Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing:
Should You Do It?
Why should you consider not performing a prenatal paternity test?
As technology continues to evolve, Many people are intrigued by the advances in technology and with DNA testing it is no different. Prenatal Paternity Testing has been around for a few years.
There are two types of invasive prenatal DNA tests and both require the assistance of an OBGYN.
Amniocentesis – (Can be performed during week 14-20) Risky
Chorionic Villus Sampling – (Can be performed during week 10-13) Risky
Please note, the above two options are high-risk options that may affect the unborn fetus.
Latest Option
Technology has allowed a few labs to provide a least expensive option then the options stated above that do not carry the same high risk. This option is known as a non-invasive prenatal paternity test. Sample collections are conducted via blood draw (mother) and by blood or buccal swab for the alleged father. The samples are shipped and analyzed by a lab of your choice. This option can be performed as early as the 8th or 9th week into your pregnancy depending on the laboratory you are utilizing.
Best Option:
We recommend waiting for the birth of a child to perform a paternity test if your situation allows. This way you will eliminate the risks the above options may have. Also, waiting until the child is born allows you to perform a legal paternity test.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing Pros and Cons
Pros
- Less expensive than the invasive methods Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling
- Much less risk involved
- The cost is much less than Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling
- OBGYN is not necessary to execute this process.
- Testing can begin as early as the 8th or 9th week of pregnancy.
Cons
- DNA results are currently not accepted by the court or any state institution
- Technology is fairly new and most DNA labs in the U.S. do not offer this service due to uncertainty about accuracy.
- Although the price is cheaper than an invasive prenatal test. Expect to pay a minimum of $1200 and up for this test.
- If a mother has already given birth to a child prior to her current pregnancy. Excess fetal DNA from the first pregnancy may skew the result. This particular matter should be talked about with you when you consult with the DNA lab that offers this service.
Is a non-invasive prenatal paternity test the best option for me?
Only you can decide whether this option is the best option for your situation. Before you make your decision, you may want to ask yourself this question. Will I need to use my DNA result in court in the future? If you answered yes, then regardless of which prenatal paternity test option you are considering it will be the best option for you to wait for the child to come to term and perform a buccal swab DNA test.
What To Expect From Our Service
- Fast, Accurate and Affordable DNA results in 2-3 business days
- DNA Sample Collection Technicians with over 10 plus years experience.
- Easy Appointment set-up
- No additional cost Mobile DNA Sample Collection services for Brooklyn, NY
- No Hidden Fees
- Facilities that we partner with are accredited by AABB to conduct legal, chain of custody testing.
- Results are recognized by USCIS, Embassies, Passport Agencies and Family Courts
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Family Court accept NIPP?
As we currently understand it, The courts do not recommend a prenatal paternity test as a viable method due to the harm it may cause the mother and/or, the uncertain accuracy of the non-invasive blood test especially if the mother has already given birth to a child prior to her current pregnancy. It is important to note, Some courts will suspend hearings until the child is born in order to determine paternity.
It would be more advantageous and, less expensive to carry a child to term and have the child’s DNA sample collected. Utilizing this option allows for high percentage of accuracy of your DNA result and, you will not have to pay over $1,000 dollars only to find out later through court you have to perform another paternity test.
How to get a court-ordered prenatal paternity test?
Unfortunately, the courts in the U.S. will not allow prenatal paternity test result as evidence to determine paternity of an unborn child to our knowledge.
How soon can you DNA test a baby after birth?
As soon as the baby has been cleared by the hospital. Which could be days or weeks. If you reside in the New York or New Jersey areas. DNA Tests NYC can send one of our experienced DNA sample collectors to your home or hospital to acquire a sample from the child and alleged father if you are unable to travel to the office.
Is prenatal DNA test dangerous?
If you are considering performing an Amniocentesis or a Chorionic Villus Sampling. These procedures are performed by an OBGYN but, can not be used for DNA testing purposes alone due how HIGH RISK these procedures can be. In fact, most OBGYN’s will not perform either one of these procedures unless there are some complications which warrant one of these procedures to be performed. It is at this time you may contact a DNA testing company like DNA Tests NYC to assist you with this process of performing a prenatal test.
The Non-Invasive (NIPP) option is not high risk.
Does Medicaid cover prenatal paternity test?
Normally, Medicaid or any health insurance company normally does not cover paternity testing. As we understand it, paternity testing is not considered a health issue. In the event, your insurance does cover paternity testing. What you would have to do is pay the cost of the DNA test upfront and submit your receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Please note: Health insurance companies will cover an Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling because these procedures that are associated with health-related issues. Therefore if you need to perform a paternity test around the time you are scheduled to perform an Amniocentesis and/or Chorionic Villus Sampling then you can contact our office today at 646-383-9778 to learn more about our DNA relationship testing options.
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