The paternity test is a type of DNA test that aims to verify the degree of kinship between the person and their supposed father. This test can be done during pregnancy or after birth by analyzing blood, saliva or hair from the mother, child and the supposed father.
The main types of paternity testing are:
- Prenatal Paternity Test: it can be carried out from the 8th week of pregnancy using a small sample of the mother’s blood, as fetal DNA can already be detected in the mother’s blood, and comparison with genetic material from the supposed father;
- Paternity test by amniocentesis: can be carried out between the 14th and 28th pregnancy by collecting the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus and comparing it with genetic material from the supposed father;
- Paternity test by cordocentesis: can be carried out from the 29th week of pregnancy by collecting a blood sample from the fetus through the umbilical cord and comparing it with genetic material from the supposed father;
- Chorionic villus paternity test: can be carried out between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy by collecting fragments of the placenta and comparing it with genetic material from the supposed father.
The alleged father’s genetic material can be blood, saliva or a strand of hair, however some laboratories recommend that 10 strands of hair removed from the root be collected. In the event of the death of the alleged father, a paternity test can be carried out using blood samples from the deceased’s mother or father.
How is the paternity test done?
The paternity test is carried out by analyzing the sample sent to the laboratory, where molecular tests are carried out to indicate the degree of kinship between the people who underwent the test based on the comparison of their DNA. Find out more about the DNA test.
The result of the paternity test is released within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the laboratory in which it is carried out, and is 99.9% reliable.
DNA test during pregnancy
The DNA test during pregnancy can be carried out from the 8th week of pregnancy by collecting the mother’s blood, as during this period fetal DNA can already be found circulating in the mother’s blood. However, when the DNA test only identifies maternal DNA, it may be necessary to collect again or wait a few weeks before other material can be collected.
Normally in the 12th week of pregnancy, DNA can be collected through a chorionic villus biopsy, in which a sample of part of the placenta containing cells from the fetus is collected and taken for analysis in the laboratory and comparison with the genetic material of the fetus. supposed father. Around the 16th week of pregnancy, amniotic fluid can be collected and around the 20th week, umbilical cord blood can be collected.
Regardless of the method used to collect fetal genetic material, the DNA is compared with the father’s DNA to assess the degree of kinship.
Where to take the paternity test
The paternity test can be carried out independently or through a court order in specialized laboratories. Some laboratories that perform paternity testing in Brazil are:
- Genomic – engenharia molecular – Telephone: (11) 3288-1188;
- Genome Center – Telephone: 0800 771 1137 or (11) 50799593.
It is important to inform at the time of the test whether any of the people underwent a blood or marrow transfusion 6 months before the test, as in these cases the result may be doubtful, and it is more advisable to carry out the paternity test by collecting the Spittle.
