Your recent article, “Why Capillary Electrophoresis is Reliable for Paternity Tests—Expert” (March 4, 2025), provides an important discussion on DNA analysis methods. However, it does not fully acknowledge recent scientific advancements that are reshaping the field of human identification (HID) testing.

While capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been the long-standing standard for paternity testing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) now offers superior accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice in many laboratories worldwide.

The Shift from CE to NGS in Paternity Testing

CE technology has been widely used in paternity testing, forensic investigations, and disaster victim identification since the early 1990s. For many years, it was regarded as the gold standard for HID testing. However, with advancements in DNA analysis, NGS now provides a more accurate and efficient alternative.

Globally, many laboratories have begun adopting NGS for HID testing due to its enhanced precision and ability to analyze more genetic markers. The technology has been a staple in medical diagnostics for over two decades and is revolutionizing other fields of molecular biology.

Key Advantages of NGS Over CE in Paternity Testing

1. More Genetic Markers, Higher Accuracy

   • CE-based STR analysis is typically limited to 13–27 markers due to technical constraints.
   • NGS technology allows for the analysis of 52 STR markers, significantly increasing accuracy.
   • This higher resolution is especially valuable when testing closely related individuals.

2. Advanced DNA Sequencing for Greater Precision

   • CE only measures fragment sizes, while NGS reads the actual DNA sequence.
   • This provides a fuller and more detailed genetic comparison, akin to HD-quality DNA profiling versus a low-resolution image.

3. Reduced Risk of Artefacts and Errors

   • CE-based DNA profiling is prone to artefacts like spectral pull-up, preferential amplification, and dye blobs, which can lead to errors.
   • NGS eliminates these artefacts, reducing reporting errors and minimizing the need for repeated tests.

4. Higher Sensitivity and Non-Invasive Testing

   • NGS offers greater sensitivity, improving accuracy even with low-quality or degraded samples.
   • It enables non-invasive prenatal paternity testing (NIPPT), allowing for paternity determination as early as six weeks into pregnancy using only a maternal blood sample, eliminating risks to the fetus.

5. Comprehensive Kinship Analysis

   • NGS can analyze a broader range of genetic markers, making it ideal for complex kinship tests.
   • Unlike CE, which may require additional STR tests, NGS simplifies the process, reducing both cost and processing time.

Addressing Concerns About NGS Software Complexity

Some experts argue that NGS requires more technical expertise for analysis. However, modern NGS software is highly automated, featuring semi-expert systems that actually reduce analyst workload compared to traditional CE methods.

The Global Adoption of NGS in Paternity Testing

Many countries have already integrated NGS into routine paternity testing. As the technology continues to set new global standards, it is crucial for Nigeria to adopt NGS to ensure its paternity testing services remain on par with international best practices.

By embracing next-generation sequencing, the Nigerian DNA testing industry can achieve higher accuracy, improved efficiency, and greater reliability—ensuring justice, family clarity, and medical advancements for all.