DNA test
Paternity test
The biological paternity of a child can be determined by conducting a DNA test on samples from the child, the man, and the mother (not mandatory).
Private Paternity Testing (Voluntary Testing)
Individuals who wish to clarify paternity through a DNA test may order and pay for a private paternity test at Oslo University Hospital without involving public authorities or the court system.
All participants must provide informed consent. For children under the age of 15, consent must be given by a parent with parental responsibility. A man who does not have parental responsibility must obtain the mother’s consent if the child is under 15 years old.
If a father with parental responsibility wishes to clarify his biological paternity and the mother’s sample is not available or not included, the evidential strength of the test will initially be lower than if the mother participated.
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If the man is the biological father, the standard test — possibly supplemented by additional analyses — will still provide strong and reliable confirmation of paternity.
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If the man is not the biological father, the standard test will exclude him as the child’s father.
Court-Ordered or Authority-Requested Paternity Tests
In legal paternity cases requested by NAV or the district court in connection with the establishment or modification of paternity, the mother is required to provide a sample. Under the provisions of the Child Act, the mother is a formal party to the case.
Many people ask why the mother’s sample is required when maternity is rarely in doubt. There are several important reasons for this requirement.
Why the Mother’s Sample Is Necessary
1. Interpretation of DNA Results
The primary reason is related to the interpretation of the DNA findings. The purpose of the analysis is to identify which parts of the child’s DNA originate from the biological father. By comparing the child’s DNA profile with the mother’s profile, the paternal genetic contribution becomes clear.
If the prior probability of paternity is considered equal between the tested man and an unrelated man, the calculated probability of paternity will be extremely high if the tested man is the biological father. Conversely, if he is not the biological father, the probability that another unrelated man is the father will be correspondingly high.
2. Confirmation of the Mother–Child Relationship
The test also provides indirect confirmation of the stated mother–child relationship, which may be important in certain cases.
3. Cases Involving Close Relatives
If there is a claim that a close relative of the tested man — for example, a brother — could be the father, this can often be assessed through statistical evaluation even if the relative does not participate. In such cases, the mother’s sample is particularly important.
4. When the Alleged Father Is Deceased or Unavailable
If the possible father is deceased or otherwise unavailable, and close relatives are asked to provide samples, the mother’s participation is normally required to ensure reliable interpretation of the results.
5. Genetic Variations (Mutations)
Changes in genetic markers (mutations) can occur during the formation of reproductive cells. The mutation rate in men increases with age. The mother’s participation helps ensure a more accurate and straightforward interpretation if such genetic variations are observed between the man and the child.
Order a Paternity Test
- Price: NOK 1,750 per person
- Procedure: See “Procedure for Ordering a DNA Test”
- Order Form: Order of Paternity Test from OUS (PDF)
Special Situations
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If the possible father is not available for testing: Please see “Other Kinship Testing.”
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If the parties do not agree to private testing or the alleged father is deceased: Please see information regarding a paternity case before the court. Order form to be used: "Stevning i sak om farskap"
Do You Have Any Questions?
Please feel free to contact us for further information or guidance.