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CAY HILL--St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) is making it easier for fathers (and mothers) to find out whether a child is indeed theirs.
SLS is now offering DNA paternity and maternity testing through a working agreement with DNA Diagnostics Center, SLS official Adelena Schaap said on Friday. DNA Diagnostics Center is based in Ohio in the United States of America and is accredited by nine accrediting bodies. DNA paternity testing determines the biological father of a child.
A DNA paternity test compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of an “alleged father†to determine whether there is a match. When performed correctly in an experienced laboratory, it is the most definitive proof of a biological relationship. Common legal reasons for which this test is used are for child support, child custody, immigration, birth certificate, will/estate, court order and adoption, among others.
Maternity DNA testing determines whether a woman could be the biological mother of a child. Similar to a DNA paternity test, it compares a child’s DNA pattern with that of the alleged mother to determine how likely it is that the child has inherited the DNA from the suspected mother.
For the test, a sample will be collected at SLS, packaged and sent to DNA Center for further analysis. The results will be ready within two weeks and are confidential.
The DNA paternity/maternity test rate is US $356 per child, payable before the samples are collected. SLS began offering the DNA paternity and maternity testing this month. DNA testing was done in the past by the late Dr. Foeken. Persons in need of the service may contact SLS coordinator Liska Busby at (721) 542-2518.
