What materials are needed for a paternity test? List of materials required for paternity testing Paternity testing is a scientific method to determine paternity by comparing the DNA of the father, mother and child. What materials are needed for a paternity test? Below is a list of materials required for a paternity test. DNA specimens of father, mother and child The main materials required for paternity testing are DNA specimens of father, mother and child. DNA samples can be collected from saliva, oral cells, blood, hair, nails, etc.