When it is needed
When a child's parentage or a family relationship needs checking and the required examination format is unclear.
What we examine
- Description of the presumed family relationship.
- Family diagram and available participants.
- Existing reports and sample information.
Materials to prepare
- Enquiry purpose and list of relationship hypotheses to be tested.
- Family diagram without unnecessary personal data.
- Information about the availability of intended participants.
- Information about previous examinations; document transfer arrangements are agreed separately.
Sample questions
- Which family relationship needs checking?
- Which participants are needed to test the stated hypotheses?
- Are there close relatives who should be considered as alternative alleged parents?
- Which information should be given to the laboratory before examination?
- Are the intended participants suitable for the task posed?
How the work is carried out
- Clarify the relationship examined and possible alternative hypotheses.
- Prepare a participant and question list for the appropriate specialist.
- Agree the working format and identification and sample collection procedure before examination begins.
Result
An agreed brief and material list for approaching the appropriate specialist.
What affects the conclusions
Organisational preparation does not establish kinship. Biological samples are examined by the laboratory provider, and the conclusion is based on examination results.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mother's sample needed for paternity testing?
The participants are determined by the task and method. The appropriate specialist assesses which samples are available and how this affects the examination.
Can a positive result be promised in advance?
No. The brief must test hypotheses regardless of the desired answer, and sample suitability is assessed during examination.