Prenatal paternity testing in London

Prenatal paternity testing is a way of determining whether a man is a baby’s biological father before the baby is born. This 100% safe procedure is available in London.

The non-invasive test works by analysing blood and mouth swab samples only. Because a baby inherits DNA from both of its parents, our prenatal paternity test can identify if a man is the father of a baby by looking at three samples:

• the man’s DNA
• the pregnant woman’s DNA, and
• the unborn baby’s DNA.

Previously, procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling would have been required to gain a sample of an unborn baby’s DNA. Both of these invasive methods incur a slight risk of miscarriage and can thus potentially harm the unborn child. AlphaBiolabs’ prenatal DNA test does not carry such risks.

How does the prenatal paternity test work?

The baby’s DNA is analysed within the mother’s bloodstream and can be performed as early as 6 weeks after conception (or 8 weeks after the last period). The mother needs to provide a blood sample and there are no side effects or risk of miscarriage. The alleged father’s sample simply involves using a mouth swab to collect DNA from his cheek cells.

By examining the three DNA samples, it is possible to identify which half of the DNA is inherited from the mother and which half is from the father. If the tested man is indeed the biological father, both baby and father will share DNA.

DNA prenatal paternity testing options in London

We have three sample collection options for your prenatal paternity tests in and around London. The blood and mouth swab samples can be collected at one of our London Walk in Centres*; we can arrange for one of our highly trained sample collectors to come to your house, your place of work, or anywhere else convenient to collect your samples; or alternatively, you can request a GP or other medical professional take your samples (may be a fee involved).

The mouth swab and blood samples do not need to be collected at the same location, but they should be collected around the same time to avoid any delays and the risk of the blood samples haemolysing.

Once your samples are received at our UK-based laboratory, the testing process can begin. Your results will be available within 7 days for £875 or our express 4-day service costs an additional £200. Interest-free credit is available upon application.

You can order your prenatal DNA test here or contact our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email us at info@alphabiolabs.com.

*Our Walk in Centres are located at Springfield Medical Centre (110 Union Road, London SW8 2SH) and Kentish Town Health Centre (2 Bartholomew Road, London NW5 2BX).