When Should You Do a Paternity Test?
For most mothers who are looking to confirm the father of their baby, a Non-Invasive DNA test is not an easy option due to costs. Most mothers conduct a paternity test after the baby is born, and it could be as early as they take the baby home after delivery. Hospital paternity testing can be conducted with the approval of the hospital administration.
There is no time limit for a DNA test on a baby after birth. Since it is a cheek swab, the process can be conducted right after birth. If a test is to be conducted, it is best not to feed the baby breast milk or formula to avoid DNA contamination.
If a couple needs to do a paternity test, it is important to avoid delays in conducting the test. Some laws require that a paternity test after 2 years could make a father automatically pay child support. For this reason, paternity tests should be done before this timeframe lapses. It is best to review your state’s laws. However, paternity tests can also be done on adults who are searching for a father whom they might not have seen for a lifetime. There are no restrictions on testing adults. The process is the same and involves a cheek swab.
How does a paternity test work for a newlyborn infant?
The paternity test for a newborn is not different from any other paternity test. It involves a cheek swab of both cheeks from the infant. The sample processing follows the same scientific process, looking for appropriate markers between the father and child. If the markers (STR LOCUS) show appropriate matches, then the father is the father of the child with a 99.999% certainty. If not, there is no match at 0%, or the match cannot be determined.
Paternity tests after the baby is born varies with various criteria. It is best to call your lab for clarity on pricing. SmarTest Labs will be happy to assist you with pricing depending on the customization of your DNA test.
Myths and Post-Birth Paternity Tests
Paternity tests are extremely accurate. The science around paternity testing is mature and has been used accurately and successfully for several years.
There are 2 cheek swabs per cheek, and these will be placed in a paper envelope and processed by the lab. It is important that the sample is not placed in any form of plastic for packaging as the DNA could be compromised.
Legal paternity tests cannot be done with self-kits but should be conducted by a trained DNA professional. The process requires validation of the individuals via an identification that they are the person being tested. If a home kit is used, the results will not be court-admissible.
Paternity DNA Tests Can be Done for Newborn Infants.
For guidance on paternity DNA tests for a newborn, It is best to call your lab for clarity on pricing.
SmarTest Labs will be happy to assist you with guidance on the process and pricing depending on the customization of your DNA test.
Call us at 301-686-8566 for your appointment. We are an AABB-certified lab for DNA testing.
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