Blood or Saliva Sample in a Paternity DNA test?

14 Aug 2017

DNA paternity testing is highly accurate and now many companies offer the possibility to collect your own saliva samples in the comfort of your own home and then simply send these samples in for laboratory testing. Saliva is the recommended sample although other DNA samples can be used instead of it.

What is a DNA Sample?

A DNA sample is simply a medium containing DNA that can be used for tests such as paternity tests. There are a number of samples you can use because DNA can be found in almost every type of cell in your body. Remember that cells are called ‘the building blocks of life’ and thus every part of your body is made up of them.

You can find DNA in hair, blood, semen, bone and teeth to just mention a few. All these samples can be used for a paternity test. Most companies encourage the use of a saliva sample above all other samples because saliva has the following advantages:

• Saliva is easy to sample using a simple mouth swab
• Sampling normally collects sufficient DNA to do a paternity DNA test
• It is painless to collect and even children will not mind having their DNA samples taken

DNA saliva samples are taken by rubbing a sterile mouth swab in the mouth. Most companies will provide you with the necessary swabs in a Home-kit which is normally included in the price you pay for the test. Rubbing a swab will collect exfoliated buccal cells, or simply put ‘cheek cells’.

Blood Sample in Paternity Testing

People seeking paternity DNA testing often assume that such a test is carried out with blood. Blood has been used for many years as a sample when DNA testing was still in its initial stages. Moreover, we are conditioned by detective films in which blood samples are always collected and used as incriminating court evidence. However, today blood as sample for paternity testing is only used as a last option and it is seldom a last option as there are many other alternatives. Blood samples mean incurring the added cost of having a doctor draw the blood. Taking blood requires a needle-venepuncture- to draw the blood. Many children are terrified of syringes and adults may also find it distressing. There is also a minor risk of infection at the point in which the needles have punctured the skin. Blood has other disadvantages mainly with transportation. Posting blood samples almost invariably poses problems as this sample is viewed by authorities with suspicion.

If you are thinking of doing a paternity DNA test, using a saliva sampleoffers many advantages over blood. The success rate with saliva DNA samples is of 95% thus, means your paternity DNA test can be concluded with accuracy and reliability.