Paternity test cost and process
With the progress of society and human beings\’ exploration of their own genes, paternity testing has become a technology known to the public. A paternity test can accurately confirm whether a child\’s parents are who they claim to be. This kind of test is very important to many people, such as child abduction cases, family disputes, etc. So, how much does this kind of paternity test cost? This article will explain the cost and process of a paternity test.
Cost of paternity test
The cost of paternity testing is determined by different testing agencies/hospitals/laboratories. Each certification body will have different pricing. These price differences are so wide that, typically, these institutions split the fee into two parts: the sample collection fee and the laboratory fee.
The sample collection fee refers to the cost of collecting samples for paternity testing. Typically, samples are taken from the oral mucosa, so the mother, child and father all need to be sampled, and the sampling process also requires specialized equipment and techniques. The cost of sample collection varies greatly among different institutions, usually around 1,000 yuan.
The laboratory fee refers to the cost of identifying the sample. Identification experiments are usually compared against the CODIS database. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a DNA-based criminal investigation system used by the US FBI. The identification results will be sent to the user by the institution. Whether it is a reasonable doubt or a confirmation of parent-child relationship, the experiment fee will be charged. According to different appraisal institutions, the cost of the experiment varies greatly, and the most common one is around 10,000 yuan.
The process of paternity test
There are two types of paternity testing sampling: non-invasive and invasive.
Non-invasive sampling refers to sampling from oral mucosa or saliva, which is relatively simple. Collection is usually done by professionals. Normally, sample collection can be completed.
Invasive sampling refers to taking samples from the maternal abdomen, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, placenta and other parts, and requires surgery. Not only does this sampling have consequences for the individual pregnant woman and fetus, it is also more expensive.
Once sample collection is complete, the agency will conduct testing. Maternal DNA (mtDNA) testing can quickly determine the relationship between mother and child, but this method is not very accurate. Chromosomal DNA testing detects the DNA of parents to determine the parent-child relationship of the child. By comparing the length, structure and characteristics of certain regions between samples, the parent-child relationship and type are determined.
Notes
Before conducting a paternity test, you need to consider the following issues:
1. Ensure the quality of samples: The quality of these samples is the key to test results. If there are some impurities or external contamination between the mother and child samples, it will be difficult to obtain accurate and reliable results.
2. Choose a reliable appraisal agency: The most important thing is to choose a reliable appraisal agency. The accredited laboratories should have laboratory management certification, and their technology also needs to be at the forefront of the industry.
3. Ensure data privacy:After going to a paternity testing agency for testing, it is important to protect your legal rights and privacy. Paternity testing agencies must promise to abide by the principle of confidentiality and handle matters confidentially.
Conclusion
The cost and process of paternity testing may vary, but choosing a reliable institution and technology can ensure the validity and accuracy of the test results. After determining the need for a paternity test, you should carefully consider the cost and process and choose an appropriate institution to conduct the test. At the same time, you also need to pay attention to protecting your legal rights and privacy.
