Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to our most-asked questions here. Have more? Contact us for a free consultation.

Non-Invasive Pre-Natal Paternity

Pre-Test & Testing

What is a prenatal paternity test?

A prenatal paternity test establishes paternity while pregnant. The DDC Certainty™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test, which uses the SNP microarray method, is the most accurate test available—and ours is the first and only prenatal paternity test accredited by the AABB. Because it is non-invasive, the test is completely safe for mother and pregnancy.

How does a prenatal paternity test work?

The DDC Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test is the most accurate non-invasive way to determine paternity before a baby’s birth. The DDC process is state-of-the-art, combining the latest in DNA SNP microarray technology and paternity-determining algorithms. The baby’s DNA is found naturally in the mother’s bloodstream. The test requires a blood sample from the mother; then with our unique processing, the baby’s DNA is isolated from the mother’s and compared to the DNA taken from the possible father. A probability of paternity is determined, and a report is then produced.

How accurate is a non-invasive prenatal paternity test?

At DDC we provide at least a 99.9% probability on prenatal paternity tests. A prenatal test is just as accurate as a postnatal test.

Why should I establish paternity while pregnant?

A main reason to establish paternity while pregnant is to determine the father of a child as early as possible. More complex reasons may include access to legal and social benefits, establishing accurate medical histories, ensuring the biological father is involved in the pregnancy, and perhaps simply to strengthen the family bond, particularly between a father and child.  We’re ready to help. Ring us on 020 3301 7346 .

Can I use the prenatal paternity test results in court?

Results from a prenatal paternity test can be used in court as long as samples were obtained using a chain-of-custody process. Non-legal testing is also an option. Not sure which is right for your unique situation? Ring our experts on 020 3301 7346 .

What is the earliest I can get a paternity test while pregnant?

The DDC prenatal paternity test can be performed as early as 7 weeks after conception.

Test Results

How long does it take to get results for a prenatal paternity test?

Results are posted within 8 business days after samples are received by DDC

How will I receive my results?

For security reasons, we do not send a copy of your results via email. Instead, a PDF report can be downloaded from your secure online account on our website. We immediately send a notification email to the address on file as soon as the online report is ready to view. For a legal paternity test, all tested parties receive a hard-copy of the report as long as mailing addresses are given in writing.

 

Does a legal prenatal paternity test report have names of participants on them?

Yes, because a chain-of-custody process has been followed and the identities of participants have been independently verified. There are no names on non-legal test reports.

What do test results look like, and how do I interpret them?

We follow all paternity-test guidelines for the language used in the report. For this reason, your paternity test results will say whether the possible father IS EXCLUDED or IS NOT EXCLUDED as the biological father of the child tested.

  • IS EXCLUDED: Means that he cannot be the father because testing determined that he and the child do not share a biological parent/child relationship.
  • IS NOT EXCLUDED: Means that he is likely to be the biological father because testing determined that he and the child do share a biological parent/child relationship with a high degree of probability.

IMPORTANT: Because we test up to 2,000 data-points—instead of the standard 20 for a postnatal test— the report provides a conclusion only and does not include all genetic data.

Does the report include information about the pregnancy other than paternity?

No; this test gives results for paternity only, with optional gender identification.

The report mentions Natera, Inc. Who are they?

Natera is one of the most well-regarded genetic-testing companies in the world for prenatal testing technology. DDC uses the Natera algorithm in determining results for our AABB-accredited non-invasive prenatal paternity test. This partner’s services strictly adhere to the terms of the DDC privacy policy.

Billing, Payment, & Other Questions

How much does a prenatal paternity test cost?

Ring us directly for information about pricing and current specials: 020 3301 7346

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept the following forms of payment:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Pre-paid credit cards
  • Western Union Quick Collect
  • Money orders
  • Cashier’s cheques
  • Personal cheques (with the payer’s driver license number written on the check’s memo line)
Do you offer staggered payment?

As part of our mission to make the best DNA testing services accessible and affordable, we offer flexibility to individuals who need time to pay for their tests. To learn more, ring us on 020 3301 7346 .

Do you protect my privacy?

We take our customers’ privacy very seriously: both for your case and your DNA data.

  • We will not release any information about your case to anyone without your authorization
  • We will always follow any special instructions you give us for communicating with you or other parties involved in your test
  • We never release test results over the phone

SEE OUR FULL PRIVACY POLICY

Additional Paternity Questions

Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our team.

DDC
1st Floor, WeWork
184 Shepherds Bush Road 
London
W6 7NL

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