What is a Prenatal Paternity Test?
This type of DNA Test is a before birth (while still in the womb) paternity test that is conducted by your OBGYN (Obstetrician) utilizing one of two methods:
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This is a medical procedure conducted by an OBGYN that is typically performed between 9 – 13 weeks gestational age, which is often mistakenly referred to Chronic Villus (or Villi) Sampling. CVS is a vaginal procedure that removes a very small portion of the placenta. Along with the CVS, the lab requires swab samples from both the Mother and Possible Father.
Amniocentesis: This is a medical procedure conducted by an OBGYN that is typically performed between 14 – 24 weeks gestational age. The amniocentesis procedure involves insertion of a needle into the womb and drawing out approximately 10cc’s of amniotic fluid, which surrounds the unborn baby. Along with the Amniocentesis, the lab requires swab samples from both the Mother and Possible Father.
More Information About Prenatal Paternity Testing
If the mother is more than 24 weeks, or 6 months, pregnant, she must wait until the baby is born to do a paternity test. However, a newborn infant can either be swabbed any time following birth, or a sample of the umbilical cord can be used in the swab’s place. Therefore, a paternity test can be started soon after the delivery with your doctor’s approval.
Before Purchasing A Prenatal Paternity Test:
- Find out if your doctor willing to participate with your DNA test
- Consult your doctor about the risks associated with CVS and Amniocentesis
- If you have already been approved for the procedure, contact the lab or doctor to confirm that they will work with us by sending amniotic fluid, containing fetal cells, to our lab
If the Prenatal Paternity test is approved by your doctor, DNA Identifiers will deliver the paperwork and shipping label to your doctor’s office, hospital’s fetal unit or lab, or genetic counselor. Please note: the CVS tissue and Amniocentesis materials are time sensitive and must be sent to the lab immediately and tested upon arrival. It is best for them to be shipped on blue ice, first overnight.
Prenatal Testing and Medical Insurance
Many times the doctor will recommend having an amniocentesis performed for chromosome disorder analysis if the mother is in her mid to late 30s or older, or if either parent has a family history of a genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome. If you are scheduled to have an amniocentesis performed for these or other reasons, your insurance may cover the doctor’s fees for performing the amniocentesis, but typically will not cover the fees associated with a Paternity Test.
Is a Prenatal DNA Paternity Test Court Admissible / Legal?
Yes. A Prenatal Paternity Test can be a Legal, Court-Admissible if the Chain of Custody Procedures and Paperwork instructions are followed and documented. If you do not desire a legal test you can choose to self collect on the mother and possible father’s samples. Otherwise, the mother and possible father will have to be collected on by a third party professional collector at a clinic or mobile services.
Disclosure:
- DNA Identifiers is not responsible for any the fees associated with your doctor’s office.
- DNA Identifiers does not recommend the procedure of amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling due to the inherent risks involved in both procedures.
- These tests should only be performed at the discretion of the Mother’s obstetrician.
