A Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPPT) is a method used to determine paternity before a child is born. This test involves analyzing fetal DNA that circulates in the mother’s blood, allowing for the identification of the biological father. NIPPT is typically performed as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy and involves collecting a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the alleged father.
The fetal DNA is separated from the mother’s DNA to create a DNA profile for the fetus, which is then compared to the alleged father’s DNA profile to establish paternity. The Test is called ‘Non-Invasive” because the unborn baby’s DNA is recovered from the mother’s blood. This is in contrast with the “Invasive” type, which requires amniotic fluid to be sampled (No longer recommended).
Reasons for Performing a Prenatal Paternity Test:
NIPT is primarily used to determine paternity before the birth of a child. It is a non-invasive method that poses no risk to the fetus and provides accurate results. This test is particularly beneficial for situations where paternity needs to be established early in the pregnancy for legal or personal reasons
Some of the common conditions where NIPPT is performed in Kenya include:-
- Disputes regarding the paternity of the unborn child.
- Surrogacy pregnancy to ascertain the sperm donor is the biological father of the child.
- Immigration cases where authorities are required to ascertain that the unborn child is fathered by a citizen of their country.
How to prepare for a NIPPT Test at LabtestZote
To start the process of NIPPT, we recommend talking to us for professional guidance before embarking on the test.
- For the NIPPT, the pregnant woman needs to provide a blood sample, typically from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- The alleged father is required to provide a cheek swab sample for DNA analysis.
- Samples need to be collected and sent to the lab for testing.
- Results are typically available within 21 days after all samples are received.
Under
standing NIPPT Results.
NIPPT results are used to determine the probability of paternity, with a high level of accuracy, typically 90-99%. The test analyzes cell-free DNA fragments from the fetus in the mother’s bloodstream to establish paternity. Results are reported as either a 0% probability of paternity if the alleged father is not the biological father, or a 90-99% or greater probability of paternity if he is the biological father.
The contracted analytic lab undertaking Prenatal DNA Testing Services will use reasonable endeavours to obtain a conclusive result. However, due to technical and scientific limitations, a conclusive result cannot be guaranteed. If an inconclusive result is reported, the contract Lab will reperform the Parental DNA Test at its own cost with a newly collected sample up to 2 more times (should it be necessary). The client is liable for the cost of sample collection and shipping of the samples to the contracted Lab. If, after 3 Prenatal DNA Tests have been carried out and a conclusive result cannot be obtained, a 50% refund will apply (exclusive of the sample collection costs).
How long does it take to get NIPPT Results?
The turnaround time for NIPPT in Kenya is usually 21 working days( about 1 month calendar days) from the collection of all samples at the lab. Results are then provided to the individuals involved through email.
How to get a Prenatal DNA Test in Kenya
To order the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPPT), add the test to your cart and finish the order process.
Alternatively, contact us to order via phone/WhatsApp for a free comprehensive consultation.
For a one-on-one, please book a visit to our Main Lab in Hurlingham, Kilimani (Nairobi)
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