Services - Pre-Natal Paternity Test

Pre-Natal Paternity Test

Pre-natal paternity testing is paternity testing that is performed before the birth of the
child. The test is typically performed by testing either a CVS sample or by using amniotic
fluid.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is usually performed at a very early stage of pregnancy,
generally around the 11th to 13th week of pregnancy. During the CVS procedure, a
catheter is inserted through the cervix and a small sample is taken from the outside of the
gestational sack by gentle suction. This sampling procedure allows the obstetrician to
obtain a small amount of fetal chorionic villi (trophoblastic tissue) that is used for the
pre-natal paternity test. Pre-natal paternity tests conducted using CVS samples are just as
accurate as tests that are performed after the child is born.

Amniocentesis is generally performed at later stages of pregnancy. During an amniocentesis
procedure, a small amount of amniotic fluid (10ml) is withdrawn transabdominally by your
obstetrician. Amniotic fluid is also an excellent sample for paternity testing; paternity tests
that are performed using amniotic fluid are just as accurate as tests conducted after the
child is born.

Whether you choose chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, results are usually available
3 to 5 working days after specimen collection.

Risks
Although a DNA paternity test can be easily performed using either a chorionic villus sample
or amniotic fluid, it should be noted that both procedures carry some risk to the fetus.
Studies have indicated that the chances for fetal loss are increased by 0.5% for
amniocentesis and 1% for chorionic villus sampling. We recommend strongly that you
discuss all these issues with your doctor.