Paternity Tests Show Probability of Paternity of

Resources

• DNA Diagnostics Center; History
• Divorcenet