Patients who wish to determine paternity during pregnancy may take a prenatal paternity test. Like a standard paternity test, the prenatal test compares the baby's DNA profile with that of the alleged father.
DNA paternity testing determines whether a man could be the biological father of a child. We all inherit our DNA (the genetic material) from our biological parents. A DNA paternity test compares a child's DNA pattern with that of the alleged father to check for evidence of this inheritance-the most definitive proof of a biological relationship.
The type of paternity test you need will depend on what you intend to use the DNA test results for:
- If you need paternity test results that can be used as a legal document (for example, to change the name on the birth certificate or to obtain child support and other benefits), a Legal DNA Test needs to be performed.
- However, if you need the test only for personal knowledge, a Home DNA Test willl suffice.
Unlike the Home DNA Test, where tested parties collect their own samples at their convenience, the Legal DNA Test follows a Chain of Custody documentation process to ensure that you receive accurate and legally defensible results. We will coordinate a convenient sample collection appointment, during which a trained sample collector will complete all the necessary documentation to satisfy chain of custody requirements.
If you have determined that you want a paternity test strictly for your own knowledge - a home DNA test might be an appropriate option for you. In a home DNA test, the tested parties collect the DNA samples themselves, at a time and place of their choosing. Please note that the results of a home DNA test cannot be used as legal proof of paternity, because the identity of the persons tested cannot be verified.