We are fully accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for DNA Paternity Testing.

You can download our Paternity Testing Application Forms here.

DNA is the genetic "blueprint" which contains all the information necessary to make a living being. 

DNA is wound into tight thread-like structures called chromosomes, which are found in every cell in the human body (e.g. blood cells, skin cells, hair cells etc.). 

Humans have 46 chromosomes in total;

• half of these are inherited from the mother (in the egg)
• half of these are inherited from the father (in the sperm)

Certain regions of human DNA show variations between people. 

At each of these regions a person possesses two genetic types (known as alleles), one inherited from each parent. 

By looking at a number of these variable regions in a person a DNA profile is produced. 

By comparing the DNA profiles of the mother and child it is possible to determine which half of the child's DNA was inherited from its mother (maternal alleles). 

The other half must therefore have been inherited from the child's biological father (paternal alleles).

The alleged father's profile is then examined to determine whether he has the DNA types in his profile that match the paternal alleles in the child. 

If the man's DNA types do not match the child's, he is excluded as the biological father. 

If the DNA types match, then he is not excluded as the father.

If a man is not excluded as the father of a child, a "probability (or likelihood) of paternity" is reported. 

That figure is usually greater than 99.5%.  It is never possible to prove 100% that a man is definitely the biological father of a child, as there is always a chance, however remote, that another man in the population may have DNA types which match that child. 

e.g.  The possibility of a relative (e.g. brother) of the biological father matching the child's DNA is much higher than that of a random man in the population.

A total of eight independent tests are regularly performed at the VIFM. 

If a man does not match the child in two or more tests then it is usually accepted that he is not the true father of the child.

Our testing provides a "probability of exclusion" of 99.8%  (The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) requires the "probablity of exclusion" to be greater than 99.5%). 

"Probability of Exclusion" =  the chance that our testing would show at least one mismatch with the child (when the mother is tested) if the man is truly not the biological father of a child. 

The mother, child and alleged father should all be tested. 

If the mother is not available, DNA tests can still be performed, however the results will be less informative than when both parents are tested. 

When the mother's profile is available it is possible to determine which half of the child's DNA was inherited from the mother. 

Without this information the chance of detecting that a non-father is "excluded" is decreased.  In cases without the mother, the probability of exclusion is 99.6%, using 10 tests rather than the standard eight.

Note:  Single parent testing is only performed in exceptional circumstances.  If the child is under 18 years of age, consent must be obtained from the child's mother (or legal guardian) before testing can be performed on a sample from the child.  For further explanation of this issue, please go to our ethics page.

All people being tested provide a fingerprick blood sample.  This is a relatively non-traumatic method that even very young babies (a few days old) can have samples taken in this way (although usually by heel/toe prick).

Clients who live in metropolitan Melbourne attend the VIFM in Southbank for sample collection.

Country and interstate clients may attend a local pathology centre or hospital, which we can organise, or they may nominate a general practitioner who has agreed to collect samples according to our instructions. 

Samples from the mother/child/alleged father can be collected at different times and places.  Results will not be affected by the storage of the specimens.

A recent passport-sized (approx. 45mm x 35mm) photograph that shows a full face view of the donor's head and shoulders against a plain background.  Separate photographs must be provided for the mother, the child and the alleged father (these photographs cannot be returned).

The person collecting the blood samples will ensure that these photographs are a good likeness of each client. 

The photographs are then stuck onto a form completed by the collector and a photocopy of this form is included with the final reports.  In this way, the identities of the people who were tested are recorded visually.

All specimens are collected according to the Family Law Act 1975 Regulation (Amendments 1996).  These include;

Strict requirements for photo identification of all people providing blood samples.

Specifications for labelling and sealing of sample containers.

All case details, including names, addresses and results, are strictly confidential.  All samples and case files are stored in a secure area with tightly controlled access.

Reports are issued by mail to the mother and the alleged father or their legal representative(s).  A report will not be issued to the child unless specifically requested by both the mother and alleged father involved (appropriate forms are available from the VIFM on request).

Reports are usually issued within 5 working days of receipt of all specimens.  

No results will be issued over the phone.

Reports are issued in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975 (Amendments 1996) Regulations.  They can therefore be admitted as evidence in the Family Court of Australia. 

Our reports are also accepted by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Department of Immigration, the Department of Human Services (including the Child Protection Agency) and for most other official purposes.

Our testing methods include a complex labelling system designed to eliminate the mixing up of samples. 

All results and reports are checked by two scientists before being released.

Contact the VIFM to obtain the necessary paperwork and specific costs. 

Forward your completed paperwork and full payment to the VIFM. 

Each party will be contacted to arrange appointments for sample collection.

Paperwork for a standard paternity test (alleged father, mother and child) can also be downloaded from this page:

You can download our Paternity Testing Application Forms here.