+353 (1) 685 6929 Paternity testing is definitely the most reliable means of ascertaining paternity up-to-date. Testing the amelogenin sex gene has now become an important part of the test and few labs carry out paternity tests without ensuring that they also test this gene.
A paternity test typically includes the DNA sample of the alleged father, the mother and the child. Paternity testing is very accurate and can be done even without the mother’s sample, albeit it with slightly less accuracy. A paternity test done with the mother’s DNA samples will show a probability of paternity higher than 99.99%- this clearly shows the tested father is the true father of the child. If the mother is not included, then the percentage is slightly lower: 99.9%.
When samples are being processed in the lab, scientists want to be sure that they are testing the correct sample. They cannot always rely on clients submitting samples being thorough and careful and thus they need to test the sex of all DNA samples to make sure that they are actually testing the father’s DNA samples, the child’s or mother’s. Your result will show an XX chromosome for the mother, an XY chromosome for the alleged father and the child/children’s chromosomes represented by XX or XY depending on the gender.
Why test amelogenin gene for a paternity test?
People doing the test can make mistake. They may place swabs in the wrong envelopes or mislabel them. One may, for example, accidentally or on purpose, place the mother’s swabs in an envelope and label this envelope as belonging to the alleged father. Testing this gene can also be used in genetic identification in forensic cases. A corpse can be identified as male or female depending on the amelogenin sex gene.
The amelogenin sex gene is found on both the X and the Y chromosome. Males have XY chromosome pairs and females have XX chromosome pairs.
How can sex be determined if the amelogenin sex gene is found on both chromosomes?
DNA is analyzed through a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). When samples are tested for the amelogenin sex gene, the X and Y chromosome will show different peaks for this gene which make it easy to distinguish between male and female samples.
DNA Paternity testing is accurate and reliable. Any serious lab will test the amelogenin sex gene so as to maintain high standards.