Prenatal Paternity Test
Viaguard / Accu-Metrics offers the most thorough and flexible options for expectant mothers with both invasive and non-invasive methods for prenatal determination.
It is best to call us directly and have us explain the options and answer your question, call-(416) 691-4167 or toll free at 1-877-842-4827.
Non-invasive procedures
Maternal Venous Blood
Viaguard’s prenatal paternity testing is based on comparing the potential father(s) DNA, obtained by buccal swabs or other methods, to the DNA of the fetus as evidenced in fetal DNA material found in the maternal venous blood. This Viaguard service is available only to residents of North America.
The placenta is a wall of tissue that forms inside the uterus during pregnancy, and is comprised of fetal cells.
The placenta enables the fetus to receive, during gestation, all the nutrients and oxygen needed for normal development. The fetal side of the placental barrier has an intricate network of thousands of minute blood vessels, which are in fact the fetal blood supply, which receives food and oxygen by diffusion from the maternal side of the placenta.
At no time do the maternal and fetal blood supply mix, and waste from the fetus diffuses through the placenta into the maternal blood supply. Included in this diffusion is fetal DNA, which is a normal component of maternal blood during gestation. Fetal DNA is found in cells that migrate, but the most important source is cell-free molecules of fetal DNA. These are formed during the development of the fetus and placenta, because there is a certain amount of cell lysis and apoptosis. It is this naked fetal DNA, once isolated, which is used in the Viaguard prenatal test for paternity determination.
After 13 weeks of gestation we will arrange for you to attend at a local laboratory and have two mini-vacutainers containers of blood drawn.
We supply the laboratory with the specialized collection tubes to be used for this purpose and returned to us after the collected blood has been centrifuged and the maternal blood cells separated, leaving plasma.
The plasma portion is rich in fetal DNA, which is stabilized and preserved in our special collection system. This fetal DNA is matched against the paternal DNA and yields a conclusive result. Complete cost of the test is $980.00.
Finger-prick Method
The finger-prick test is an exclusive DNAffirm technology test that allows us to locate fetal cells in a few drops of blood and then use QFPCR (Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction) to analyze fetal DNA.
The technique is used after the 10 week of gestation, and if sufficient fetal DNA is detected the results are definitive. However in many cases we are unable to isolate sufficient fetal DNA and so the test results are deemed inconclusive. The client does receive a no-cost DNA test on the baby using DNA buccal cell swabs. Test cost is $299.00.
Invasive procedures
Chorionic Villus
A withdrawal of a small amount of the developing placenta can be done after 10 weeks of gestation. The Villi are finger like projections rich in fetal cells. The two techniques used in sampling are trans-cervically or trans-abdominally depending on the position of the placenta.
The procedure is usually proceeded by an ultrasound followed by CVS withdrawal and the entire process takes about 15-20 minutes with minimal discomfort. The sample of CVS cells are sent to us and paternity results are definitive and the cost of the test is $399.00.
Amniocentesis
The withdraw of a small amount of amniotic fluid from the uterus is done after 13 weeks of gestation. The patient lies down on the examination table and using ultrasound the doctor will locate a small pocket of amniotic fluid, inserts a needle, and withdraws the sample. The discomfort is usually of very short duration. The amniotic fluid sample is collected in a special kit which we supply and then returned to us for DNA analysis. Results are definitive and the cost of the test is $399.00.
While they are excellent sources of fetal DNA, CVS cells and Amniotic fluid are not used frequently in fetal DNA analysis because many doctors are not concerned with paternity issues. They tend to use these techniques primarily for taking DNA samples to test for defective genes or health related issues. This means most women who wish a prenatal paternity test use readily available non-invasive techniques.
Every situation is unique and we recommend you call Viaguard to discus your personal situation in confidence at (416)691-4167 or toll free at 1-877-842-4827.
Whose Sperm Cell - A Question of Paternity
When sperm cells are ejaculated in semen during intercourse, they are deposited close to the entrance to the uterus. A normal ejaculation (about a teaspoon) contains 200-500 million sperm cells
As an egg is released by one of the ovaries, the normally impenetrable mucous at the opening of the uterus becomes sufficiently watery and porous for sperm penetration by about 1% of the sperm cells. During this period of female fertility, only a few hundred of these sperm cells reach the upper part of the fallopian tubes where fertilization can occur.
Sperm cells can survive in the fallopian tubes for up to seven days after coitus. This long survival period, combind with the difficulty of ascertaining the exact day of fertilization, creates problems determining paternity when there has been more than one sexual partner. Thus, pre-natal paternity testing may be advisable.
Prenatal DNA Testing / In Vitro Fertilization / Surrogates
Connecting the Genes
In vitro fertilization and uterine embryo transfer are an emotional experience for all participants. A completed procedure should, after 13 weeks of gestation, include DNA genetic confirmation of the biological parents and evidence the surrogate has no genetic linkage. This documented confirmation is increasingly required by the courts, hospitals, and concerned biological parents. It may be in some cases essential to allow for a birth registration naming the genetic mother.
The documentation issued by fertility clinics, while very substantive, may not by itself be accepted as definitive evidence of the true genetic parents, and thus the need for DNA testing. The methodology used by Viaguard addresses these issues and includes the use of legal chain of custody procedures whether samples are taken at our facility or at a remote location as directed by Viaguard.
DNA samples (buccal swabs) are collected from the presumed biological parents and the surrogate. Fetal DNA is obtained by taking a small venous blood sample from the surrogate after 13 weeks of gestation and then isolating the plasma and obtaining viable samples of fetal DNA. The results of the test will prove:
• The presumed biological parents are indeed the genetic parents of the fetus
• The absence of any surrogate genetic link to the fetus
The certified documents prepared by Viaguard facilitate birth registration and provide assurances to all parties.
To discuss your individual circumstances in complete confidence, contact Viaguard at 416-691-4167 or 1-877-842-4827.