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Prenatal paternity, without touching the pregnancy.
During pregnancy the baby's DNA circulates in the mother's blood. NIPPT compares it with a cheek swab from the possible father and answers whether he is the biological father, from early in the first trimester, with no needle near the baby and no risk to the pregnancy.
Not available for online ordering. Both the pregnant woman and the possible father give consent and a sample.
Four steps, one blood draw
Fragments of the baby's DNA cross from the placenta into the mother's bloodstream. The laboratory reads thousands of single-letter DNA variants (SNPs) in that mixture, separates the baby's signal from the mother's, and checks whether the baby's paternal half matches the tested man.
Call and schedule
We confirm the week of pregnancy, explain what each person brings, and answer questions before you decide.
Two samples
A routine blood draw from the mother, and a cheek swab from the possible father. Both sign consent. A swab from the mother is taken too, to tell her DNA apart from the baby's.
Analysis
The fetal share of DNA is measured first. If it is high enough, the SNP comparison is run; if not, the draw is repeated a little later at no extra cost.
Result, explained
The report states the probability of paternity. A geneticist explains it to both of you, in person or by the channel you choose.
Next to the other ways of knowing
Before cell-free DNA, paternity during pregnancy meant an invasive procedure or waiting for the birth. NIPPT removes the risk from the first and the wait from the second.
| Feature | NIPPT | Amniocentesis or CVS | Test after birth |
|---|---|---|---|
| When | First trimester onward | Weeks 11 to 20 | After the birth |
| Sample from the pregnancy | None, mother’s blood only | Needle into the womb | Cheek swab from the child |
| Risk to the baby | None | Small risk of miscarriage | None |
| Sample from the man | Cheek swab | Cheek swab | Cheek swab |
| Answer before the birth | Yes | Yes | No |
Amniocentesis and CVS are diagnostic procedures ordered for medical reasons; they are not done for paternity alone.
When the test needs a different approach
A few situations change how, or whether, NIPPT can be run. We ask about them when you call so nothing is wasted.
- TwinsWith more than one baby the DNA in the blood is mixed, so the standard test does not apply. Ask us; in some cases another approach is possible.
- Possible fathers who are close relativesIf the two men are brothers, or father and son, both should be tested so the result can tell them apart.
- Very early pregnancyBefore the fetal share of DNA is high enough the sample may need to be repeated a little later. This is why we confirm the week when scheduling.
- Recent transfusion, transplant or stem-cell therapyAnother person's DNA in the mother's blood can interfere. Tell us and we will advise.
Common questions
The earliest week and turnaround are confirmed by the laboratory before launch.
Is it safe for the baby?
Yes. Only the mother's blood is taken, from the arm. Nothing touches the womb, so there is no risk of miscarriage.
How accurate is it?
When the tested man is the father, the probability of paternity is above 99.9%. When he is not, he is excluded. The comparison uses thousands of DNA variants, far more than a standard paternity test needs, to compensate for the small share of fetal DNA in the blood.
How early can it be done?
From the first trimester, once enough of the baby's DNA is present in the mother's blood. The exact earliest week is confirmed when you schedule, and if the fetal share is still too low the draw is simply repeated later.
Does the man have to come in?
Yes. His cheek swab is taken at the laboratory with his consent and identification. A sample cannot be tested without the person's agreement.
Does it tell the sex of the baby?
Sex is not part of this test. If you want it, NiptyX, our prenatal chromosome screen, reports it and can be done from the same blood draw.
Can the result be used in a legal procedure?
Tell us when scheduling. Legal use depends on how the collection is documented, and we will advise what is possible.
Can I order it online?
No. Because consent and identification are checked in person for both people, the test is scheduled by phone.
After the birth, and alongside
The same question after the baby is born, and the screen many parents combine with the same blood draw.
An answer during the pregnancy, with no risk to it
Call us to schedule. We confirm the week, explain what to bring, and a geneticist explains the result to both of you.
Consent and identification requirements follow the applicable law and the laboratory's procedure. Earliest week, turnaround, the SNP panel and legal-use documentation are confirmed by the laboratory before launch. The test establishes biological relationship; it is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace prenatal care.