Paternity testing is a standard in the legal and scientific fraternity to accurately establish a biological relatedness between a possible father and child. Legal paternity tests are validated by the United States courts and courts worldwide.
Before diving into the cost of paternity tests, it is essential to understand what paternity testing is, what is involved, and how to go about it. Learn more about paternity tests in the articles below:
What Is a Paternity Test?
A paternity test compares the DNA sample of an alleged possible father with that of a child, regardless of whether they are minors or adults. To determine paternity, the genetic comparisons from the probable father must match those of the child at every marker tested.
To perform a DNA paternity test, all that is needed is the DNA sample from a possible father and the child.
Types of Paternity Tests
Paternity tests can be done during pregnancy (prenatally) or after birth (post-natal). Cheek swabs or blood samples are collected from a potential father and infant for postnatal testing.
For unborn babies, however, there are various to collect samples:
● Chorionic villus sampling
The procedure is usually done to monitor the fetus’s health, but a sample can be used to determine paternity. The test, done between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy, involves taking a small tissue from the placenta through the cervix or abdomen of a pregnant mother. The tissue is then compared to the cells of a probable father.
The test carries a slight risk for miscarriage, and therefore, you may want to consider this option if you are already planning to do it for fetal health screening.
● Amniocentesis Paternity Testing
This is an invasive procedure, usually performed to assess the fetus’ health. Amniotic fluid from a pregnant mother is retrieved using a long needle in the procedure. You can therefore take the opportunity to use it to determine paternity as the amniotic fluid can be compared with fluids from a potential father to determine paternity.
● Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test
Here, a blood sample is taken from the pregnant mother to analyze the fetal DNA. The results are then compared to a saliva sample collected from a possible father.
How Is the Paternity Test Conducted?
Paternity testing is a process that involves;
- The DNA sample is collected from the participants’ cheeks using a cotton swab. The process is painless.
- A participant is given two swabs, and using the cotton end of the swab, the swab is firmly rubbed on the inside part of the cheeks.
- The swabs are then placed in paper containers to avoid mold that can contaminate. Samples can also be flickered in the air to dry them. Be careful not to touch the ends of the swab, as this will contaminate the sample.
What Is Done to Your Sample in The Lab?
Are you wondering how your DNA is extracted from a sample you just gave? Here’s what happens:
- The sample is extracted from the cells and magnified to make it large enough to work on
- At least 16 genetic markers for each participant are analyzed to identify the genetic information for each marker.
- Data is then used to calculate the probability of relatedness between a male participant and the child or children in question.
Uses of Paternity Tests
Paternity tests are commonly used in courts to prove or disprove a biological father-child relationship. Other uses are: providing genetic health information and establishing veteran, inheritance, and social security benefits.
Paternity Test Cost
Now that you know more about paternity testing, you probably wonder how much it costs- this is a common question! The cost of paternity testing varies. It is essential to note that health insurance does not cover DNA testing; therefore, you need to be aware that you will pay out of pocket for testing
Averagely, you will spend between $300 to $500 for a legal paternity cost, regardless of your state. The fee should include collection costs associated with the test.
Non-legal paternity tests like the DNA paternity home test will cost you around $ 30 in any state; this, however, excludes the testing. Generally, expect to pay up to $200 for everything.
Get Your Paternity Test Today
Do you want to clear that lingering paternity question? With various options for conducting a paternity test and available kits in the market, you can clear this doubt by either a legal on the non-legal process.
