How DNA testing works

Types of testing

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• Paternity example

  For example, the following indicates that Child A has received one marker from the mother (11), while the other marker (13) is matched in the alleged father. It is possible for this man to be the biological father of this child. 

  Mother	Child A	Alleged Father
  11  12	11  13	13  14

  On the other hand, Child B in this example has a marker (13) not found in either the mother or the alleged father. This marker (13) must come from the biological father and, therefore, the alleged father is excluded.

  Mother	Child B	Alleged Father
  11  12	11  13	14  15

• Paternity routine trio cases

  Using samples collected from a mother, a child, and an alleged father, DNA testing is performed to determine if a man could be the biological father of a child.

• Family studies

  DNA testing is performed to determine biological relationships between a child and possible parent, grandparent, or other family member. Types of family studies include determining whether twins are identical or fraternal, if individuals could be related as full or half siblings, testing Native American families for possible tribal enrollment, and testing for possible family relatedness in matters involving probate.

• Immigration

  Memorial Blood Centers works closely with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to provide DNA testing for family unification.