Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing

Paternity testing is possible while the mother is still pregnant. There are two methods of doing prenatal paternity tests; invasive and non-invasive.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing

Non-invasive prenatal testing can be done as early as 7 weeks gestation.

The process is quick and safe for all, posing no risks to the pregnancy or the mother. The process only requires a simple blood draw from the mother and a saliva sample from the cheek of the alleged father. After the lab receives the samples for processing, the results are ready within 7-10 business days.

Certainty DNA offers non-invasive prenatal testing across the United States.

Call us at (508) 443-1428 or email us at contact@certaintydna.com to speak to a paternity expert today.

Invasive Prenatal Testing

There are two methods of invasive prenatal testing: Chorionic villus sampling, and amniocentesis.
Both of these methods slightly increase the chance of miscarriage and birth defects.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

For Chorionic Villus Sampling, a healthcare provider starts by inserting a catheter through the mother’s cervix. A small sample of fetal DNA is then collected from the placenta. The potential father has a buccal (cheek) swab done to collect a DNA sample. The lab then compares DNA from the sample to the mother’s and potential father’s DNA.

Chorionic Villus Sampling typically takes place between 10 to 13 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period.

Amniocentesis

For Amniocentesis, a healthcare provider starts by inserting a needle into the mother’s abdomen to draw out a small sample of amniotic fluid. The potential father has a buccal (cheek) swab done to collect a DNA sample. The lab then compares DNA from the sample to the mother’s and potential father’s DNA.

Amniocentesis takes place between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy.