What’s the Difference Between Cheek Swab and Blood Paternity Tests?

DNA tests can be used for many things: paternity, ancestry, genetic markers, weight loss strategies, and more. But when you’re looking for answers to your paternity questions, you want conclusive results. While it might be harmless to have mistakes regarding ancestry, you don’t want any speculation about paternity!

There are two main ways of acquiring paternity results: a cheek swab and a blood draw. Is one more accurate than the other? Which is the preferred method?

Cheek Swab Genetic Testing

DNA can be obtained with a cheek swab. This is a non-invasive test where the inside of both cheeks is swabbed with a cotton swab to obtain genetic material. The swab is placed in a test tube and shipped to a testing facility. The results for a cheek swab are 99.9% effective when tested by an AABB or ISO-certified company.

A cheek swab test is ideal for young children and infants because it is painless, quick, and non-invasive.

Blood Sample Genetic Testing

Blood samples are generally considered the gold standard for genetic testing, especially for court cases. This is because blood samples give a higher concentration of DNA and are therefore thought to be more reliable. However, blood samples can be harder to maintain because they involve a needle. It is harder to obtain blood from children and infants and is more painful.

Which Is Better: Cheek Swab or Blood Sample?

Although blood samples give a higher concentration of DNA, cheek swab testing is highly accurate and acceptable in court when tested by an AABB or ISO-certified company. Cheek swab tests are preferred for young children and infants because it is quick and painless. It can even be done at home! DNA Paternity Testing Centers offers several paternity testing packages that are admissable in court. Shop our testing options today!