Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity tests is the most innovative technology, in our industry, in the past 10 years.

What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Tests?

If you require a paternity test before birth, X-celerated DNA & Drug Screenings NEW prenatal paternity test now makes it possible to get accurate answers in a safer way than ever before.

The process is state-of-the-art, combining the latest in DNA SNP micro-array technology and proprietary methods of preserving and analyzing the baby’s DNA found naturally in the mother’s bloodstream.  The only samples required are a blood sample for both the mother and the alleged father.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Benefits:

• Greater than 99.9%  accuracy: more than 317,000 genetic markers
• Fast turnaround time
• Mother minimum 9 weeks gestation
• Blood samples from Mother and alleged Father (the child’s DNA is found naturally in the mother’s blood)
• Chain and Non-Chain options
• Easy to read reports
• Testing follows AABB guidelines
• We offer services worldwide with convenient locations near you.

Who cannot take the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity test?

We offer a variety of testing options, with payment plans. Each situation is unique, and testing can be arranged to fit your specific needs. We encourage you to call one of our paternity experts for a confidential consultation.

If amniocentesis is performed at later stages of pregnancy, women who want to undergo paternity tests during the early stages are prescribed to have chorionic villus sampling or CVS.

The sample will be used to study the DNA, chromosomes, and enzymes of the fetus. It is often performed during the first trimester or 10 to 13th week of pregnancy. However, this procedure has also been prescribed to as early as eight week of pregnancy to mothers at special circumstances.

This procedure involves the removal of a small piece of placenta tissue, also called chorionic villi, from the uterus for laboratory tests. Chorionic villus sampling uses an ultrasound to pick the safest method and serves as guide during the sampling.

First, the abdominal ultrasound is performed in determining the position of the uterus, the size of the gestational sac, and the position of the placenta within the uterus. After which, the vulva, vagina, cervix, and abdomen are disinfected using antiseptic such as Betadine.

There are two ways to perform this procedure: transcervical or transabdominal method. Both methods are equally safe when done by experienced doctors. However, studies show that chances for miscarriage are potentially high when done through the cervix.

Using an ultrasound in guiding the process, the transcervical procedure entails inserting of a thin plastic tube through the vagina and cervix until it reaches the placenta. Then, the doctor will remove a sufficient amount of chorionic villus tissue for sampling.

On the other hand, the transabdominal procedure is done by inserting a needle which passes through the abdomen, uterus, and into the placenta. Ultrasound is also used in this process for guidance. The same amount of chorionic villus tissue is removed for sampling.

After removing the sample, this is placed on a dish and is delivered to the laboratory for testing. The test results may take about one to two weeks. Abnormal results may mean more than 200 disorders including Down syndrome, hemoglobinopathies, and Tay-Sachs disease to name a few.

Aside from prenatal diagnosis, Chorionic villus sampling is a procedure to identify chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus. In some cases such as the pregnant woman is 35 years of age and above, there is an abnormal first trimester screen results, or there is an increased nuchal translucency, this procedure is also recommended. However, chorionic villus sampling cannot detect neural tube defects and Rh incompatibility.

The risks of chorionic villus sampling are higher than amniocentesis. There are higher chances for miscarriage, infection, and amniotic fluid leakage. The amniotic fluid leakage can also lead to low amniotic fluid level – a condition known as oligohydramnios. If this condition is not treated, the child can develop a hypoplastic lungs or underdeveloped lungs.

Other risks include possible complications such as bleeding, infection, Rh incompatibility in the mother, and rupture of membranes. Symptoms of complications include fever and excessive bleeding and vaginal discharge.

In addition, it may also cause limb problems in the fetus although this is rather low when the procedure is performed after 10 weeks gestational age.

Today, the most accurate tests (99.99%) to determine the paternity of a child are made through DNA. Collecting DNA sample is done two ways: Buccal swab (swabbing the inside of the cheek) and blood samples.

Known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the procedure is used in comparing samples of the child’s DNA with that of the alleged father. Since the child’s DNA is a fairly equal combination of DNA of his parents, excluding the DNA of the mother gives us a genetic profile of the biological father.

However, before science knew how to isolate DNA, blood samples were the standard in a variety of testing methods in the past to help exclude potential fathers.

All had varying rates of success. Back in the early 1900s, blood testing was the first method used in determining paternity.

Blood typing

During the 1920s, scientists were able to identify one blood type from another. Just like DNA, a child’s blood type is a combination of that of the parents.

