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Questions and Answers About DNA Testing For Paternity

July 1, 2017

Often with an unexpected pregnancy, it becomes important to prove who the father of the baby is. Whether you’re a mom trying to get child support or whether you’re a dad trying to get parental rights, this can be a very stressful situation.


We’re going to look at the most commonly asked questions about DNA testing and proving paternity. Hopefully, having some answers for your questions will ease your mind, reduce your stress and help you develop a plan.


How does a DNA test work?

Every child inherits half their DNA from their mother and half from their father. A DNA test looks for a 50% match between a child and potential parent to prove or disprove the blood relationship.


How accurate is a DNA test?

DNA can determine paternity with 99.99% accuracy.


When can I do a DNA test?

It is possible to do a DNA test before a child is born. The OB/GYN can take a blood sample from the mother and from the possible father any time after the 8th week of pregnancy. This test analyzes the baby’s DNA (which is found in the mother’s blood) and the father’s DNA and looks for the 50% match.


The baby’s DNA can also be tested through an amniocentesis or through Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). Both amniocentesis and CVS include risks of miscarriage and other side effects, so most medical providers do not perform these tests only to prove paternity. The American Pregnancy Association recommends using the non-invasive testing of the mother’s blood or waiting until after the baby’s birth to do a DNA test.


You can also test the DNA after the baby is born. This is done by collecting DNA from the umbilical cord at the time of delivery. Of course, you can also do a cheek-swab DNA test after the baby is born. This involves swabbing the inside of a baby’s cheek and the potential father’s cheek with a special cotton swab.


How long does it take to get results?

This depends on which lab you use. Some labs can get results in 1-5 business days. Other labs can take 1-2 weeks.


How much does it cost?

Again, this depends on which lab you use. Some DNA labs offer less expensive tests called Curiosity Tests or Peace of Mind tests. These results are not accepted in court so they cannot legally prove paternity. Kits for Curiosity Tests can be ordered online or purchased at a drugstore for as little as $10 – $99. Court-admissible DNA tests can cost anywhere from $400 – $2000, depending on how the test is done and where you get it done.


What’s different about the DNA test allowed as evidence in court?

In order for DNA results to be used in court, you must have documentation and proof that the child, mother, and potential father have all been properly identified (with legal ID), that the DNA has been properly collected and handled and that the person testing is a third-party with no interest in the outcome.


If you think you’ll need the DNA results in court, you probably need to speak with a lawyer before choosing which DNA test to do. A lawyer can give guidance and advice about which lab to use.


If you’re considering a DNA paternity test, we hope this gives you some information you might have been lacking and helps you figure out your next right step. As always, if you just need someone to talk with, our team is here to support you.

 

Sources: http://scienceline.org/2012/01/how-does-a-paternity-test-work/

February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
January 2, 2025
Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
December 4, 2024
Sharing the news of an unexpected pregnancy with your family can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, or even guilt—while wondering how your loved ones will react.
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