Genetic Testing

What is genetic testing? Each person has a unique genetic blueprint stored in material called DNA. DNA markers help determine identity. Each person's DNA exists in two sets: one inherited from their mother and one inherited from their father. In paternity cases, DNA testing will tell if the child's DNA markers are inherited from a particular father.

The Washington County child support office will assist with the genetic testing process if either the mother or the alleged father has applied for services and a legal father has not yet been established for the child.

If genetic testing is arranged through the child support office, the test is completed through buccal swab collection from the mother, alleged father and child. Buccal swabs are cotton swabs that are rubbed firmly against the inside of each person's cheek to obtain DNA cell samples and those samples are sent to a lab for testing.
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