DNA paternity testing is the test done to establish biological paternity, to determine who the father of a person is. DNA paternity testing involves taking a sample from the mother, father and baby. The sample can include cheek cells, blood, cord blood, hair or semen - to name a few. DNA is located in every cell of the body thus as long as the sample includes cells; DNA strands can be isolated and extracted. Once the DNA is ready, the loci (or DNA points) are matched between the father and the baby. The father will either be included or excluded. Exclusion means the suspected father is not the biological father. Inclusion means the DNA loci matched at least 97% up to 99.99%.
DNA testing can take place without the knowledge of the father if the mother is able to secure a sample of DNA from the father. This test will most often not be admissible in a court of law, but could prove paternity in cases without legal status.