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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between DNA and Paternity Testing?

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DNA testing and paternity testing are both genetic tests that analyze DNA samples, but they serve different purposes and have distinct methods of analysis. Here are the main differences between the two:

DNA testing:

  • Also known as ancestry DNA testing, it aims to identify potential DNA matches and provide information about a person's ethnicity, ancestry, and genealogical relationships.
  • Uses techniques such as electrophoresis, RFLP, and PCR to determine banding patterns and similarities between different DNA samples.
  • Can be performed using various samples like saliva, hair, or skin.

Paternity testing:

  • This is a one-to-one comparison of the DNA of a person with the DNA of a potential father.
  • Its purpose is to answer the question, "Is this the biological father of that person?".
  • Utilizes a specific method of paternity testing called Micro-satellite markers, which are highly polymorphic DNA regions that provide high precision for confirming or excluding paternity.
  • Can be done using cheek swabs or blood tests, and is typically performed under legal supervision in most cases.

In summary, DNA testing is used to identify potential genetic matches and provide information about a person's ancestry, while paternity testing focuses on confirming or excluding the biological father of a child.

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  • What is the Difference Between DNA and Paternity Testing?
  • Comparative Table: DNA vs Paternity Testing

    • Comparative Table: DNA vs Paternity Testing

    Feature DNA Testing Paternity Testing
    Goal Analyzes genes or DNA patterns of an individual to develop forensic revelations and determine relationships among blood relations. Confirms the biological father of a child by comparing their DNA with the potential father's DNA.
    Techniques Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, RFLP, and PCR. Electrophoresis, RFLP, and PCR.
    Legal Supervision Not always required. Performed under legal supervision in most cases.
    Sample Collection DNA sample is obtained by a swab rubbed against the inside of the subject's cheek or through blood samples. Cheek swab or blood sample from the child, potential father, and mother if she is tested.
    Accuracy High accuracy rate. High accuracy rate.
    Report Displays genetic markers from DNA samples in a table. Includes a table listing each marker for the child, alleged father, and mother if she is tested.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.