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Prenatal paternity testing determines the biological relationship between an alleged father and an unborn fetus before birth. Two types of prenatal paternity testing exist: non-invasive and invasive.
Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing (NIPP) requires only a blood draw from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father. Cell-free fetal DNA circulates in the mother's bloodstream starting around the seventh week of pregnancy, and laboratories isolate this fetal DNA to compare against the alleged father's DNA profile. This method carries no physical risk to the mother or fetus. Currently DTN does not offer this testing option.
Invasive prenatal paternity testing requires a sample collected through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), procedures performed by an OB-GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
Amniocentesis extracts a small amount of amniotic fluid, typically after the fifteenth week of pregnancy. CVS extracts a small sample of placental tissue, typically between the tenth and thirteenth week.
Doctors perform these procedures for a range of medical reasons, including genetic screening, and the extracted sample can also be used for paternity testing when a physician is already conducting one of these procedures. Both procedures carry a small risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage. It is important to note that an OB-GYN will not collect a specimen for a paternity test without amniocentesis or CVS being performed.
Unmarried men request prenatal paternity testing to establish paternity before signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form at the hospital. Hospitals typically ask unmarried parents to sign this legal document shortly after birth, and confirming biological paternity beforehand removes the uncertainty of accepting legal parental responsibility without proof.
Mothers and fathers may also pursue prenatal paternity testing when preparing for future child support or custody matters. Establishing biological paternity before birth can provide clarity and documentation before legal proceedings begin after the child is born.
Parents also seek prenatal paternity testing for personal peace of mind, independent of any legal or administrative requirement.
Both parents must voluntarily agree to participate in the prenatal paternity testing process.
The mother's OB-GYN must determine that either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is medically appropriate and agree to collect the prenatal DNA sample during the scheduled procedure.
Once the OB-GYN confirms participation, schedule the alleged father's DNA sample collection appointment. His DNA sample is typically collected by cheek swab by one of our DNA collection specialists.
Our office coordinates directly with the OB-GYN and ships the required DNA collection supplies to the medical office before the scheduled procedure.
After all DNA samples are collected, they are shipped to our partner AABB-accredited laboratory for DNA testing and analysis.
All DNA samples must be collected by an unbiased third-party DNA sample collector when performing a legal prenatal paternity test to maintain a strict chain of custody.
Call us today at 866-269-2516 to speak with one of our DNA consultants. We will explain the prenatal paternity testing process, determine whether this testing option is appropriate for your situation, and help you schedule your appointment.
Below are standard cost-effective paternity testing options that can be performed after the birth of a child
At-Home Paternity Test Kit: This testing option a peace of mind DNA test that determines the biological relationship between an alleged father and child. Results from this testing option cannot be used legally.
Legal Paternity Test: This testing option is a legally admissible testing option that determines if an alleged father and child are biologically related.
Pricing for invasive prenatal paternity testing starts at $1500.00 which includes DNA testing shipping fees. DNA sample collection fees are not included in the cost of your DNA test. Learn more about our paternity testing prices here.
Contact our office today at 866-269-2516 to schedule a DNA sample collection appointment with one of our DNA consultants today.
We service all of Essex and the entire state of New Jersey.
Turnaround times to receive your results is 2 to 7 business days from the date the lab receives all specimen samples. Once testing is complete, a physical copy will be mailed to your home and an additional copy will be emailed to you.
Yes. A chain of custody can be established when performing an invasive prenatal paternity test. The results from this particular type of prenatal test can be used for legal purposes.
Insurers do not cover the paternity testing service. Medical insurance covers the amniocentesis or CVS procedure. Standard DNA paternity tests require out-of-pocket payment.
Yes. DNA results are confidential. Results will only be released to the participants directly involved with your DNA testing process.
Please note IDTO and its partner laboratory do not share your DNA information with third-party companies. Furthermore, DNA samples are destroyed within 30 to 60 days after your DNA test is completed.
Families throughout Newark and New Jersey choose DNA Testing Newark because we focus on helping clients select the correct DNA test before collection begins.
Our services include:
Legal DNA testing coordinated through a partner AABB-accredited laboratory
Convenient appointments in Newark and throughout New Jersey
Confidential DNA testing services
Split-location testing when participants live in different cities or states
Professional appointment scheduling
Responsive customer support
Our goal is to make the legal DNA testing process straightforward while ensuring every client understands what to expect before their appointment.