The blood type is determined by the proteins in the red blood cells known as ABO antigens. These antigens are the reason that you must have a specific blood type during transfusions.

It also limits the blood type of your offspring. Using these blood markers and characteristics, scientists later learn the logic and the possibility of excluding potential fathers if the blood types do not match.

An example: If a mother’s blood type is B and the child’s blood type is AB, then the father must have blood type A or type AB. A man with a type O blood cannot be the father and should be excluded.

However, blood typing alone cannot establish paternity since unlike DNA., blood types are not individually unique. Nevertheless, it had allowed specialists before to narrow down the list of putative fathers by excluding around 30% of potential candidates.

Serological testing

Still later, science discovered other proteins in the blood that are more group-specific than the ABO antigens themselves.

Following ABO comparison, science discovered other proteins in the blood that are more group-specific than the ABO antigens themselves. The proteins (Rh, Kell and Duffy blood groups) give scientists the ability to exclude potential fathers at a slightly higher accuracy rate of about 40%.

Just like ABO, serological tests still cannot identify the father with enough certitude, although it can exclude those that do not possess the correct blood groups.

HLA testing

In the 70s, another breakthrough was made. Scientists isolated another set of proteins called HLA (human leukocyte antigens). Unlike basic blood type proteins, the HLA proteins are found in all the body’s cells except the red blood cells. They are used by the body’s immune system to detect foreign bodies and fight infections.

While still not as reliable as DNA testing, HLA can exclude potential fathers with up to 80% accuracy ratings. Unfortunately, HLA testing requires a larger blood sample.

These days, paternity tests are conducted through DNA tests because it is more accurate, it is readily available, and the costs are decreasing.

However, blood sample comparisons are still relevant. One instance is if a child’s blood type does not match that of a putative father. From there, things are already clear and there is no need for an expensive and emotional paternity suit and DNA tests.

It is very important to establish paternity and protect the rights of your child. Naming a legal father ensures that the child will receive child support as well as other benefits normally granted to heirs (social security, veterans benefits, etc).

DNA

In the old days, it was very difficult to establish paternity if there were no records or anything to attest the relationship of child and father. With the advent of DNA testing today, paternity can be established with almost 100% accuracy.

Except for identical twins, your DNA is as unique as your fingerprint. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) refers to your genetic makeup like the color of your hair and eyes, skin tone, height, and others.

The child gets one-half of his DNA from his mother and the other half comes from his father. Comparing the baby’s DNA with that of the biological mother will eliminate the genes inherited from her. What remains are the DNA of the father. A comparison of probes between the father, mother and the child can establish paternity with 99.9% accuracy.

There are two ways of getting DNA samples. One is through the collection of a blood sample and the other is through a Buccal Swab. This is a procedure where a swab is rubbed on the inside of the cheek to collect saliva and tissue where there is DNA.

Blood Tests

Before the DNA tests today, there was the blood test. Although not as accurate as the DNA test, it can still narrow down the possibility of paternity to a child.

In this method, white blood cell antigens are examined and compared to identify (or exclude) a child’s father. However, it can rule out potential fathers by comparing blood types. (Example: A mother and father having both type A blood cannot have a child with type O, B, or AB. The antigens are not present at all.)

Challenging Paternity

If a person legally challenges paternity, a civil suit must be filed in a Family Court. If the judge orders DNA testing, the parties will pay to have the test performed and interpreted.

If paternity is confirmed, the father will be ordered to pay child support. Other issues (custody, visitation, and other rights) will then be addressed later. On the other hand, if the father does not wish his parental rights, termination is also done through the court.

Other Paternity Tests

If there is need to establish paternity during pregnancy, there are two ways to do them, though they both need a doctor’s consent because they contain risks. They are CVS where a sample of the uterus wall tissue is taken and Amniocentesis where a small sample of the amniotic fluid is gathered both from the mother.

If done after pregnancy, DNA samples are taken from the child via Buccal Swab (inside cheek swab) and taking a small sample of the umbilical cord to gather DNA. (This can be done as early as a few hours old).

From the father, samples can be taken from tissue samples such as skin, blood, hair, semen and saliva.

With today’s scientific advances, establishing paternity is not as difficult as before. What is important, however, is that this move can mean the happiness and security of a child as he or she goes through life.

Contact us today for more information on Paternity DNA Testing or call us at 407-212-3003 to schedule a DNA Test.