A
prenatal paternity test is a conclusive
way to determine if a man is the father
of an unborn child. It is an option for
those who do not wish to wait until the
baby is born to determine paternity.
DNA
is formed at
conception and does not change; thus we
can obtain the same conclusive and accurate
results with a prenatal test as with a
regular paternity test.
An obstetrician
takes a prenatal
sample using
methods that are well established and we
extract DNA from this sample for analysis.
However, the risks associated obtaining
prenatal DNA samples should be fully understood
and considered. See below.
Please note:
The cost of
the prenatal DNA test does not include
the cost of collecting prenatal samples.
The charge for this service is paid directly
to the medical centre carrying out the
procedure.
Prenatal Sample Collection
To
obtain prenatal
DNA samples, one of the following two procedures
is performed by a doctor, depending on
the stage of pregnancy:
Chorionic Villi
Sampling (CVS)
(Performed during the 11th to 15th week
of pregnancy).
Chorionic villi are little finger like
pieces of tissue
attached to the wall of the uterus. The
chorionic villi and the foetus come from
the same fertilized egg and have the same
genetic makeup. The procedure consists
of a catheter being inserted through the
cervix. Using guidance from an ultrasound,
a small sample
of the villi is taken from
the outside
of the gestational sack by gentle suction.
This is then used in the prenatal DNA test.
Amniocentesis
(Performed during the 16th
to 24th week
of pregnancy)
Amniotic
fluid is the
fluid that surrounds the developing foetus
in the womb. It contains foetal cells that
can be used for DNA analysis. During the
procedure,
the doctor uses ultrasound
to guide a
thin needle into your uterus,
through the
abdominal wall.
This needle is then withdrawn leaving behind
a soft plastic tube. Approximately
10ml of amniotic
fluid is drawn up through the tube to use
in the prenatal DNA test.
Considering the
risks
These
procedures
are invasive and carry a slight risk of
infection and of miscarriage. This risk
is approximately 1 in 100.
Other side effects
may include
cramping, leaking amniotic fluid, and vaginal
bleeding.
We urge the mother
to consult
her doctor
for more information about these risks.
These procedures are used in the NHS
to test for genetic birth defects and other
possible health
problems with the baby.
Because of the
risks, you
should think deeply about undergoing these
procedures for the sole reason of seeking
paternity.
The DNA Clinics will provide you with as
much emotional support as you need
Accuracy
Prenatal paternity
tests are highly
accurate. The prenatal DNA test carries
the same accuracy levels as a Paternity
test performed after the baby is born i.e.
a 99.99% or higher probability of paternity
for inclusions (the alleged father is the
biological father) and 100% certainty for
exclusions (the alleged father is not the
biological father).
Who is tested in a
Prenatal DNA
test.
In a prenatal paternity test, the
prenatal sample,
mother, and alleged father are
tested. Participation
of the mother
is required as the laboratory
needs to distinguish
her DNA from the baby’s DNA in the
prenatal sample,
which contains cells from both the mother
and the child.
Other forms of relationship
test can be
carried out
using prenatal
samples. To
call a qualified
scientist for
advice, please
click here for our contact
information.
The prenatal DNA test results will be
available 7 – 9
days from samples
reaching the
laboratories.
Who will take Prenatal DNA Samples?
The
procedures
named above are not available on the NHS
for paternity testing. It must be arranged
privately.
The DNA Clinics use a trusted
and well respected
foetal medical centre. Please call 0800
032 5945 for help arranging an appointment.
The medical centre charges £460 for the
procedures above and this is paid directly
to the centre. No part of that fee passes
to us. It is an additional cost to the
price of the test.
Once samples are ready
for collection,
the medical centre will inform the laboratories
who will arrange immediate collection.
To arrange a prenatal test call 0800 032
5945
Who will take additional DNA
samples.
The
DNA test samples
of other test participants i.e. mother
and alleged father, can either be taken
at home using
the home testing service or they can be
taken at your local DNA Clinic.
We recommend
that you visit
a DNA clinic for additional support and
impartial advice, during what will be an
emotional time.
Please click here and speak with a qualified
scientist to
coordinate
your prenatal
DNA test. |
