How is paternity testing done in Singapore?
A paternity test is done using blood samples from dad and baby. | Image source: iStock
In standard paternity testing, a small blood or DNA sample, via a finger prick or swab, is obtained from the child, mother and probable father.
Under special circumstances, a paternity test can be performed without the mother’s blood sample, if not required. DNA is then extracted from the blood samples.
Every individual receives half of their DNA from their biological father and the other half from their biological mother. If the DNA profiles between the probable father and the child do not match, he is 100% excluded as being the biological father of the child.
If the paternity test profiles match, a 99.99% or greater probability of paternity can be concluded (in the absence of mutations).
For special cases involving foetuses, amniotic fluid or chorionic villus samples (from the foetus) and parents blood samples can be collected by your gynaecologist who will then send the samples to the DNA testing laboratory.
How long does paternity testing take?
Image source: iStock
DNA or paternity testing takes between 21 to 28 working days and costs between $450-2150 Singapore dollars (depending on the complexity).
How to get a paternity test in Singapore
There are various ways in which you can get a DNA test done in Singapore. You could visit your doctor to get the test done, or a centre such as EasyDNA, PTC Lab Singapore or i-DNA Singapore.
These labs would offer services such as a home paternity test, legal paternity test, prenatal paternity test, ancestry tests and more.
Nowadays, it is as easy as ordering your test online if you visit one of these labs’ websites.
What is the process of a paternity test?
Paternity testing in Singapore is straightforward. | Image source: iStock
Once you have ordered your paternity test online, it will arrive between 2-3 days. The kit will normally arrive in an unmarked envelope. This means the envelope will not have any company name or logo on it. Inside the kit, there is also have a plain envelope in which to return the test samples back to the company. Once it arrives, all you need to do is follow the instructions that come together with the kit. Just take the necessary swabs for sample taking and send it back.
It is often as easy as swabbing saliva from inside the mouth (also known as a buccal swab). This swab will collect both the saliva as well as skin cells needed for DNA testing.
Once you take the swab, you should allow the saliva to thoroughly dry out before placing the swab back in the envelope to ensure optimal preservation of the DNA in the sample.
DNA tests can also be done on non-standard samples such as semen, blood, hair and nails, however pricing for such tests will cost differently. DNA can also be taken from items such as a handkerchief or tissue, condom, bedding, cigarette butts and chewing gum.
Hair can also be used in DNA tests but only if the follicle is still attached. The hair must not be too old. The best results come from hair freshly pulled out of the head with the follicle attached.
So there you have it, it’s easy to get paternity testing or a DNA test in Singapore!
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