Genetic testing is often used to determine if an alleged father is the biological father of a child.  There are several types of genetic testing, but the most commonly used today is DNA.

 To determine whether an alleged father can be excluded, the laboratory obtains samples of DNA from the alleged father, the mother and the child.  The sample can be taken in one of two ways: blood draw or buccal swab. In a blood draw, there are vials of blood drawn and labeled for testing. The buccal swab is a swipe of the inside of the person's cheek.  Either way, the sample contains the necessary information to do a match of the genetics of the alleged father, the mother and the child.

Once the sample is obtained, it is carefully labeled and sent to the lab for analysis.  At the lab, they run tests to see if the genetic markers for the child match those of the alleged father. Because the scientists do not decide whether the alleged father is legally the father, they will only report whether or not he can be excluded as the father. In Utah, a paternity index of 150 is admissible of evidence that the alleged father could not be excluded.

If you have an appointment scheduled for genetic testing, you must bring photo identification (a driver's license or identification card).  They will use that to verify who is being tested.

Genetic testing results usually take between 4 and 6 weeks.  In order for any testing to be admissible, it must have been conducted by an American Association of Blood Banks certified lab.

For a listing of certified laboratories that do genetic testing, CLICK HERE and it will connect you to a site.