A child’s DNA comes from the egg and sperm of a woman and man, respectively. Each parent contributes an equal number of chromosomes to make up the child’s own. That’s precisely what a paternity test relies on!
This test allows a child to trace his or her parents when the situation arises. It also shows the connections between people considered blood-related.
The following article helps us understand everything about this test. Read till the end to know if there are any health concerns with this test!
What is A Paternity Test and Why Does it Matter?
The DNA blood test that confirms the biological relationship between a child/children and a parent is called paternity testing. The paternity test is a common practice for confirming family genetics.
The father is who the child/children are/are usually compared to because the mother carries the pregnancy; hence, the biological relationship is already established.
Cases like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and surrogacy may require both maternity and paternity tests to confirm family genetics. Learn more about paternity tests.
The confirmation is positive when the chances recorded from the testing are about 99.9%. Though there are circumstances, it can be lower due to testing equipment and services.
However, most legal tests with modern and standard equipment types confirm positive tests with a 99% chance. The chances are meagre if the result is negative, like below 60%.
Such a test only determines proof of a relationship between father and child/children and not other biological connections like the mother, aunt, uncle, sibling, cousins, grandparent, etc.
It cannot be used to provide information about an individual’s ancestry, age, or race.
The paternity testing for an unborn child is known as prenatal paternity testing, which is conducted as early as within the first pregnancy trimester.
It can be non-invasive where both parents’ blood samples are required, and it is also known as the safest method. It can also be invasive through Amniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
When Should I Consider Paternity Testing?
A paternity test may be considered for any of the following circumstances:
- Legal instructions will
- Visa and immigration application
- Child support
- Social security
- Adoption
- Establishing paternity in surrogacy and IVF pregnancies
How Much Is A Paternity Test
There are various costs of paternity testing depending on the type of testing required. Legal tests usually cost a lot as they must be carried out in a standard hospital with equipment.
Other tests not carried out due to legal requirements may be done with paternity test kits, home services tests, or online tests.
Hospital paternity tests cost as much as $500, while home service tests can cost up to $200.
Paternity test kits cost as much as $15, and take-home lab services can cost up to $150. However, these costs vary depending on the different testing centers and brands.
Paternity Testing Cost and Instructions
Paternity testing costs and instructions are given for the smooth flow of the testing process. It may vary for different testing centers, laboratories, and hospitals. However, there are basic instructions that must be adhered to when going for paternity testing, and they are:
- Ensure the signed consent of all the parties involved.
- Bring the required documents along for parents, any valid identification, child/children, birth certificate, and passports.
You cannot get the paternity test done without adhering to these instructions. There are various situations when you must opt for a paternity test, and understanding simple aspects of the process makes your life easier.
Essential Test Details
A paternity test is essential to know all about the biological father of a child. It is an accurate test that can tell much about the child’s paternal genes.
There’s an entire show around this, which is quite bizarre considering the invasion of privacy – but as they say, that’s TV! In addition, the test is performed around the eighth week of pregnancy or postpartum.
The test works in the following manner:
- DNA of the following parties is collected:
- Birthing parent
- Potential non-birthing parent
- The fetus or the child
These are taken from either the tissue or blood samples of the individuals concerned.
Then,
- A lab technician looks at the samples and investigates them for genetic markers. These are characteristic DNA sequences that can help identify the father. A similarity between the child and pregnant person or the potential non-birthing parent is done.
Before a paternity test, you may expect to undergo the sample collection process. This includes a cheek swab or blood sample they collect from the potential father, pregnant mother, and child.
Is Paternity Test Safe For Us?
Paternity tests are harmless tests that do not physically hurt the parties involved. Opt for the non-invasive prenatal paternity test or NIPP. This is the most accurate, convenient, and cost-effective test that you can get.
Other tests, such as CVS or amniocentesis, are more dangerous and can harm the unborn baby.
Even your doctor won’t recommend these unless they suspect a severe genetic disorder. Choose wisely!
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about a paternity test and getting the right one quickly, without a hassling process. Paternity tests can be mentally taxing for both parties. However, it is one of the best ways to get confirmation.
Be sure to check the considerations such as the time (prenatal, post-natal) to get the paternity test. Contact your OB-GYN for the best option around you and any additional considerations as per your needs.
Read Also:
All Comments
gralion torile
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You've made my day! Thanks again