How does the paternity test work?

DNA is taken from the sample or blood, cheek cells, or cultured cells. Enzymes are used to cut the DNA sample in fragments which are placed into a gel matrix. An electric current is used to drive the fragments across the gel, making the smallest fragments move the farthest and the larger fragments move the shortest distance. The separated DNA fragments are transferred to a nylon membrane. This membrane is exposed to a labeled DNA probe (a short piece of customized DNA that recognizes and binds to a unique segment of the tested person's DNA). The nylon membrane is then placed against a film which, after it is developed, reveals black bands where the probes are bound to the DNA. The child's visible band pattern is unique, with half matching the mother and half matching the father. The process is repeated several times with different probes, each identifying a different DNA area and producing a distinct pattern. Using several probes creates a greater than 99.9% certainty about paternity or identity.

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How does the paternity test work?

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