Since the invention of a technique to perform DNA blood tests in 1984, DNA profiling has become essential in many fields such as medicine, forensics, paternity identification and other biological fields.  There are many cases where DNA testing can be required, such that it has become important to gain an understanding of the two types of DNA testing available.

Asides from its' uses in forensic sciences, DNA profiling is also commonly used to determine paternity relationships.  This requirement for DNA profiling has increasingly become popular because it can serve as admissible evidence in court cases.  However, there are two options available to obtain DNA blood testing results and it is important to know that not both options can be used as evidence in the court.

The two blood testing options that are available are In-home and Chain of Custody testing.  In-home DNA blood testing is commonly used to satisfy curiosity or to gain peace of mind on paternity concerns.  The results of this type of tests are accurate if the company that performed them is reliable.  The cost for this type of test is generally cheaper than Chain of Custody testing but the results cannot be used as evidence in court cases.

For a DNA blood test result to be acceptable in legal cases, the Chain of Custody testing method must be used.  These tests are strict when it comes to documentation and the testing company must be accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).   The testing company will also need to provide you with a location on where to submit the samples.  Identification will be strictly required at the collection site so be sure to carry positive identification with a photograph.  The legal guardian will have to sign for all the paperwork of a testing party that is considered to be a minor.

The minimum requirements for paternity tests differ from state to state.  You will need to ensure that the testing company can provide you with the minimum requirements set forth by your state.

Different DNA testing techniques are performed on the DNA blood tests and the most suitable technique will be used by the accredited testing company.