A sure result of the paternity test is obtained after testing 16 DNA markers. However, the test result will be 1000 times more accurate if we analyze 24 markers. This turns out to be of special importance when only a potential father and child are involved.
Some Polish laboratories analyze a larger number of DNA markers as standard, others for an additional fee. One might wonder if the analysis of 24 markers is really needed, or is it just a marketing gimmick. When is it worth choosing an offer with more markers?
Who is the test for 24 DNA markers for?
DNA analysis based on 24 markers is recommended when only 2 people participate in the study, namely, as already mentioned, the father and the child. There are basically two advantages to this solution. First, we reduce the likelihood that the result of the analysis will be inconclusive and ultimately the mother will have to be included in the study to confirm or exclude paternity. We will then avoid extending the test time and increasing its costs. Second, paternity will be even more likely to be determined.
This is done by comparing the putative father's genetic profile with the child's genetic profile. Determining paternity or any other kind of relationship (because the use of DNA testing is very wide) becomes possible due to the fact that the child inherits DNA entirely from his parents. 50% of the genetic material in the offspring comes from mom, 50% from dad. Everyone's genetic makeup is different, with the exception of identical twins. It consists of the above-mentioned DNA markers.
- A genetic marker is nothing more than a specific section of DNA - explains Barbara Prokurat, an expert on paternity and kinship determination - Everyone has their own individual name. Finally, the markers are described by two numbers on the result, which correspond to the number of repeats of the analyzed DNA sequences. The numbers are two because we inherit one allele of the gene from our mother and the other from our father.
If the examined man is indeed the father of the examined child, then in all analyzed markers one number should be the same. If the genetic markers do not match at least 4 places, paternity is excluded.
Analysis of 24 DNA markers - check the laboratory
That's whywhen choosing a laboratory, it is worth making sure that it analyzes as many markers as we want and whether we will have it at a price or at an additional cost. It is also worth finding out if the result of the test, next to information about paternity, will include the result of advanced statistical analysis and the genetic profile of the respondents, i.e. a list of all analyzed markers. Because the genetic profile is actually DNA test evidence. The result of the paternity test, based on the analysis of 16 DNA sites, is certain. However, if the analysis of 24 genetic markers guarantees an even more accurate result, why not use it?