Paternity Testing Facts

Paternity testing using DNA (deoxyribunucleic acid) can be done several ways to establish paternity.

How Paternity is Determined

Testing is done by getting a sample of the DNA of the alleged father, the child and the mother. A child is the combination of the DNA of both parents. Through studying the DNA of the alleged father, mother and the child, the probability of a man being the father of the child can be as accurate as 99.99 percent.

Ways of Obtaining DNA

DNA can be collected from a blood sample, a cheek swab to collect saliva, umbilical cord blood, semen, tissue sample or hair.

Prenatal Paternity Tests

Before a child is born, paternity can be determined from two different tests. Both tests run the risk of causing miscarriage. Amniocentesis is done in the second trimester of pregnancy (14-20 weeks) by drawing out amniotic fluid with a thin needle with the use of ultrasound as a guide. CVS (Chorionic villus sampling) is done in the first trimester of pregnancy (10-13 weeks) by inserting a thin needle through the vagina into the uterus to get tissue samples that come from the fertilized egg that attach to the uterine walls.

Postnatal Paternity Tests

The safest paternity testing is done after the child is born by getting blood samples or doing a cheek swab.

How Long Do Results Take?

Normally results take five business days.

Costs of Paternity Tests

Costs vary between $400 to $2,000 depending on what kind of test is used and the facility used for the testing.