The paternity test is a type of DNA test that aims to verify the degree of kinship between the person and his supposed father. This test can be done during pregnancy or after birth by analyzing the blood, saliva or hair strands of the mother, child and the alleged father.
The main types of paternity testing are:
- Prenatal paternity test: can be performed from the 8th week of gestation using a small sample of blood from the mother, as the fetal DNA can already be detected in the maternal blood, and comparison with the alleged father's genetic material; Amniocentesis paternity test: can be performed between the 14th and 28th gestations by collecting the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus and comparing it with the alleged father's genetic material; Cordocentesis paternity test: can be performed from the 29th week of gestation by collecting the blood sample from the fetus through the umbilical cord and comparing it with the alleged father's genetic material; Paternity test for chorionic villus: can be performed between the 11th and 13th weeks of gestation by collecting fragments of the placenta and comparing it with the alleged father's genetic material.
The genetic material of the alleged father may be blood, saliva or hair, however some laboratories recommend that 10 hairs taken from the root be collected. In the event of the death of the alleged father, paternity testing can be performed using blood samples from the mother or father of the deceased.
The price of the paternity test varies according to the laboratory, and can cost between R $ 2000 and R $ 4000.00. However, in some cases, paternity testing can be carried out free of charge through a court order that can be requested by a public defender.
DNA testing while pregnant
DNA testing during pregnancy can be done from the 8th week of gestation by collecting the mother's blood, since during this period fetal DNA can already be found circulating in the maternal blood. However, when the DNA test only identifies the maternal DNA, it may be necessary to collect it again or wait a few weeks to collect other material.
Normally in the 12th week of gestation, DNA can be collected by means of chorionic villus biopsy, in which a sample of part of the placenta containing cells of the fetus is collected, being taken for analysis in the laboratory and comparison with the genetic material of the fetus. supposed father. Amniotic fluid can be collected around the 16th week of gestation and around the 20th week, umbilical cord blood.
Whichever method is used to collect fetal genetic material, DNA is compared with the father's DNA to assess the degree of kinship.
How the paternity test is done
The paternity test is done from the analysis of the sample sent to the laboratory, where molecular tests are carried out that indicate the degree of kinship between the people who underwent the examination by comparing the DNA. Learn more about DNA testing.
The result of the paternity test is released between 2 and 3 weeks, depending on the laboratory in which it is performed, and is 99.9% reliable.
Where to take the paternity test
The paternity test can be carried out autonomously or through a court order in specialized laboratories. Some laboratories that do the paternity test in Brazil are:
- Genomic - molecular engineering - Telephone: (11) 3288-1188; Genome Center - Telephone: 0800 771 1137 or (11) 50799593.
It is important to inform at the time of the exam if any of the people had a blood or bone marrow transfusion 6 months before the test was performed, as in these cases the result may be doubtful, being more suitable to perform the paternity test by collecting the sample. Spittle.
