When is a Paternity DNA test useful?

DNA testing has a wide and varied use in proving or disproving biological relationships between individuals. The technology is generally the same, irrespective of the application of the DNA testing process, although there can be some variation in the strength and value of the results obtained. For example if after performing a paternity DNA test the alleged father is excluded, this exclusion is absolute, and as long as the laboratory process is tightly controlled, there is complete certainty that the individual could not have fathered the child. This degree of certainty may not be so strong under differing circumstances.

Outside straightforward Paternity DNA testing where the question is generally 'could this man be the father of child X' there are a number of other common applications to this type of DNA testing process. The following questions could be answered by carrying out DNA testing:

• Are my children Identical twins?
• Am I the biological mother of this child?
• Are we siblings?
• Are we the grandparents of the child?

Some of the other personal and legal reasons for conducting DNA test include:

• Establishing whether there is a legitimate case for child support.
• Custody battles
• Discussions about adoption
• Seeking citizenship/immigration status
• Claiming inheritance 

All of these issues, and more, can be clarified by using DNA testing. However it is important to emphasis the need to clearly understand the scope and limitations of what can be done. Furthermore the testing and interpretation of DNA results can be difficult and should always be done by a qualified individual working in an accredited laboratory environment (click here to understand the type of DNA testing company you should trust your work too).