How to Conduct Paternity Testing for a Fetus?
Fetal paternity testing is an advanced medical science that does not cause harm to either the fetus or the pregnant mother. Once fetal development reaches the 10-12 week stage, it has reached the first phase where fetal paternity testing can be performed. The method of fetal paternity testing varies primarily based on the gestational age. For pregnancies of 7 weeks or more, venous blood can be used for testing. However, scheduling an appointment is necessary for fetal paternity testing. Let's take a closer look at how fetal paternity testing is done:
Having an understanding of the implications of paternity testing, it is important to be aware of the complete steps involved in fetal paternity testing. This way, mothers will not be in the dark when they arrive at the hospital. In fact, the techniques for paternity testing in China and worldwide have undergone technological advancements, making the identification process relatively uncomplicated and straightforward. The general procedure begins with scheduling an appointment. Individuals seeking testing can contact the customer service of the testing center, who will assist in answering any questions and scheduling an appointment with an expert. Alternatively, they can directly visit the hospital. The next step is identity verification, followed by sample collection and analysis of the collected samples. Results are typically available after a waiting period of five working days, or sooner if urgent results are required. For the sake of protecting both the mother and the baby, non-invasive methods are preferred, which typically require a waiting period of 15 working days.
There are two key points to note during this process. Firstly, if fetal villi are used for testing, samples need to be collected through the vagina, which requires a high level of cleanliness to prevent uterine infections. Secondly, a pre-test for white blood cell count is necessary, as a low white blood cell count may preclude testing.
Many young girls, due to ignorance, curiosity, or rebellion, may engage in behaviors that lead to unintended consequences. In such cases, obtaining paternal information through paternity testing is crucial. As we mentioned earlier, sample collection is a crucial step in fetal paternity testing. So, how are these samples obtained? For the putative father, it is relatively simple as they only need to provide hair with follicles or a small amount of blood. For pregnant women, different methods can be used depending on the gestational age. Firstly, between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, fetal villi can be collected by a doctor for testing. For safety reasons, it is advisable to choose a tertiary or higher-level hospital with skilled doctors. Secondly, between 16 and 18 weeks, amniotic fluid can be collected for sampling. Large, well-established obstetrics and gynecology hospitals in major cities can collect amniotic fluid between 16 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. Thirdly, venous blood can be drawn, which is a relatively simple method. Pregnant women who are seven weeks or more along can have their venous blood drawn for testing, typically requiring about 10ml of blood.
