When your client requests a paternity test, they will most likely want to know how a paternity tests actually works. This article will explain how DNA Legal conducts a paternity test, and why our tests are the best on the market.
How does a paternity test work?
The first step in a paternity test is a mouth swab, this will be taken by a doctor or a sample collector. A mouth swab is needed from the alleged father and the child, the mother isn't normally needed because we test for a high amount of DNA markers. The DNA Legal team will arrange a time for collection when it suits your client best, however we will try to arrange an appointment at the earliest opportunity.
Forensic experts will examine the participants DNA, by seeing how much DNA the alleged father has in common with the child. Once this information has been analysed, the forensic experts will be able to conclusively determine if the alleged father and child have enough matching DNA to have a biological connection. The results will be delivered within 5 business days, from when our lab has received the participants DNA samples.
Prenatal paternity tests (non invasive)
We are also able to provide prenatal paternity tests, this allows your client to find out who the father is before the child is born. The DNA Legal prenatal paternity tests requires both the mother and the alleged father to take blood samples.
The prenatal paternity test can only begin after the 9th week of conception, as it takes this long for the DNA to be found within the mother's bloodstream. Therefore blood samples will be required from both the alleged father and the mother. This means that all interested parties can be aware of the biological father months before the baby is even born.
To make the situation as smooth as possible, all arrangements will be made by the DNA Legal team. Which includes booking the clinic where the participants will need to get their blood taken by a fully accredited doctor. Results can be expected within 7-10 business days, once the laboratory has received the blood samples.
Prenatal CVS / Amino
Another option is the prenatal cvs/amnio test, this will be conducted at our dedicated foetal medicine centre in Harley Street, London. The test is carried out by taking genetic samples during pregnancy using CVS or Amniocentesis. A mouth swab from the mother and alleged father is also needed.
This can be a stressful time for your clients, however they will be given world class care by our leading UK foetal medicine specialists. Rarely this test cannot be performed due to the position of the placenta, if this is the case, the test will needed to wait until the 16th week of conception when amniocentesis can be carried out.
Contact the DNA Legal team
If you want to know more information about his subject or about anything else, please call 0203 4243 470 or you can generate an online quote here.