DNA Testing

DNA Testing: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic blueprint that determines a person's biological characteristics. DNA is located in the cell of the human body. Upon conception, a child inherits one half of its DNA from its mother and one half from its father. This unique combination of DNA will match that of the biological parents of the child. For the test to take place, cheek cells are removed with a swab from the mouth of the mother, the child and the alleged father. In the laboratory, these cells are removed from the swab and tested. When a child's DNA does not match that of the alleged father, he is excluded 100% as the biological father of the child. When the child's DNA does match that of the alleged father, this means that the alleged father "could be" the father of the child, but it does not prove that he "is" the only possible father, since related individuals, such as brothers, can share DNA characteristics. However, a DNA test can prove a probability of 99% or greater for paternity.

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The definition of this term has been taken from the "Adoption Glossary," which contains definitions of a wide variety of words that relate to adoption and infertility. The entire Adoption Glossary is located at http://glossary.adoption.com.

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