The technique of DNA profiling was developed in 1984 by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys, and was first used to successfully solve a crime in 1988. DNA profiling involves analysing the lengths of variable sections of repetitive DNA, such as short tandem repeat (STR) markers. These STR markers are highly variable in length between individuals, which makes DNA testing the most scientific and accurate way to identify someone.
Today, hundreds of thousands of people use DNA tests to prove that two or more individuals are biologically related. Paternity tests are the most widely requested test, which are undertaken by analysing the DNA profiles of the alleged father and the child. A DNA paternity test can be performed as soon as a baby is born. Just a mouth swab is needed to collect some cheek cells. Today, thanks to the continuing advances being made in DNA technology, a prenatal DNA test (or prenatal paternity test) can identify whether a man is a baby’s biological father before the baby is even born. The test can be carried out as early as 5 weeks after conception (or 7 weeks after the last period).
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