Does the mother have to be tested in a home paternity test?

Ideally, the mother, child, and alleged father would all participate in at home DNA paternity testing. If both parents who created the child contribute DNA to the test, the results will reflect the full picture of the child’s profile. But the real answer to the question is NO—the mother does not have to be tested to get conclusive paternity test results.

A child receives half of their DNA from their mother, and the other half from their father. Because half the child’s DNA that was received from the mother, the child will match half of the mother's DNA exactly. The remaining unmatched DNA will match that of the biological father. Without the ability to remove the mother's DNA from the equation, the possibility increases that results will not be conclusive, which may require testing of additional genetic markers, extending the time and cost needed to achieve conclusive results. In general, if the mother is available for testing she should be included.

Testing can be performed – and performed accurately – without a sample from the mother. Using the same scenario as above, a child receives half their DNA from the biological father. If a test is run with only the alleged father and the child, one possible result is that the locations on a child’s DNA do not match the tested father. If enough locations on the fathers profile do not match that of the child, the test report is called an Exclusion, meaning there is no biological relationship between the man and child.

Paternity testing was not available in the home when DNA testing first evolved in the 1990’s. The majority of testing was done through the state, ordered by a judge. The judge would order the mother, child, and alleged father to participate, so there was no question about the mother’s involvement. These tests were of the legal DNA test variety, where results would funnel through the local child support office. That still exists today—child support offices depend on DNA testing to prove paternity.

If you’re a man considering a paternity test for yourself and a child, you can get accurate results without the mother being tested, and it’s real easy using a home paternity test kit. Be careful which lab you chose! Who’s tested is one important factor, and the quality of the laboratory is equally important. PTL and our laboratory is one of the highest rated, certified, and AABB accredited companies available to do paternity testing. So you can be 100% sure the results are accurate whether or not the mother is tested.