Paternity testing is a scientific process used to determine the biological relationship between a child and a potential father by comparing their genetic material . Modern DNA testing is considered the "gold standard" for its extreme accuracy, typically providing a for inclusions and 100% certainty for exclusions. How the Process Works
Testing can be categorized by timing and the intended use of the results: paternity testing
: Includes amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , which collect samples directly from the womb but carry a small risk of miscarriage. Legal vs. Personal Tests : Paternity testing is a scientific process used to
: Analyzes fetal DNA found in the mother's blood; can be done as early as the 7th or 8th week . Legal vs
Information for Parents on U.S. Citizenship and DNA Testing - Travel
: Specialists compare the patterns between the child and the potential father to calculate the "probability of paternity". Types of Paternity Tests