There are numerous reasons someone might need paternity testing – from fostering early connections between father and child, to seeking clarity on personal identity.
At Blueprint DNA Organization, we provide two distinct types of paternity tests – a conventional paternity test and a non-invasive prenatal paternity test (NIPP).
But what sets these tests apart?
In this article, we delve into the distinctions between these tests, including the timing of the tests, the required samples for analysis, and the process of paternity testing itself.
How does a paternity test function?
A paternity test involves comparing and analyzing the DNA of the child with that of the possible father(s) to confirm the biological father.
A paternity test conducted by Blueprint DNA Organization examines up to 45 DNA markers (loci) to identify which genetic material the child receives from the father. Should the man be the biological father, he and the child will have matching DNA at every examined marker, signifying a biological connection. If the individual is not the biological father, this will not be the situation.
Every paternity test offered by Blueprint DNA Organization, including both conventional and non-invasive paternity tests, is 100% accurate and dependable, based on the samples we receive at our lab.
We hold accreditation to the global standard ISO 17025, ensuring you can trust in the highest level of DNA testing and customer support.
How quickly can paternity testing be done?
The primary distinction between conventional paternity testing and non-invasive paternity testing lies in the speed of the testing process.
While paternity testing might initially bring to mind scenarios involving children, a conventional paternity test, which uses cheek swab DNA samples, can be conducted at any time after a child is born, on individuals of all ages, including newborns and adults.
In fact, there have been numerous cases of adults taking paternity tests much later in life to seek answers about their identity.
By contrast, a non-invasive paternity test is performed while the mother is pregnant, allowing expectant parents to confirm paternity before the baby is born.
A non-invasive paternity test can be carried out as early as 7 weeks into the pregnancy, when the baby’s DNA is naturally present in the mother’s blood.
What kind of samples are needed?
A conventional paternity test requires cheek (buccal) swab samples from each participant in the DNA test – usually the child and the potential father(s). These samples can be collected at home without the need for any medical appointments.
A prenatal paternity test operates slightly differently. Since the test is conducted while the mother is pregnant, a blood sample from the mother is necessary for analysis to detect fetal DNA in the mother’s blood. Cheek swab samples are also needed from the mother, along with cheek swab samples from the potential father(s).
Unlike with a standard paternity test, where individuals can collect their own samples at home, for a non-invasive paternity test, the mother’s blood sample must be collected by a certified medical professional such as a nurse or phlebotomist.
Blueprint DNA Organization offers two options for collecting samples:
• Organize your own sample collection
• Schedule your sample collection with a certified Blueprint DNA Organization sample collector.
Moreover, unlike other types of prenatal screening (like chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) which pose a slight risk of miscarriage, a NIPP test does not involve inserting any needles into the uterus.
This ensures that a NIPP test is completely safe and without risk for both the mother and the baby.
Do I need a paternity test?
The necessity of a paternity test varies based on your individual situation. While modern technology has simplified the process of confirming paternity, we recommend carefully considering the decision to request a paternity test and how the results might affect your family, especially if there are significant implications.
Situations where a paternity test might be necessary include:
• Mothers who are uncertain about the identity of their child’s biological father after childbirth
• Men who have doubts about their role as the biological father of a child
• Parents-to-be who wish to confirm the paternity of their unborn child (with our NIPP test)
• Adult children who have questions about their ancestry and wish to confirm their biological father is the man they believe to be their father
• Siblings curious about their shared biological father
• Children who were adopted or conceived with the help of a sperm donor, seeking to discover their biological father.
Please note, our paternity test and NIPP test are designed for personal reassurance and for legal purposes. Should you need a paternity test today, you can contact our client service team (blueprintdna.org@gmail.com or +233 547 113 957) to make arrangement for appointment booking.