Paternity Test

Prenatal Paternity Testing

A prenatal test can be performed to determine paternity even before the child is born. This test requires that sample collection be performed by a qualified OB-GYN, either the mother’s own doctor or one that we refer through our OB-GYN referral service.

GeneMatch scientists are especially skilled in obtaining DNA profiles from prenatal samples. The DNA profile from the unborn child is analyzed together with profiles from the mother and the alleged father. The paternity test result is the same accurate, conclusive result you would receive regardless of the child’s age during testing, because DNA is set at conception and remains the same throughout a person’s lifetime.

Prenatal Sample Collection
There are two prenatal sample collection methods that can be performed depending on the mother’s stage of pregnancy:

Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)

	Performed during the 10th through the 13th week of pregnancy.
	Cells are taken from the placenta, a membrane that surrounds the developing fetus.
	The OB-GYN uses either a catheter through the vagina or a long, hollow needle through the abdomen. (The procedure depends on the baby’s position.)

Amniocentesis

	Performed during the 14th through the 24th week of pregnancy.
	Loose cells that the baby sheds into the surrounding amniotic fluid during development are collected.
	The OB-GYN uses a long needle to collect fluid through the abdomen.

Testing Cost
The prenatal testing fee is $420 for one prenatal sample, one alleged father, and the mother. This fee includes the cost of the prenatal collection kit (sent to the OB-GYN), DNA testing and analysis, and processing and delivery of results.

The OB-GYN charges a collection fee that patients must pay directly to the doctor for sample collection. Your medical insurance may be able to pay this fee if the collection is also being performed for medical reasons in addition to paternity testing, e.g. prenatal health screening.

The adults’ samples are usually collected by the OB-GYN at the time of prenatal sample collection for no additional charge. Otherwise, we can coordinate sample collection appointments at one of our local sites. There is an additional collection fee of $35 per person. Samples collected in this way follow the Chain of Custody process, which allows results of the prenatal paternity test to be used in courts and other legal venues.

We also offer free DNA sample collection kits for adults who choose to collect their own samples. We will send you a simple, easy-to-use kit that contains buccal swabs for collecting loose cheek cells. This method of sample collection does not follow the Chain of Custody, and test results may be used for personal knowledge only. To receive this kit, you need to pay a $20 deposit that is applied towards your account balance. (Please note that due to New York State Department of Health regulations, we are unable to offer this self-collection service to New York residents.)

OB-GYN Referral Service
We recommend that the mother first ask if her own OB-GYN is willing to perform the prenatal procedure. We can coordinate prenatal sample collection appointments for an additional charge. Please contact us for more information.

Turnaround Time
We complete the prenatal paternity test within five working days after we receive all samples in the lab. Results are sent via first class mail free of charge; you may also request expedited shipping options for an extra fee. Please call us at 1-800-275-4163 to start your prenatal paternity test. Our caring, professional staff can answer any questions you may have, and they are available to help you during the entire process—even after you receive the results and need help interpreting the report.

Note: Residents of New York may require additional procedures to comply with State Department of Health Regulations. Please call 1-800-275-4163 for more information.