Paternity test while you are pregnant (NIPPT)

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Paternity DNA Test During Pregnancy

DNA testing can identify whether or not a man is the biological father of a unborn child with 99% confidence from just 8 weeks into pregnancy. This non-invasive method uses a blood sample from the mother, and cheek swabs from the mother and alleged father. It is the safest way to determine fatherhood before a baby is born as it is not invasive, so there is no risk of miscarriage.

With over 50% of babies born to unmarried mums these days, there are many reasons why establishing paternity of the child before birth is worth doing. Uncertainty as to who is the father of the child can be stressful, and waiting till after the baby’s born to get a DNA test means months of worry. Knowing ahead of time can help with decisions about personal relationships before the baby’s birth instead of afterward when life gets considerably more complicated. Confirming the biological father before the baby’s born also enables some legalities to be sorted in advance.

Why order our prenatal paternity DNA test?

The prenatal paternity DNA test establishes whether or not a man is the biological father of an unborn child. Paternity is excluded if the DNA test shows that a man is NOT the biological father.

Samples are processed in a UK ISO17025 Accredited lab for prenatal paternity testing. The FGIH has many years of experience in working with families doing paternity testing and counselling is available.

The test analyses fragments of the baby's DNA released from the placenta into the mother's blood using Next-Generation Sequencing. This advanced DNA profiling technology provides you with a highly accurate result to put your mind at rest. A DNA profile is constructed for each individual. The DNA profile of the unborn child is then compared with that of the mother and alleged father. If the markers of the unborn child do not match up with the markers of the alleged father, he is NOT the biological father. If the markers from the unborn child and alleged father match at all locations tested, then the probability of paternity is 99% or greater and this indicates that he is the biological father of the child. If they do not match he is excluded as the father.

Simple to sample, peace of mind testing

All our prenatal paternity testing is performed in an ISO17025 Accredited UK Lab. Results are 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples received.

1. Order your kit online

We send your sample collection kit containing everything you need for sampling the mother and alleged father. Kits are sent out the same day* in plain discreet packaging.
*If ordered before 2pm Monday to Friday

2. Collect your samples

Follow the Instructions For Use. Take swabs and blood from the pregnant mother, as well as swabs from the alleged father. Send all samples and completed documentation to the lab using the pre-addressed packaging.

3. DNA test processed

DNA is obtained from all the samples and the sequenced to obtain DNA profiles from mother, father and baby. Your samples will be processed in confidence with quality driven laboratory procedures.

4. Final results

Receive your confidential report via secure email within 7 working days of all the samples arriving at the laboratory. Counselling available on request.

There are no grey areas with the Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub Prenatal Paternity Reports. The result will be either 0% or greater than 99%.

What's included in your prenatal paternity DNA test kit?

Your kit will include easy to follow Instructions For Use, a Sample Consent Form, and return pre-addressed packaging, along with the following items to collect your samples:

4 x swabs + swab envelopes (2 for mother, 2 for for alleged father)
2 x 10ml Blood Collection tubes in secure return shipping packaging (for mother only)
Protective packaging
Pre-addressed envelope for return of all samples
QR codes for booking blood test through 2 national phlebotomy groups for your convenience

Do not remove the tops from the blood tubes. They contain a special clear liquid to stabilise the DNA in the blood sample. Blood is to be taken by a qualified phlebotomist. Tubes must be filled.

How to do your Prenatal Paternity Test

Our non-invasive prenatal paternity test is completely safe for you and your baby. The test requires 2 x tubes of blood from the pregnant mother's arm, along with cheek swabs from the mother and alleged father. Blood taking requires the services of a qualified practitioner. The FGIH has partnered with two national phlebotomy groups - Bloods & Beyond and GoodBody Clinic .
For your convenience your sampling kit will include a QR code to make a booking. You will be responsible for the cost of this appointment. You should take the swabs at the same time the blood is taken and post everything to the laboratory together.

Test Eligibility Calculator - click here to see how many weeks pregnant you are. Remember that you need to be at least 8 weeks pregnant to do the test. Click on "Calculate Based On - Last Period".

You can trust our Prenatal Paternity DNA test

Accuracy

With full genetic profile sequencing, you will get definitive results that leave no room for doubt.

Ability

More than 20 years’ experience in DNA profiling, sequencing, counselling and customer service.

Assurance

All samples are processed in total confidence in a ISO17025 Accredited lab for prenatal paternity testing.

How accurate is this DNA test?
This prenatal paternity test is 100% accurate based on the samples received at the laboratory.

How safe is this prenatal paternity test?
This test uses a non-invasive method and so is completely safe for both mother and baby, with no risk of miscarriage.

What does ‘Non-invasive’ mean?
A non-invasive prenatal test is completely safe and does not put either the mother or unborn baby at any risk. This is because unlike an invasive test, it does not penetrate the baby’s safe environment in the womb. An invasive prenatal test would involve collecting DNA from the foetus using an amniocentesis or chronic villus sampling, and this carries a small risk of miscarriage.

What samples are required?
In order to carry out this test, we require 2 tubes of blood and 2 cheek swabs from the pregnant mother, as well as 2 cheek swabs from the alleged father.

Can the samples be collected at different locations?
The cheek swabs and blood samples from the mother and the cheek swabs from the father do not need to be collected at the same location. However it is important that all samples are collected on the same day and immediately posted back to the laboratory to avoid the risk of DNA degrading and the samples becoming unusable.

Is a sample needed from the alleged father?
Yes, a reference sample is needed from the alleged father in order to determine if this matches the DNA from the unborn child or not.

How are the samples collected?
The blood sample from the pregnant mother needs to be collected by a phlebotomist or other medical professional who is able to safely take blood. This should be organised at your convenience. We have partnered with two national mobile phlebotomy groups who may be able to come to your home to collect the blood sample required. Two QR codes are included in the sampling kit for your convenience linking directly to both organisations booking systems.

The cheek swab samples from the mother and alleged father are easy to do and can be taken yourself. It is important to collect these samples on the same day the blood is taken and post all samples back to the laboratory straight away to ensure the samples remain good quality upon receipt.

When is the earliest into pregnancy that the test can be taken?
The prenatal paternity test is available from the Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub from 8 weeks into pregnancy. It is not advisable to carry out this test any earlier in pregnancy as there is a much higher chance that there will not be sufficient foetal DNA in the mother’s blood to get a result.

When will I get my results?
Results will be provided via email within 7 working days of all samples reaching the laboratory.

How much does this prenatal paternity test cost?
The total cost for this test is £949. This price includes your sample collection kit, all packaging to be able to send the samples to the laboratory for testing and analysis fees. If you would like to know the gender of the baby as well, this will be an additional £99. It is advisable to send your samples to the laboratory using the Royal Mail Tracked 24 service.

What is included in the test kit?
The sample collection kit includes instructions for use, swabs, blood collection tubes, a consent form and return pre-addressed packaging. Your test kit with everything you need will be dispatched the same day your order (if received before 2pm Monday to Friday) and will be shipped in plain and discreet packaging for complete confidentiality.

Can I do a prenatal paternity test if I have had fertility treatments?
Yes, this test is suitable for mother’s who have become pregnant through fertility treatments. Although mistakes are rare during the IVF process, there is always a small risk of the wrong sperm sample being used. This means that there is a possibility that the sperm donor may not be the biological father of the child. A prenatal paternity test can help ensure any errors are identified before the baby is born.

Paternity test while you are pregnant (NIPPT)

ISO17025 Compliant