Solving Paternity without the Father

12 Aug 2017

Solving the question of paternity when the father is deceased can be done through different types of relationship DNA test and also in the comfort of your home.  It is always recommended to seek advise from a reputable DNA testing company in order to discuss which would be the best solution for your particular case.  A professional Genetic Consultant would be able to guide you in ordering the right test.

What tests the can help determine paternity if the father is deceased?

There are various DNA relationship tests that one could consider in order to determine paternity when the father is deceased or not available.  It is important to establish who, in the family, is willing to assist.  The most  popular tests that are used to help solve this question are the Avuncular test, the Sibling test, The Grandparent  test and the Chromosome tests (Y Chromosome and the X Chromosome).

X and Y Chromosome testing

In certain situations, it is possible to come to the conclusion of paternity, when the father is deceased or not available, by carrying out an X or Y Chromosome test.  The X and Y Chromosome are inherited from the parents and are passed down generation after generation.  All females have two X Chromosomes while all males have an X and a Y Chromosome.  Females inherit one of their X Chromosomes from their mother while the other from their father and Males inherit one X from their mother while the Y Chromosome from their father.  By analyzing and comparing persons Chromosomes we are able to determine their origins.  These tests don’t give you a direct paternity test result but are able to give you an indication based on the assumption that no other direct relative is involved.  In the case of an X Chromosome test, it is essential that the two females tested are certain that they have different mothers.  It is highly recommended to speak to an experienced genetic consultant before proceeding with any one of these tests.

Testing with a full sibling to the deceased father Uncle or Aunt?

It is possible to determine a biological relationship in between an Uncle or Aunt and the child.  It is necessary that the Uncle or Aunt is a full sibling to the alleged father.  Since the DNA of Siblings is very similar it is possible to run a statistical analysis of their profiles in order to conclude whether a biological relationship exists.  Confirming this type of relationship is extremely useful in determining paternity when the father is not available.

Testing with Paternal Grandparents

It is also possible, If both paternal Grandparents are available, to determine paternity when father is not available The child’s DNA profile is made up from all the elements originating from the grandparents.  By comparing the child’s DNA with all possible combinations our of the Grandparent’s DNA, scientists are able to determine the child is a direct descendant of the paternal grandparents.   In most cases, with both grandparents available, this test is able to provide a conclusive result and assist giving a positive or negative answer to the question of paternity accurately.  It is especially useful when to solve paternity when the father is not available.

Testing in between siblings

Many times, in the cases where there are several siblings, it is possible to determine whether an biological relationship exists between them by running a statistical analyses in between their DNA profiles.  This is extremely useful when the question of paternity is only on one particular child.   Analyzing the similarities in between their DNA, testing laboratories are able to determine at what percentage probability the odds are that they share either one or two parents.  The most common scenario with this test is brother and sister as generally siblings of same sex can run Chromosome tests.  In the case where the mother is available we always recommend to add her sample, as it will help in obtaining a more accurate outcome.  This test is very popular when the father is not available.  It can help determine paternity without the father’s sample.