Paternity test without a child knowing

Here, we take a closer look at how you can get a paternity test without a child knowing, and what consent is required to perform a paternity test.

Read the full article below.

What is paternity testing?

A paternity test is a type of DNA relationship test that is used to verify a biological relationship between a child and their potential father.

To perform the test, DNA samples are collected from the child and the potential father using cheek (buccal) swabs: a simple, pain-free method of sample collection that means the test can be performed at any time on a person of any age, including new-born babies and grown-up children/adults.

These samples can then be analyzed and compared in the laboratory to identify matching DNA markers (loci) in the DNA samples.

When testing the biological father of the child, both the man and the child will share enough identical sections of DNA to confirm a biological relationship.

If the tested man is not the biological father, this will not be the case.

How can I get a paternity test without a child knowing?

Paternity testing is an extremely sensitive subject.

This means that many parents who have questions regarding their child’s paternity are reluctant to discuss this with their children.

For a paternity test, DNA samples are usually collected using cheek (buccal) swabs. This simple method of sample collection requires cheek swabs to be rubbed on the inside of the mouth to collect cheek cell DNA.

While this quick and painless method of sample collection is easy to perform on children, some parents may not feel comfortable doing this, especially on older children when asking for a cheek swab sample could lead to difficult conversations.

In these circumstances, a more discreet method of DNA sample collection known as a viability DNA test or viability study might be preferred.

We offer two alternative methods of sample collection for individuals looking to perform a paternity test without a child knowing.

• Toothbrush DNA Test – for $49 (plus the cost of your chosen DNA relationship test), our geneticists will attempt to extract a DNA profile from a used toothbrush instead of a cheek swab sample. If a DNA profile can be retrieved from the used toothbrush, the paternity test can then be performed by analyzing and comparing the DNA profile from the toothbrush with the DNA profile of the potential father, obtained via cheek swabs

• Nail Clipping DNA Test – for $49 (plus the cost of your chosen DNA relationship test), our geneticists will attempt to extract a DNA profile from fingernail clippings and/or toenail clippings instead of a cheek swab sample. If a DNA profile can be retrieved from the nail clippings, the paternity test can then be performed by analyzing and comparing the DNA profile from the nail clippings with the DNA profile of the potential father, obtained via cheek swabs

A major advantage of toothbrush DNA testing and nail clipping DNA testing is that samples can be collected in a subtle manner.

For a paternity test, this means that a child would not need to be made aware that a test is being undertaken. All you would need to do is send in their regular, used toothbrush, or a sample of their fingernail clippings and/or toenail clippings.

Please note however that whichever DNA test you choose, the appropriate consent must still be provided before the test can go ahead.

Any person over the age of 16 can provide their own consent for their DNA to be used in testing.

If testing a child under the age of 16, consent must be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for that child.