The existence of a family relationship can be confirmed or ruled out most accurately and reliably through the comparative analysis of DNA molecules.
The following can be determined with certainty
- Whether the tested alleged father is the biological father of a child — testable with the mother's DNA sample (TRIO test) or without it (DUO test).
- Whether the tested alleged mother is the biological mother of a child.
- Whether a family relationship exists between a grandchild and the paternal grandparents — specifically, whether the tested individuals are the child's biological grandparents on the paternal side.
- Whether two siblings share a half-sibling relationship (one parent in common) or are full siblings (both parents in common).
- Whether a pair of twins is identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic).
Paternity can also be tested before birth (during pregnancy)
- Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing can determine whether the tested alleged father is the biological father of a foetus from week 7 of pregnancy onwards. The test requires only a simple blood draw from the mother — no foetal sampling is involved, and the procedure poses no risk to the health of the foetus or the course of the pregnancy. The alleged father provides a buccal swab sample, meaning he does not need to be present at the time of the mother's blood draw — his sample can be collected separately, even by post.
Court-admissible DNA profile
- Following identity verification, a DNA sample is collected and 26 chromosomal loci are determined and documented. The resulting report can be used at any point in the future — including after the death of the person tested — for the official establishment of a family relationship.
