Prenatal Paternity Test
Patients who wish to determine paternity during pregnancy may take a prenatal paternity test. Like a standard
paternity test, the prenatal test compares the baby’s DNA
profile with that of the alleged father. Because the baby’s
DNA is set at conception, the prenatal test gives the same conclusive
results as the standard paternity test.
To obtain samples from the unborn child, an OB-GYN
uses either of two procedures depending on the stage of pregnancy:
chorionic villi sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. The details of
each procedure are tabulated below.
| |
Chorionic Villi Sampling |
Amniocentesis |
Stage
of pregnancy
|
10th through 13th week |
14th through 24th week |
| Type
of cells collected |
Cells from the placenta, a
membrane surrounding the developing fetus. |
Loose fetal cells released
into the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus |
| Collection
procedure |
Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN
uses a catheter through the vagina or a long, hollow needle
through the abdomen (depending on the position of the fetus)
to collect cells. |
Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN
uses a long needle through the abdomen to collect fluid. |
Because both procedures are invasive, there are slight
medical risks that the mother must discuss with her OB-GYN.
To arrange for a prenatal test, please use our online order form or call us at 1-800-453-6846 to discuss your situation with one of our caring consultants. We
strongly recommend the mother to ask if her OB-GYN is willing to
perform the CVS/amniocentesis, or if the OB-GYN can refer her to
a local OB-GYN who is willing to do so. We also have a referral
list of OB-GYNs who are experienced in the procedure.
A prenatal paternity test costs $475 for testing the
prenatal sample, the mother, and the father. We only need a non-refundable partial
payment of $99 to start the testing process. The OB-GYN sample
collection fee is not included in the test fee; this fee (ranging
from $500-$1500) will be paid 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. If the mother does not have an OB-GYN, we will coordinate OB-GYN referrals for an additional fee; please contact us for more information.
The buccal swab samples from the mother and alleged
father are usually collected at the time of prenatal sample collection
for no extra charge; otherwise, samples will be collected at one
of our convenient collection sites for a fee of $35 per person. A prenatal paternity test takes 5 working days to complete. |
