• Maternal Blood Analysis (cffDNA): Starting early in pregnancy, the baby's DNA enters the mother's circulation. We extract this fetal DNA from the mother's plasma. This represents the genetic contribution from both the biological mother and the biological father.
• Alleged Father’s DNA Analysis: The father’s DNA is collected using a simple cheek (buccal) swab. This provides the reference DNA to see if the paternal markers found in the fetal DNA match the alleged father.
• Paternity Index Calculation: Using advanced PCR and sequencing, the laboratory calculates the probability that the alleged father is the true biological father compared to a random individual in the population.

Is this test safe for the baby?

Yes. It is 100% non-invasive for the fetus. It only requires a simple blood draw from the mother’s arm.

How early can I take the NIPP test?

Most labs require the mother to be at least 7 to 8 weeks pregnant.

Why is this called a "Peace of Mind" test?

It is for personal information only. Because the samples are collected without a legal witness or "Chain of Custody," the results are not admissible in court.

Can I use this test for twins?

NIPP is generally not recommended for multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) as it is difficult to distinguish which DNA belongs to which fetus.

Does the mother's blood contain the baby's DNA forever?

No. Cell-free fetal DNA disappears from the mother's blood within hours of delivery. This ensures the results reflect the current pregnancy.

How accurate is the 10-day report?

The methodology is over 99.9% accurate, provided there is enough fetal DNA in the sample.

Can I use a toothbrush or hair instead of a cheek swab?

For the "Peace of Mind" version, discrete samples are sometimes possible, but a cheek swab is the gold standard for high-quality DNA.

What if the alleged fathers are related (e.g., brothers)?

If the alleged fathers are close relatives, you must inform the lab, as more genetic markers must be analyzed to distinguish between them.

Does a previous pregnancy affect the result?

No. Fetal DNA from previous pregnancies clears out of the mother's system very quickly after birth.

What is a "Fetal Fraction"?

This is the percentage of the DNA in the mother's blood that belongs to the baby. It must usually be at least 4% for an accurate result.

Can the test determine the baby's gender too?

Yes, many NIPP tests can determine the sex of the fetus as an optional addition to the paternity report.

Why does the report take 10 days?

Extracting tiny amounts of fetal DNA from maternal plasma and analyzing thousands of SNP markers is a complex process that requires high-tech sequencing.

Is there any risk of miscarriage?

No. Unlike amniocentesis, there is no needle inserted into the womb, so there is zero risk to the pregnancy.

Can I take the test if I've had a blood transfusion?

Recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants can interfere with the results. Please consult the lab first.

Is the test confidential?

Yes. Dr. Patho ensures that all DNA results are handled with the highest level of privacy and are only shared with the authorized person.