A maternity DNA test is performed. DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) is the genetic material found in the cells of your body. A person receives half of their genetic material from their biological mother and the other half from their biological father. Maternity testing is performed using a technology called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
In this test, we are looking at specific areas of a person’s DNA called genetic loci. These loci are then amplified, analyzed and compared to those of another person. This will determine whether they share genetic markers in common and whether they are likely to be genetically related. Non-DNA based genetic tests, such as blood type, are no longer performed for present-day paternity and family relationship testing.