How does non-invasive prenatal paternity testing work?
Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing analyzes cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) circulating in the mother's blood. A standard blood draw from the mother is paired with a buccal swab from the alleged father. Our AABB-accredited laboratory isolates fetal DNA from the maternal sample and compares 20+ STR genetic markers to the alleged father's profile.
From the seventh week of pregnancy onward, fragments of fetal DNA circulate in the mother's bloodstream. The laboratory separates these fetal fragments from the mother's DNA and compares them to the alleged father's sample. Because no fetal cells are sampled directly, there is no risk to the baby.
How early can you get a prenatal paternity test?
NIPP can be performed as early as 7 weeks of gestation, calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. This is significantly earlier than chorionic villus sampling (10 to 13 weeks) and amniocentesis (15+ weeks), and unlike both of those procedures, NIPP carries no risk of miscarriage.
Is prenatal paternity testing safe?
NIPP is non-invasive. The mother's sample is a standard blood draw. The alleged father's sample is a buccal (cheek) swab. Neither procedure introduces any risk to the developing baby. By contrast, the older invasive methods carry meaningful miscarriage risk.
Prenatal paternity testing methods
| Method | Earliest gestational age | Procedure | Risk to baby | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIPP (non-invasive) | 7 weeks | Maternal blood draw + paternal cheek swab | None | 99.99% |
| Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) | 10 to 13 weeks | Placental tissue sample via needle | ~1% miscarriage risk | 99.99% |
| Amniocentesis | 15+ weeks | Amniotic fluid sample via needle | ~0.1% miscarriage risk | 99.99% |
Questions about which option is right for you? (866) 873-0879.
Is prenatal paternity testing confidential?
Yes. Prenatal paternity testing is completely confidential. Results are released only to the individuals who ordered the test. Testing does not appear on insurance records when paid privately. No notification is sent to any third party, including the other alleged father, without your explicit consent.
Non-invasive prenatal paternity testing analyzes cell-free fetal DNA from the mother's blood and is performed as early as 7 weeks of gestation, with zero risk to mother or baby.
Prenatal paternity test cost
NIPP testing ranges from $1,295 to $1,895 depending on gestational timing, expedited processing, and shipping. The cost reflects the additional cell-free fetal DNA isolation steps required for prenatal samples.
Find a prenatal testing location
Maternal blood draws can happen at any of our 2,500+ AABB-accredited collection sites. Most are within 25 minutes.
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