Paternitetsanalys

Paternitetsanalys, commonly known as a paternity test, is a type of genetic testing used to determine whether a specific man is the biological father of a child. This is achieved by comparing the DNA profiles of the child, the alleged father, and often the mother. DNA contains unique genetic markers that are inherited from both parents. By analyzing specific regions of the DNA, typically Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), a comparison can be made to establish biological relationships.

In a standard paternity test, samples are usually collected through cheek swabs, which are painless and non-invasive. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory extracts DNA and amplifies specific STR regions. For each STR, a person inherits one allele from their mother and one from their father. If the alleged father is the biological father, he will share at least one allele with the child for every tested STR marker that was not inherited from the mother. Conversely, if he does not share the expected alleles, he can be excluded as the biological father.

Paternity tests can be performed for various reasons, including legal matters such as child support or custody disputes, inheritance claims, immigration purposes, or simply for personal knowledge. The results of a paternity test are typically highly accurate, with probabilities of paternity often exceeding 99.99%. While a paternity test can confirm with very high certainty that a man is the biological father, it cannot definitively prove it in an absolute sense, hence the probabilistic nature of the results.