Parentage testing guidelines

Parentage testing verifies whether a person is biologically related to a specific individual, usually a parent or child. It typically involves analyzing DNA samples—such as blood, saliva, or cheek swabs—and comparing specific genetic markers. The guidelines ensure the tests are conducted accurately and confidentially, often following legal and ethical standards. Results are highly reliable when proper procedures are followed, with a probability of parentage usually expressed as a percentage. Such testing is used in legal matters, inheritance cases, and personal reassurance, and must be performed by certified laboratories to ensure validity.