DNA paternity testing is the use of
DNA profiling (known as genetic fingerprinting) to determine whether two individuals are
biologically parent and child. A paternity test establishes genetic proof whether a man is the biological father of an individual, and a maternity test establishes whether a woman is the biological mother of an individual. Tests can also determine the likelihood of someone being a biological grandparent to a grandchild. Though
genetic testing is the most reliable standard, older methods also exist, including
ABO blood group typing, analysis of various other
proteins and
enzymes, or using
human leukocyte antigen antigens. The current techniques for paternity testing are using
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Paternity testing can now also be performed while the woman is still pregnant from a blood draw.