Paternity testing
DNA can tell us about the biological kinship between two people. The kinship between family members is determined by comparing saliva or blood
How can we help you?
Non-obligation guidance
It is possible to determine the biological kinship between two people using just a simple sample of saliva. Using a confidential, quick and convenient test that is 99.9999% reliable, it is possible to know if two people are father and child.
What are paternity tests? What do they entail?
Paternity tests consist of determining the genetic maps that belong to the two people who undergo the analysis. By comparing the genetic map of the suspected father with that of the child, it is possible to determine their biological kinship.
Samples taken from both individuals are needed in order to be able to do this. A saliva sample can be taken using a simple cotton swab that must be sent to the laboratory so that DNA can be extracted. The test is performed using the DNA that is obtained. Only biological samples taken from the child and suspected father are needed. A biological sample taken from the mother is not needed.
What results can be expected from a paternity test?
The results take between one week and ten days to obtain and they are entirely confidential. They are 100% reliable if the result indicates that the individual is not the father and 99.99% reliable if the result indicates that he is.
What types of paternity tests exist?
There are different types of tests depending on the purpose for which they are performed. On the one hand, we have tests that are for private use or for informative purposes but that are not legally valid. Others, meanwhile, are legally valid.
What is a paternity test for private use only?
This type of paternity test is not legally valid and it is refers to the samples that the clinic is provided with. Its purpose is merely informative for the parties involved. The applicant can take the samples from the comfort of his or her home. You can request a paternity test kit for taking samples. We will send it to you along with the necessary instructions or you can come and pick it up from any of our branches.
What is a legally valid paternity test?
This test is performed when an expert report including the names of all the parties involved is needed. It can be used in a court of justice. In order for a paternity test of this kind to be accepted by a court of justice, it needs to have been taken and labelled correctly. Therefore, in this case, samples can only be taken by experts at our clinic or legal experts who must then label and store them in order to guarantee their authenticity and integrity at all times.
What is a prenatal paternity test?
If a person wishes to be informed about child paternity during pregnancy, the mother will need to undergo an amniocentesis test in order to extract amniotic liquid. It provides the future child’s genetic blueprint.
How can I request a paternity or kinship test?
There are two paternity or kinship test options. You can go to any of the Instituto Bernabeu clinics located in Alicante, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Albacete, Elche or Benidorm so that we can take the saliva (DNA) sample. Alternatively, you can request a kit using this link. We will send two cotton swabs to your address. After rubbing the inside of the two participants’ cheeks with a swab, the swabs can be returned to us. You will be provided with the results within 3 days.