Modern paternity tests are incredibly accurate. Some, such as a noninvasive prenatal paternity test, or NIPP, are 99.9% accurate.
This accuracy is why DNA is often used in paternity testing in the modern era. One important thing to note is that these tests do typically need to be carried out by professionals in a laboratory or medical setting. Home DNA tests are often not permitted as evidence in a court case. It is difficult to tell if they were administered correctly or if the correct people even took the test.
But for those who have questions about paternity, especially as they relate to child custody rights or child support obligations, modern DNA testing is extremely reliable. Cheek swabs can be used for adults and older children if prenatal testing was not conducted.
How was paternity determined in the past?
Before DNA testing, there were various efforts to establish paternity. Simple details like physical characteristics were often considered, looking at a child’s physical features, hair color and things of this nature. Naturally, this was not incredibly accurate, but could only give a suggestion of paternity.
In the 1930s, things advanced when scientists discovered that there were different blood types that could be fit into specific groups. They could then look at blood groupings to help suggest paternity. But even this was not as accurate as modern DNA testing is today.
Navigating a paternity case
It is very important to settle questions about paternity, and accurate tests can help do so. Those who are navigating such a case need to know exactly what legal options they have and what steps to take.
