Know When to Take a Paternity Test: Establishing Paternity

Deciding when to take a paternity test can be a pivotal moment for families seeking clarity and certainty about paternity. This article will guide you through the appropriate timing and circumstances on when to take a paternity test.

When to Take a Paternity Test

When deciding to take a paternity test, consider the timing that suits your situation best. Whether it is establishing paternity for a newborn baby or resolving long-standing uncertainties, taking a paternity test can provide peace of mind and legal clarity.

How Soon Can You DNA Test a Baby After Birth

A DNA paternity test can typically be conducted soon after a baby’s birth, and it is possible to test a newborn baby within the first day after birth. This timely testing can be important for legal and emotional reasons, as it allows for the prompt establishment of paternity.

Wondering when to take a paternity test for optimal results? While it is recommended to conduct the test as soon as possible, there is no specific waiting period required before testing a newborn baby. That DNA Company’s UK paternity test allows for quick and accurate results for utmost convenience.

Why It Is Important to Do a DNA Test as Soon as Possible After the Baby’s Birth

Performing a DNA test as soon as possible after a baby’s birth enables the timely establishment of paternity, which determines parental rights and responsibilities from the outset. Conducting the test promptly can also provide clarity and peace of mind for all parties involved, resolving any uncertainties regarding biological relationships early on.

Moreover, early testing allows for the initiation of necessary legal processes, such as entering the correct father’s name on the child’s Birth Certificate without delay. Families can avoid prolonged periods of uncertainty and potentially prevent legal complications arising from unresolved paternity issues.

Different Types of Paternity Tests

Each type of paternity test serves a specific purpose based on the family composition and relationships involved. The choice of test will depend on the individuals available for testing and the information needed to establish biological relationships accurately.

Father and Child Only Paternity Test

In a Father and Child Only Paternity Test, the DNA of the alleged father and the child is compared to determine biological relatedness. This test specifically focuses on establishing paternity by analysing genetic markers present in the DNA of the father and child.

Through this comparison, the test can confirm whether the alleged father is the biological parent of the child. It is a straightforward and commonly used method to determine paternity when the mother’s DNA is not available or necessary for the testing process.

Sibling DNA Test

A Sibling DNA Test is a type of paternity test that involves analysing the DNA of two individuals to establish the likelihood of whether they are full-siblings or half-siblings.

The analysis of genetic markers in the tested DNA samples can indicate the probability of whether the two individuals share the same biological parents or not. 

Full-siblings share the same biological mother and father, whereas half-siblings only share one common parent.

One Child and Two Father Paternity Test

In a One Child and Two Father Paternity Test, the DNA of one child is compared with the DNA of two alleged fathers to determine paternity. This type of test is conducted when it is necessary to establish which of the two alleged fathers is the biological parent of the child.

With the genetic markers in the DNA samples provided by the child and the two alleged fathers, the test can determine with a high degree of certainty the paternal relationship. 

Two Children and One Father Paternity Test

The Two Children and One Father Paternity Test involves analysing the DNA of two children to determine if they share the same biological father. This type of test is useful in establishing paternity when there are multiple children involved, but only one alleged father. The test can assess the likelihood of paternity and confirm whether the children share the same biological father.

Three Children and One Father Paternity Test

In a Three Children and One Father Paternity Test, the DNA of three children is compared with the DNA of a single alleged father to determine paternity. This test is employed in situations where it is necessary to establish the biological relationship between the alleged father and the three children. This type of test is important in familial contexts where it is essential to confirm the biological parentage of multiple children. 

Paternity Testing During Pregnancy: Is it Possible?

Still wondering when to take a paternity test and if it is possible to have paternity testing during pregnancy? While taking a paternity test during pregnancy is possible, it is recommended to wait until after the baby’s birth for the most accurate results. 

Yes, you can get a paternity test during pregnancy. DNA paternity testing can occur as early as 9 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Prenatal paternity tests are available and involve taking a blood sample from the mother and a cell sample from the alleged father to conduct a fetal cell analysis, making it a safe and accurate option for establishing paternity during pregnancy.

Non-invasive prenatal paternity tests, like Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP), are a common option for establishing paternity before the baby is born. However, non-invasive testing carries a possibility of false positive or false negative results and generally start from £600. We do not offer this type of testing and recommend you wait to sample the baby once born to achieve the most relatable result at a reduced price of under £100.

How Paternity Testing Works

Now that you know when to take a paternity test, understanding how paternity testing works can provide reassurance and clarity on the process. Here’s everything you need you need to know about how paternity testing works:

How is a DNA Paternity Test Done?

A DNA paternity test is done by collecting DNA samples from the potential father and the child, through a simple, painless swab of the inside of the cheeks. Each participant takes a single swab to rub firmly on the inside of the cheeks, which are then sealed for laboratory analysis. 

The collected DNA samples are then analysed, with the results indicating the likelihood of the tested man being the biological father of the child.

How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost?

The cost of a paternity test varies depending on the type of test and the number of individuals involved. That DNA Company offers affordable and accurate testing options in the United Kingdom.

• 1 Child, 1 Alleged Father: Next Day Service costs £118.00, while the 2 Day Service costs £88.00.
• 2 Children, 1 Alleged Father: Next Day Service costs £165.00, while the 2 Day Service costs £135.00.
• 3 Children, 1 Alleged Father: Next Day Service costs £202.00, while the 2 Day Service costs £182.00.
• 1 Child, 2 Alleged Fathers: Next Day Service costs £165.00, while the 2 Day Service costs £135.00.

How Is Paternity Confirmed?

Paternity is confirmed through DNA analysis, which compares genetic markers to establish biological relationships between individuals. This test compares the genetic markers or DNA profiles of the alleged father and the child. The test analyses specific regions of their DNA to determine if there is a match between the two individuals.

If there is a high degree of similarity between the genetic markers of the alleged father and the child, it can be concluded with a high level of certainty that he is the biological father. The test results are provided in a written report that indicates the probability of paternity.

Accuracy and Legality of Paternity Tests

Ensuring the accuracy and legality of paternity tests is crucial when seeking to establish paternity officially.

How Accurate are DNA Paternity Tests?

Accuracy is often confused with certainty. All our tests are 100% accurate. But the certainty is the figure which shows the probability of a relationship between the donors.  DNA paternity tests are extremely reliable for confirming biological relationships.

DNA paternity tests are considered to be the gold standard for establishing paternity. The certainty of DNA paternity tests varies, but it is typically between 99.999% and 99.99999999%, depending on the donors available for testing.

These tests compare the genetic markers or DNA profiles of the alleged father and the child, and the high degree of similarity between the two individuals’ genetic markers helps to determine paternity with a high level of certainty.

Take a Paternity Test Today

Taking a paternity test can provide clarity, peace of mind, and legal certainty for families seeking to establish paternity. The timing of when to take a paternity test will depend on the individual circumstances and the type of test needed. Paternity testing during pregnancy is possible, but it is recommended to wait until after the baby’s birth for the most accurate results.

For those seeking clarity on paternity or wishing to confirm biological relationships, taking a paternity test is a straightforward and reliable process with That DNA Company. Explore our range of comprehensive testing services in the United Kingdom and make an informed decision about establishing paternity. Take the paternity test today.