When it comes to taking care of your parental responsibilities, the first step revolves around establishing DNA beyond a shadow of a doubt. Thankfully, there are plenty of walk in clinics that can provide you with DNA testing so that you can be sure that the child belongs to the father in question. Going about matters in this way avoids unnecessary conflict or questions down the line, and allows the two of you to move forward with your responsibility as parents. This paternity test may also be necessary for legal or business reasons, which is why it's so important to know what to expect and how to go about getting the DNA testing that you need. To that end, consider some of these tips. 

#1: Know The Types Of DNA Tests And How You Can Use The Results

Science has advanced to the point that you can take advantage of DNA testing in a number of different ways and reasons. Consider some of the following applicable means of DNA testing:

• Y-Chromosome testing specifically pinpoints the father of the child. This is among the most common type of DNA testing available and will allow you to know the father of a child, based on a sample that they provide.
• Autosomal DNA allows for people to find extended family member matches. This can be useful if a child has gone through adoption or other means of separation.
• Triangulation is a means of DNA testing that allows you to use narrow down matches to find if and how a particular person is a family member.

#2: Know The Proper Way To Submit A DNA Sample

Cheek swabs are one of the most common ways for people to submit DNA samples for testing. You have some obligations to follow in order to make sure that your sample us viable. For instance, you shouldn't smoke or consume food or drink for at least a half hour before the submission. You should also make sure that, in the case of saliva samples, you fill the syringe all the way, without taking bubbles into account. You can work with the DNA testing agency if you have a child that is having trouble submitting a proper sample. 

#3: Understand The Cost Of Your DNA Testing

Understand that the results of a DNA test are invaluable, but it'll cost you a good bit of money. You'll need to be sure that you set aside the right amount of money that you need and shop around between different testing centers. Typically, you might expect to pay somewhere between approximately $200 and $500 on a high quality DNA test at a testing center.

Keep this information in mind so that you're able to get the DNA results that you need.