As invasive prenatal paternity testing subjects the mother and her baby to stress and risks, a team of researchers pioneered the study of a safer alternative to these conventional methods. This alternative DNA testing, referred to as a non-invasive prenatal paternity test on blood, involves no risk for the fetus and the mother. Plus, it can be done starting as early as 10 weeks of one’s pregnancy.

The procedure is risk-free and eliminates possibility of harming the fetus or experiencing a miscarriage. It only requires a sample of blood from the mother and a mouth swab sample from the potential father.

Considering the option of a prenatal paternity test? Read below for more information about this process:

How does it work?

From the mother’s blood sample, the unborn baby’s cell-free DNA will be isolated and compared to the DNA of the potential father. The result will then determine whether the tested individual is the biological father. The principle idea behind this type of test is the fact that dead placental cells are picked up by the circulatory blood supply of the mother. These cells dying and being replaced by new cells is a continuous process throughout an entire pregnancy. As a pregnancy progresses, the volume of dead placental cells found in the mother’s blood sample will be increased, which results in the test becoming more accurate as well.

How precise is it? 

The nature of a non-invasive prenatal paternity test on blood provides parents a certainty of almost 100% in cases where the tested individual is the father of the unborn baby. If the tested subject is not the biological father, the probability of exclusion is 100%. In addition, the best time to perform the test is after 10 weeks of pregnancy. This is to ensure that the amount of cell-free DNA of the fetus is sufficient enough to conclude the test and obtain reliable results, allowing you to have no doubt surrounding the father of your child.

Looking for a paternity test? Contact Prenatal Genetics today!