WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A PRENATAL PATERNITY TEST
In order to get the DNA sample from the unborn child, an OB-GYN uses either of two procedures depending on the stage of pregnancy: chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Because both procedures are invasive there are slight medical risks that the mother must discuss with her OB-GYN prior to scheduling a Prentatal DNA test with us.
New! Non -Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test: This is the safest way to test for paternity on an unborn child. Using new state-of-the-art technology, our partner laboratory can determine paternity using a simple blood draw from both the mother and the alleged father. This test can be performed anytime after the 12th week of pregnancy
- Accurate results within 5 business days
- Safer than an Amnio or a CVS for both the mother and the unborn child
- As the unborn child's DNA is naturally found in the mother's blood, a simple blood draw is all that is needed from the mother and the alleged father.
- Collection sites convenient to your home or office
Amniocentesis: This test is performed in the second trimester, anywhere from the 14th-20th weeks of pregnancy. During this procedure, the doctor uses ultrasound to guide a thin needle into your uterus, through your abdomen. The needle draws out a small amount of amniotic fluid, which is tested. Risks include a small chance of harming the baby and miscarriage. Other side effects may include cramping, leaking of amniotic fluid, and vaginal bleeding. A doctor's consent is needed to do this procedure for paternity testing.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This test consists of a thin needle or tube which a doctor inserts from the vagina, through the cervix, guided by an ultrasound, to obtain chorionic villi. Chorionic villi are little finger-like pieces of tissue attached to the wall of the uterus. The chorionic villi and the fetus come from the same fertilized egg, and have the same genetic makeup. This testing can be done earlier in pregnancy from the 10th-13th weeks. A doctor's consent is needed to do this procedure for paternity testing.
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WHAT IS A PRENATAL PATERNITY TEST?
A Prenatal Paternity Test is for those who need to know the paternal relationship before the child is born. Just like a standard paternity test, the prenatal paternity test compares the baby's DNA profile with that of the alleged father.
Establishing paternity is important to ensure a child's wellbeing and to fully protect his or her rights. Definitively knowing one's biological parentage is important for several reasons. It allows access to legal and social benefits, including social security, veteran's, and inheritance benefits. It provides an accurate medical history for the child, giving the healthcare provider additional insight during diagnosis and in managing the child's health.It strengthens the bond between father and child.
If there is a question on who the father is, paternity testing should be done as soon as possible. Most states have laws that require an unmarried couple to fill out an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital to legally establish who the father.
WHAT WE DO AND WHAT IT COSTSTesting fees vary so please call us to discuss your particular situation. A prenatal paternity test takes about 5 working days to complete once all the DNA samples are in our possession.
OTHER COSTS AND CONSIDERATIONSAny OB-GYN sample collection fee for the baby's prenatal DNA sample is not included in our test fee. An OB-GYN sample collection fee (ranging from $500-$1500) for collecting the baby's DNA is paid by you directly to the physician. If the mother is having the CVS or amniocentesis sample collected for medical purposes (in addition to paternity), her insurance company may cover this fee. You must check with your insurance company to verify whether you are covered for this fee.
SPECIAL NOTE
Before you consider this type of paternity test you must ask your OB-GYN if they are willing to perform the CVS/amniocentesis and if not, whether your OB-GYN can refer you to another local OB-GYN who is willing to do baby's DNA sample collection.
