Postnatal DNA Paternity Tests

Safer, cheaper & greater accuracy

Postnatal DNA Paternity tests are safer, cheaper and more accurate than prenatal tests. The test is usually quite simple and is relatively painless. Furthermore, this procedure can be completed at any time within a child’s or adult’s lifetime.

Generally, there are three methods used to determine a paternal relationship:

• Umbilical Cord Blood Test
• Buccal (Cheek) swab
• Post mortem

Umbilical Cord Blood Test

Immediately after birth, you can have blood drawn from the umbilical cord of the baby for use in DNA paternity testing. There is no risk to the baby with this method. If you choose an umbilical cord blood test, be sure to choose your laboratory and order the test kit in advance of your delivery date. Also, discuss the procedure with your doctor as there may be extra fees involved. As well, your doctor will probably like to know in advance that an umbilical cord blood sample is required.

If you are testing for legal purposes, the cost is likely going to be higher. Be sure to explain your specific needs to the laboratory and clarify the procedure you must follow so that, if necessary, the results are legally binding. If you do not follow the proper procedure to make an umbilical cord DNA paternity test legally binding, you will not be able to use it for legal purposes. It is recommended that if you have any reason to believe you may need legal support in the future that you ask for a legally binding umbilical cord DNA paternity test. Results are usually provided within five business days.

Buccal (Cheek) Swab

A buccal (cheek) swab can be done with a home paternity test kit or by going into a laboratory. It is a painless procedure. A q-tip swab is rubbed against the inside of the cheek several times to gather tissue. The DNA of the tissue is then analyzed in a laboratory to determine if there is any significant biological match proving or disproving parenthood. Using tissue samples from the mother, child and alleged father is usually the cheapest and most accurate way to get conclusive results.

Post Mortem

DNA paternity testing is still possible if the father is deceased. Paternal relatives (grandparents and siblings of the deceased alleged father) can be profiled along with the biological mother and the child. The cost is usually higher and the reporting accuracy may be lower. It is recommended that you get a fixed price quoted for the services you need and clarify the reporting time and accuracy of the test.