Prenatal DNA Testing Services

DDC’s Genetic Discovery Services includes prenatal DNA paternity testing for those clients who wish to determine paternity before the baby is born. Prenatal DNA paternity tests utilize the same scientific method as a standard paternity test and yields the same conclusive results. The only difference is that the baby’s sample is collected before it is born by an OB-GYN. To obtain prenatal samples, an OB-GYN uses one of the following two procedures depending on the stage of pregnancy: chorionic villi sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. You are encouraged to discuss these two procedures and their medical implications with your OB-GYN, since both are invasive procedures.

	Chorionic Villi Sampling	Amniocentesis
Stage of pregnancy	10th through 13th week	14th through 24th week
Type of cells collected	Cells from the placenta, a membrane surrounding the developing fetus.	Loose fetal cells released into the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus
Collection procedure	Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN uses a catheter through the vagina or a long, hollow needle through the abdomen (depending on the position of the fetus) to collect cells.	Guided by ultrasound, an OB-GYN uses a long needle through the abdomen to collect fluid.

Setting Up the Test

To set up a prenatal test or simply ask questions about this type of test, please call us at 1-800-833-0992 to discuss your situation with one of our caring prenatal specialists. It is strongly recommend that the mother check with her own OB-GYN if they are willing to perform the CVS/amniocentesis procedures. If the OB-GYN cannot collect or refer the mother to a local OB-GYN who can help collect samples from the unborn child, we may be able to help provide a referral list of OB-GYNs who are experienced in the procedures.

Testing Cost

A prenatal paternity test costs $475 for testing the prenatal sample, the mother, and the alleged father. Our clients can initiate the process with a non-refundable partial payment of $100. The sample collection fee charged by the OB-GYN is not included in the test fee; this fee (ranging from $500-$1500) will be paid directly to the physician. Sometimes, the OB-GYN fee may be covered by the insurance if the mother is having the CVS or amniocentesis sample collected for other medical purposes (such as prenatal screening).

Other Tested Party Sample Collection

The buccal swab samples from the mother and alleged father are usually collected at the time of prenatal sample collection for no extra charge; otherwise, samples will be collected at one of our convenient collection facilities for a fee of $35 per person. After all samples arrive in our laboratory, it takes 5 working days to produce results for a prenatal DNA paternity test.

To order a test, please call 1-800-833-0992.

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