Human Paternity

What is human paternity?

Human Paternity determines whether a man is the biological father of a child.We inherit half of our DNA from our father and half from our mother. The test compares the child's DNA pattern with the possible father to check if each DNA match. Alec Jeffreys developed DNA finger printing in 1984, but Human Paternity testing didn't become available in 1988. Also scientists developed this technique to see if the man is or is not the biological father of the child.

Have the tests been improved throughout the years?

Scientists are now more precise with identification and determination of biological relationships between a possible parent and child. The DNA profiling is much easier than past techniques such as ABO blood group typing or using human leukocyte antigen antigens. These involve the complexity of identifying antibodies of red blood cells, IgM (Immunoglobulin M), and linking the parent to the child, while DNA profiling simply compares common genes to figure out where each cell is derived from.

Advantages and Disadvantages

These tests have many advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of these tests is that its a very easy way of finding out who the biological father of you child is. These Paternity tests now are much cheaper and more convenient for families who need it. They are now available in pharmacy's and clinic's. But the disadvantages of Paternity tests is that the families may never find the real father, or that the tests are too expensive. The cost depends on how many children and fathers you want to test. Also is you plan on having a paternity test done at home there is a risk of doing the test wrong. You can easily mix up the father's DNA with yourself or your DNA with the child.