How soon can you do a DNA Paternity Test?

When people ask how soon you can do a DNA Paternity Test, usually they are asking about Prenatal Paternity Testing. Prenatal paternity testing is a paternity test that is done before the baby is born.

The short answer is that they can be done any time after the 10-12th  week of pregnancy.

Prenatal paternity tests are often conducted using samples obtained from Amnio (amniocentesis) or CVS (chorionic villus sampling)tests. If you are having these tests done for other reasons, let your doctor know that you are interested in paternity testing, and it’s likely that the same samples could be used for both tests.

That being said, these tests DO carry risks, both to mother and baby, and most doctors will not perform them solely for paternity testing. For this reason we suggest that DNA paternity testing be done after the baby is born. DNA samples can be collected easily and painlessly from a swab of the babies mouth minutes after being born. And with Identigene’s 2-3 business day turn around (once samples are received) you get your results quick.

Another benefit to DNA testing after the baby is born is cost. Prenatal Paternity Testing will have a fee for the collection of the prenatal DNA sample. Performed in a hospital or doctors office, this can be very expensive, and may not be covered by medical insurance. DNA paternity testing on prenatal samples is also more expensive, costing $400 or more for the lab fee only. A “peace of mind” DNA Paternity Test from Identigene will only cost you $150 total.

For more information on Prenatal Paternity Testing, talk to your doctor, or visit: http://www.dnatesting.com/dna-testing/prenatal-paternity-test.php