When people think of paternity tests, the first things that usually come into mind are blood tests, cheek swabs, and invasive procedures. These are the most common and arguably the most effective, but did you know that you can also perform a paternity test using strands of hair?
Hair DNA testing is one of the few non-invasive procedures you can use to test if you really are the father of the child. This is a faster way to perform a DNA test and while it is arguably easier to do, there are some things you need to take care of to get the results you want.
All in the Hair
We shed roughly a hundred strands of hair or more every day just showering, but we don’t actually shed the roots of our hair which are the ones that actually contain DNA. Make sure that the hair strands you’ll be collecting actually have roots; what you need to look out for are hair strands that have small bulbs at the end of each shaft.
When you’re collecting hair samples, make sure to use a tweezer to make sure you pull the entire strand of hair completely. Do it in one swift motion to prevent the strand of hair from breaking in two, as you might just pull half of it while the rest, including the root, is still deeply buried in the scalp.
DNA quantity and quality
Since hair samples have very small amounts of DNA in each root, it’s a good idea to get more than just one or two strands of hair to increase the success rate of the paternity test. Ideally, you’ll want around six or seven strands of hair from yourself and around two or three for the child if they are below six years of age.
You’ll also want thicker hair strands, usually from the eyebrows or the body, as these contain more DNA. Once you’ve pulled them out, place them in a plastic bag immediately and take care not to touch the end of each hair strand as this might damage the roots.
At DNA Plus, we provide non-invasive paternity solutions that are discreet and confidential. We give you the peace of mind when it comes to the parentage of the child. Call us at 1-877-786-9323 for more information about our services.