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DNA Paternity Test – A Brief Introduction of the Alternative Samples

Posted On : Dec-08-2010 | seen (527) times | Article Word Count : 556 |

DNA paternity test provides an accurate result to confirm the biological bonding between a man and his offspring. DNA is collected from the standard as well as non-standard samples. The non-standard samples are also known to be the alternative sources of DNA extraction and are generally used when it is not possible to directly collect DNA from the individuals.
There is no suitable alternative to DNA paternity testing that can accurately prove the biological relation between a man and his child. The samples are collected from both the father and child. These samples are then examined properly to find out the similarities between them. The result indubitably confirms if the child is the biological offspring of the individual. Samples are usually collected with help of a buccal swab instead of the painful method of syringe pushing. The modernized method of sample collection is simple and painless. The swab is gently rubbed on the inside of the mouth to collect saliva. The collected saliva is used as a sample for DNA paternity testing.
The samples for paternity test can be classified into two categories – standard and non-standard. The standard samples are collected directly from the individuals. But if the person is missing or dead, the standard samples can not be obtained and in that case the non-standard samples are collected for DNA paternity test.
The direct or standard samples include hair, blood, nail, bone and sperm. On the other hand, cigarette butt, chewing gum, toothbrush, envelope and stamp are regarded as the non-standard samples. Now let us briefly discuss about these alternative samples of DNA paternity test.
Cigarette Butt: It is an ideal source to obtain DNA sample from. Generally, a smoker is required to submit 2-4 cigarette butts to test DNA paternity. The sample can be placed in a plastic or paper envelope and then is sent to the lab. A distinguished mark is required to identify the sample as a non-standard one. Complication arises if the cigarette is shared. In that case, advanced analysis is done to separate two profiles from the same sample.
Chewing Gum: It can make an excellent sample to collect DNA. It is hardly shared and therefore profile mapping involves no complication. Generally sugar free gum is the most preferred sample for DNA paternity test. To avoid contamination, an individual should not touch it with his fingers.
Toothbrush: Toothbrush is a vital non-standard sample used for DNA collection. The more the sample is used by an individual, the more DNA is likely to obtain. Generally a toothbrush is not shared but in case it is, the DNA paternity testing involves further analysis to separate the involved samples. The brush gets contaminated if it is handled from the end of the bristles. Prior to sending the sample to the lab, the brush is exposed to air for 30-60 minutes for drying. Normal plastic or paper envelope is used to package this sample and send to lab.
Envelope and stamp: Licked envelopes and stamps are also used as samples to collect DNA. But there is a problem in using this sample to test DNA paternity. Sometimes it is not possible to confirm that an envelope or stamp is licked. The majority of the persons are in the habit of using saliva to close an envelope or affix a stamp to it. But if saliva is not used, then DNA can not be collected from this sample. Therefore, it is not a very reliable source for DNA paternity testing. The client should make sure not to touch the seal as well as back of the sample in order to minimize the possibility of contamination.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_DNA Paternity Test – A Brief Introduction of the Alternative Samples_44327.aspx

Author Resource :
Angel Brown works in forensic department and have sound knowledge in DNA paternity. For more information he recommends you to visit http://www.accu-metrics.com

Keywords : DNA paternity,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness

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