Genetic Testing in India

DNA Testing in the Lab In a paternity test, buccal swab samples are collected from the child, alleged father, and mother and sent to our laboratory for testing and analysis. In the lab, the following steps are performed:

DNA samples are divided for testing by two independent teams. DNA is purified from the swabs using special chemical agents. The 16 genetic locations are amplified using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The DNA in the swabs contains all the tested party’s genetic information. PCR takes the 16 small pieces of genetic information and makes billions of copies of each to facilitate analysis by our scientists. Our laboratory can test up to 24 genetic locations in unusual genetic situations, such as when testing closely related alleged fathers or when mutations are observed. The products from PCR are analyzed to determine each allele’s size. The child’s allele sizes are inherited from the mother and father. The paternity index calculation for each allele depends on the allele sizes present. The raw data from the two teams are compared to verify if they match. Statistical analysis is performed to calculate the combined paternity index. One of our PhDs examines the allele sizes from step 3 and calculates the paternity indexes using special software. Our laboratory uses the largest database in the industry, giving the most accurate and conclusive paternity testing results.