Paternity testing is a process that determines whether a man is the biological father of a child. It can be done by analyzing DNA samples from the mother, child, and alleged father. The technique known as DNA Fingerprinting which was a term used to describe paternity testing and related relationship DNA tests was invented in the 1980s by Dr. Alec Jeffrey’s, who was working at the University of Leicester in England.
If a paternity test is administered and it reveals that the alleged father is not in fact the father, he may be asked to sign consent for medical or genetic testing. It can also result in criminal charges for the man who fraudulently claimed to be a father. Also, if DNA testing is performed on a possible father and confirms him as the biological father, he may be asked to sign consent for medical or genetic testing.
Prior to the discovery of DNA Fingerprinting by Dr. Alec John Jeffreys. A doctor by the name of Dr. Albert Abrams created a device called oscilophore. Dr. Abrams claimed his device could measure the vibration of electrons in a drop of blood. It was this method that was used for a 1921 court case in San Francisco, CA. Mrs. Rosa Vittori filed charges against her ex-husband Paul Vittori for not paying his child support. Mrs. Vittori’s attorney Stanley F. Nolan made an unconventional move and sort the assistance of Dr. Abrams blood testing methods.
It is unclear how Attorney Stanley F. Nolan became aware of Dr, Abrams work but, some assumed the idea occurred due to stories of parentage determination testing being circulated in other countries. In America, articles like Popular Mechanics and Popular Science Monthly also published articles on the topic.
Judge Graham the Judge hearing Vittori’s case allowed the blood test to be performed. The results showed that in fact Paul Vittori was biologically related to his daughter Victoria Vittori. The Judge ordered Mr. Vittori to pay $25 a month in child support. This case was considered the biggest thing that occur in medical science in many years at the time.
What should also be noted is, that Dr. Abrams validity was called into question. Some believed his methods were not accurate even though Mr. Vittori lost his case. Many believed that the Judge did use the results as a deciding factor in this paternity case. Nonetheless, knowing when paternity testing was created is maybe a bit uncertain. At least in the United States during the 1920s Dr. Abrams is considered by some to be the first to have administered a parentage blood test to help determine the paternity of a child.
Can paternity testing be done with blood?
Yes. A paternity test can be performed with the blood but the most common method to acquire a DNA sample is by a buccal cotton swab. Both swabs and blood samples (blood draw or bloodstain) the testing the samples have the same accuracy. Both options are designed to analyze the DNA samples to produce a result effectively.
What is the purpose of performing a DNA Paternity Test?
The only reason to perform a paternity test is to help determine the paternity of the alleged father and child. There are many circumstances paternity establishment may need to be established. Below is a list of the reasons paternity testing may be performed.
1. Child Support – When the alleged father or mother refuses to perform a paternity test privately. A Judge or Magistrate may require a paternity test to be performed.
2. Immigration secondary evidence submission when the primary evidence is submitted to immigration by USCIS or a U.S. Embassy.
3. Social Security Benefits – When a deceased father has samples available after death. A DNA test to determine paternity can be performed depending on the type of sample collected.
4. Birth Certificate (Add A Name) – If an alleged biological father wants to be reassured he is biologically related to a child. A legal paternity test can be performed for paternity and the evidence can be submitted to vital records to add the name of the biological father.
5. Peace on Mind (Non-legal) – This DNA testing option allows the alleged father to perform a paternity DNA test in the comfort of your home.
All of the above-mentioned topics are for legal purposes only. If you would like to learn more about the paternity testing process here.