Paternity Testing

Genetic information, including paternity testing, is increasingly being sought and used to establish family relationships. After birth, paternity testing is a fairly inexpensive and non-invasive procedure. Prenatal paternity testing, however, relies upon invasive procedures (CVS or amniocentesis) that pose some risk to the fetus and mother.

Sanford Clinic Women's Health Policy

Prenatal paternity testing will only be coordinated by Sanford Clinic Women's Health when at least one of the following indications is present:

• Rape and/or incest: Paternity testing may be performed in documented (police report preferable) cases of rape or incest. Although maintaining chain of custody will be attempted, patients will be informed that the results of the paternity test may or may not be admissible in a court of law.
• Genetic conditions: Paternity testing may be performed when one or more of the possible fathers has or has an increased risk of a documented genetic condition.
• Physician or provider order: Paternity testing may be performed when deemed medically necessary by an ordering physician or provider.
• Patient has medical indications for amniocentesis or CVS. In such instances patient may request that some cells be used for paternity testing.

Patients meeting the indications criteria will be referred to Identity Genetics, TestPoint or a like laboratory. Patients must meet the reference laboratory's criteria and obtain testing forms, supplies and procedures prior to scheduling an appointment with Sanford Clinic Women's Health.

If the patient meets the above Criteria

• Patients meeting the reference lab criteria will schedule an appointment with Sanford Clinic Women's Health.

Appointment will include:

• Consultation regarding amniocentesis or CVS procedure, including informed consent discussion.
• Discussion with patient representative regarding pre-payment of procedure.
• Discussion with genetic counselor if genetic condition is suspected.
• Patient will be offered consultation with psychologist to discuss implications of the test and results.

Patients desiring to proceed will work with reference lab to send forms and supplies to Sanford Clinic Women's Health prior to the day of the procedure.

Additional Information

• The reference lab will be in charge of the testing and the notification of results. Generally, the results are available in 7-8 weeks.

Costs

• The amniocentesis (or CVS), the consultation with the appropriate medical professionals, and the cost for the reference laboratory to perform the testing. The costs vary but the total cost is approximately $2000 or more and usually will not be covered by health insurance
• In order to do testing, the reference laboratory will need consent by the mother and at least one male in order to do testing. For every male that needs to be apart of the testing, the cost of the test will also increase.
• If you chose to wait until the birth of the child, the cost of the testing is substantial less and will be available in a shorter amount of time. Please call the reference laboratories for more information.