DNA TESTING AT HOSPITALS

Can Hospitals Do Paternity Tests?

Hospitals do not conduct paternity tests as a standard service after the birth of a child. Their focus is on the health and care of the mother and newborn baby.

Couples trying to confirm paternity as soon as possible after birth can have DNA samples collected at the hospital from both mother and child. Before scheduling a mobile collection with S-DNA, we recommend that you confirm with the birthing nurse at the hospital to ensure it is safe to have a DNA sample collector present. Here we explore how soon paternity testing can be performed for reliable and accurate results.

Common Reasons to Perform an Early Paternity Test:

Below are list of reason people perform a paternity test as soon as possible.

• Adding the alleged biological father’s name to the birth certificate.
• Child Support
• Child Custody
• Adoption
• Peace of mind

The are some common reasons a paternity test is performed sooner than later.

Can a DNA test performed at hospital be used for legal purposes?

Yes. All DNA sample collections we performed are done by an experienced DNA sample collector, DNA specimen collected are tested and analyzed by a partner AABB accredited laboratory.

The accreditation ensures the strict chain of custody guidelines will be adhered to and that your DNA results will be recognized by family courts nationwide.

What method of collection will performed at the hospital?

The method of collection performed at the hospital is a cheek swab. The swab is placed inside the mouth and brushed against the cheeks for 30 seconds on both the left and right sides.

Alternative sample collection methods, such as blood collections, are not commonly used in hospital settings. Needles are more invasive and can be painful. However, blood card samples can be used if the hospital staff has a blood card sample on file.

---

How Soon Can I Get a Paternity Test Done?

The earliest DNA paternity test can be performed days after the birth of a newborn. A paternity test can also be conducted during pregnancy. Below are the available testing options:

1. Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test

• Requirements: This test requires assistance from an OB-GYN.
• Timing:
  • Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Perform between the 10th and 13th weeks of pregnancy.
  • Amniocentesis: Perform between the 15th and 20th weeks.
• Risks: Invasive tests carry some risks. The mother’s OB-GYN must oversee these procedures.

2. Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPP)

• Requirements: This test requires:
  • A blood sample from the mother containing fetal DNA.
  • A cheek swab sample from the alleged father.
• OB-GYN Involvement: No OB-GYN is required for this test.
• Legal Note: This option is not legal for official purposes. Inquire about legal admissibility before paying for this service.

Currently, S-DNA does not offer NIPP testing services.

How much does a hospital paternity test cost?

The cost of performing onsite DNA sample collection to perform paternity DNA test starts at $350.00. DNA sample collection and travel fees are not included in the cost of the paternity test. Call 888-970-4211 to learn more about availability in your city and collection and travel costs. Click to learn more about paternity test costs here.

Where can I go to get a paternity test?

Getting started is simple! Call 888-970-4211 to inquire about possible mobile collection services for hospital DNA testing near your city today.

How Long Does a Paternity Test Take in the Hospital?

The average turnaround time for paternity test results from hospital-collected DNA samples is 2 to 3 business days after the lab receives all genetic samples. This applies to tests performed shortly after birth.

You will receive a physical copy of the results by mail and a copy via email once testing is complete.