What Are the Causes of a Negative Paternity Test?

Paternity test makers state that while there is a slim chance of a false positive result, there is no chance of a false negative test result.

Best Type of Test

The best type of paternity test to take is called a chain-of-custody test. The samples are taken by a neutral third party and are handled using special procedures to ensure that they cannot be tampered with in any way. This test is admissible in a court of law.

Age

Paternity tests can even be performed while the mother is pregnant, but they are most commonly performed after birth.

Participants

In order to provide the most accurate results, the testing company needs samples from the mother, child and alleged father. A motherless test can be performed, but the price will be the same or higher than a standard three-party test.

Pricing

According the the American Pregnancy Association, the cost of a paternity test ranges from $400 to $2,000, but at-home testing kits can be bought online for as low as $79 as of December 2009.

Results

Paternity test makers state that if the results are positive then there is a 99 percent chance that the man who provided the sample is the father of the child, but if the results are negative the chance is zero.

References

• DNA Diagnostics Center: Paternity Test
• American Pregnancy Association: Paternity Test Overview
• Testclear.com: Paternity Test Info

Resources

• DNA Diagnostics Center: Chain of Custody Tests
• Home DNA Inc.: Home Paternity Test
• CompGene: Information About Paternity Testing