When there is doubt about a biological relationship, a paternity test is a solution that provides a clear answer. However, there are two types of paternity tests: the legal test and the private paternity test without a legal procedure. This article details the differences between the two and explains how to carry out a private paternity test at home.
What is a paternity test?
A paternity test is a DNA analysis used to determine whether a man is the biological father of a child. It compares the genetic profiles of the two individuals to identify matches. These tests are highly accurate, with a reliability rate exceeding 99.99% in case of a positive result.
Difference Between a Private Paternity Test and a Legal Paternity Test
The primary difference between a private paternity test and a legal paternity test lies in the identity verification process and the use of the results.
• The Legal Paternity Test: This type of test is conducted as part of a legal procedure. It follows a strict protocol, including identity verification of participants by an authorized professional (doctor, lawyer, bailiff). The samples must be collected under supervision and analyzed in a certified laboratory. This test is admissible in court for resolving paternity recognition, custody, or child support cases.
• The Private Paternity Test Without Legal Procedure: Unlike the legal test, this test is performed for personal information purposes and does not require identity verification. It provides a private result with no official recognition. The laboratory compares the DNA profiles of the received samples but relies solely on the declaration of the requester without verifying the authenticity of the participants.
How to Perform a Private Paternity Test?
A private paternity test is easy to perform and can be done entirely at home by following these key steps:
1. Order Online
The first step is to order a DNA test kit from a specialized platform. Once the order is confirmed, the kit is discreetly shipped to the specified address.
2. Receive the Kit and Collect the Samples
The kit includes all necessary materials to collect a saliva sample. Each participant uses a sterile cotton swab to collect a saliva sample from the inside of their cheek. This method is painless and quick.
3. Send the Samples to the Laboratory
Once the samples are collected, they must be placed in the provided envelopes and sent to the laboratory following the instructions in the kit. Shipping can be done via standard or express mail, depending on the customer’s preference.
4. Analysis and Result Delivery
Once received, the samples are analyzed by the laboratory. Processing times vary depending on the selected service, but results are typically available within a few days. The results are sent by email with full confidentiality.
Why is it Called a “Test Without Legal Procedure”?
A private paternity test is referred to as a “test without legal procedure” because no official authority verifies the identity of the participants. Unlike a legal test, where an impartial third party (doctor, lawyer, judge) supervises the sample collection and participant authentication, the private test relies solely on the good faith of the individuals involved.
The laboratory only performs a comparison analysis of the DNA profiles received. It does not verify whether the DNA truly belongs to the named individuals. This lack of verification means the test cannot be used as legal proof in court.
Are There Other Tests That Can Be Done Without a Legal Procedure?
Indeed, the paternity test is not the only test that can be performed without a legal procedure. Any relationship test, which involves comparing DNA samples from different individuals to confirm a biological link, can be conducted outside a legal framework.
Thus, one can carry out:
• A sibling DNA test (between brothers and sisters)
• An avuncular test (between an uncle or aunt and a nephew or niece)
• A cousin DNA test
• A grandparent test (between grandparents and grandchildren)
• A maternity test
All these tests can be conducted either with a legal option (including identity verification and strict protocol) or without a legal procedure if requested for informational purposes only.
It is also important to note that all genealogy tests aimed at researching one’s origins are necessarily tests without a legal procedure. This is because tracing ancestors through DNA cannot be used in a legal context, as its reliability is not as high as that of direct comparison tests used to establish a precise biological relationship.
Conclusion
A private paternity test without a legal procedure is a quick and discreet way to confirm a biological link. Simple to perform at home, it allows families to access crucial information without the constraints of a legal process. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the test has no legal validity and relies entirely on the responsibility of the participants.