Non-invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests: How Does It Work?

Understanding Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing: Science, Safety, and Certainty

At AssureDNA, we often hear a surprising question when it comes to prenatal paternity testing: “How do you swab an unborn child?” “Is prenatal testing dangerous for my baby?” or “What are the risks of a prenatal test?” It’s an understandable query – after all, cheek swabs are a hallmark of DNA testing, and you can’t get a swab in the womb. Let’s demystify how modern science makes prenatal paternity tests not only possible but also safe and non-invasive for both mother and baby.

What Is a Prenatal Paternity Test?

A prenatal paternity test is a DNA test that determines whether a specific individual is the biological father of a baby before the baby is born. While traditional paternity testing requires a cheek swab from the child after birth, prenatal testing relies on a remarkable scientific fact: a baby’s DNA is present in the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy.

How Does It Work Without Swabbing the Baby?

The key to prenatal paternity testing is cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA). This is DNA from the baby that circulates freely in the mother’s blood. During pregnancy, tiny fragments of the baby’s genetic material pass through the placenta into the mother’s bloodstream. These fragments can be detected as early as 7-8 weeks into pregnancy.

Here’s how it works:

• A simple blood sample is taken from the mother.

• A cheek swab is collected from the potential father.

• The laboratory extracts and analyses the baby’s cffDNA from the mother’s blood.

• The baby’s DNA is then compared to the father’s sample to determine paternity with over 99.9% accuracy.

So, no swabbing of the baby – just cutting-edge science working its magic!

Is Prenatal Paternity Testing Safe?

Yes, absolutely. The prenatal paternity test offered by AssureDNA is non-invasive and completely safe for both mother and baby. Unlike other invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), which carry risks of miscarriage, AttoLifemethod requires only a standard blood draw from the mother. It’s quick, straightforward, and risk-free.

When Can You Take a Prenatal Paternity Test?

You can undergo a prenatal paternity test as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. Early detection is critical for families who need answers to make informed decisions and plan for the future.

What Are the Costs and Why Choose AssureDNA?

At AssureDNA, we prioritise accuracy, confidentiality, and care. Our tests are conducted in accredited laboratories, ensuring the highest standards of scientific excellence. We understand the sensitivity of this process and offer support and guidance at every stage.

On average a prenatal DNA test is about £700, which is somewhat more expensive than testing when the baby is born. That said, when you gotta know, you gotta know!

Call us for a quote: +44 01603 358169 or email info@assuredna.co.uk