Maternity Testing

Science behind the test

A child inherits 50% of their DNA from their mother and 50% from their father. In a DNA test, we extract and amplify DNA from the DNA samples provided using a process known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). PCR enables us to map the DNA profile of the mother and child. Our profile consists of a total of 21 genetic markers for each test participant. A genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals. We know that a child inherits 50% of their genetic markers from their biological mother, hence, if we if we see a match between the DNA profiles of the child and the mother, we can confirm with an accuracy of 99.99% that the mother is in fact the biological mother of the child.

Sample Collection

Who’zTheDaddy?™ TheDaddy? send you easy-to-use sterile cheek swabs which you post back to us once you have collected your samples. Inside your kit you will also have the instructions and forms as well as pre-addressed envelope. Swabs need to be rubbed against the inner surface of the mouth (the oral mucosa) to collect cheek cell samples. From these cheek cell samples, we are able to extract the DNA required for analysis. We will need 4 swabs from the mother and 4 swabs for the child.

Why use a Maternity Test?

In cases of adoption you may want to prove that your birth mother is definitely your mother or that a long lost child is your daughter. A maternity test can provide the proof and reassurance that you need in such circumstances. In some international adoption cases, certain countries will require that the mother giving up her child for adoption carry out a maternity test to ensure that she is giving up her child willingly; such steps attempt to reduce chances of child trafficking and fraudulent adoptions.

Cases of IVF treatment may also warrant a maternity test. If you are having or have had a child using IVF, you may want to be sure that the correct embryo was implanted and that there have been no mix ups. People need maternity tests for all sorts of reasons, and we are here to help you quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home.

Maternity testing is also often used in immigration cases where the immigration authorities require further evidence to support claims of a biological relationship between mother and daughter. If you require a maternity test for immigration purposes, click here for more information. Note that in immigration cases where test participants are based outside the UK, sample collection for those participants will take place at a British consulate or embassy.

Note: If the mother is unavailable you can use our X-SV female lineagetest or X-Chromosone test to prove whether females have the same mother – please click here for more details

FAQs