As a top DNA testing lab, customers ask, “How soon can you DNA test a baby after birth?” For many expectant parents, a non-invasive prenatal paternity test isn’t the best choice for confirming the father, and they want or need to wait till after the delivery. So parents want to find out if they can test the new baby right away…even while still in the hospital, or if they have to wait a few months till the baby’s older and bigger. That’s a great question! Here’s the quick answer as well as a few reasons why it’s best to do the paternity test as soon as possible once the baby’s born.
How Soon Can You DNA Test a Baby After Birth?
You can DNA test a baby after birth as soon as the baby has been cleaned up by hospital staff. Because a cheek swab is used, it’s important that the baby’s mouth be free from meconium, amniotic fluid, breast milk, or formula when doing the DNA collection.
5 Tips for Collecting DNA from a Newborn Baby or Infant
- Do not feed the baby or provide water for 60 minutes prior to swabbing. Doing can’t change the DNA or affect results, but it could contaminate the sample and bring about the need to collect new samples
- Swab the baby while they’re asleep. It’s hard to swab a squirming, wiggling baby, so doing it while they’re asleep is a great solution
- Make sure to rub each swab for a full 30 seconds on the inside of the cheek, while trying hard to avoid the gum areas
- If a swab seems a little wet, simply hold the swab in the air for about 60 seconds before placing in the paper sample envelope
- Do not touch the tip of the swab with your own hand, to prevent the chance of contamination
Why It’s Important to Do a DNA Test as Soon as Possible after the Baby’s Birth
Time limits for contesting paternity: Many states have laws that allow a man to contest paternity for a certain period of time after the baby’s born—often two (2) years, even if they’ve signed the birth certificate or an acknowledgement of paternity. If a man doesn’t exercise this right by doing a legal paternity test with court-admissible results, a court may treat him as the legal father and he’ll be obligated to pay child support.
Getting the elephant out of the middle of the room: Although it may be uncomfortable for a relationship to ask for a paternity test, it’s best in the long run to establish whether or not the possible father really is the biological father. It doesn’t do any good to procrastinate and then have to sever a father/child relationship once a bond has been formed. Also, the child deserves to know their medical history and be eligible for their biological father’s benefits, and the only way to determine that relationship for sure (and legally) is through DNA testing.
Wrapping It Up
So the answer to “How soon can you DNA test a baby after birth” is: as soon as possible. Asking for the test is never easy, but it’s best for all parties’ hearts to determine the truth without a long, draw-out drama.
Call us at 800-929-0847: We’re here to help.
Do you have questions or comments about how soon you can DNA test a baby after birth? Share in the comments and we’ll answer.
I got 9 year old daughter her father want to be sure of been the biological father despite there lookalike.
You’re welcome to contact us at 800-929-0847 for information about paternity tests or to order. We’re available M-F from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern. If you’re not in the United States, get started by emailing [email protected].
Dear
Please tell me the cost for paternity test.
Thank you!
Hello! We don’t put test prices in blog comments since those prices might change over time. Please contact us directly. Thanks!
So do I ask the hospital staff for a Paternity test after the baby is born? And do all hospitals offer a paternity test after birth?
Hi, Jadia. Hospitals do not provide free tests. You should order one ahead of time from a private company like DNA Diagnostics Center and we can make the arrangements for the testing and to have DNA collected at the hospital. Call us for a confidential consultation at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
Can DNA test be on child delivery day
Hi, Samuel. Yes, absolutely. Once the baby is cleaned up, he or she can have their cheek swabbed for DNA testing.
I want to take a dna test as soon as my baby is born before the dad signs his paper work would you be able to help us with that. And how much would it cost
Hi, Cristal. Yes, we can definitely do that for you. Because pricing is subject to change over time, we don’t put it in blog comments. You are welcome to contact our experts for a free confidential consultation and they can give pricing info and set up the test if you decide you want to do it: 800-929-0847 (M-F, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
Can I do the DNA testing right at the hospital after the baby is born and how long does it takes to get the results
Hi, Ron. Yes, you definitely can do that. Once samples arrive at the lab and go into testing, the result is ready in 1-2 business days.
Is a new sample required for each DNA test?
Hi, George. In most cases, yes, although there are exceptions made in some circumstances. It’s difficult without knowing all the details to comment in this forum, so it is best for you to ask the lab directly.
Can I get a dna done as soon as I have my baby for free in the hospital . I’m in Florida . If not how do I get someone to do the dna for me after I have my son ?
Hi, Ty. I don’t know of any hospital that does free paternity testing. However, hospital staff can witness DNA collection for you and the baby if it’s arranged ahead of time. Please contact our experts directly for a free consultation at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).
So when mom is in hospital, she or someone on her behalf contact you guys; a lab tech would then come to swab newborn? Or would it be more ideal to make appointment after mom and baby are discharged.
Thank you
Hi, Josephine. It depends on whether or not you want results for legal reasons or just for your own knowledge and peace of mind. If a legal test is wanted, mom can contact us directly to have us set up the test at the hospital or at an approved location once she’s discharged: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).
My son has an 8 month old baby girl. Wants to know if the baby is his. His girlfriend left with the baby and he is not sure the baby is his. Do you have a kit that he can use to find out if the baby is his or can he go to the hospital where the baby was born and find out that way without a signature from her. He is clueless on how to do this and wants to know if you send kits to find out.
Hi, Noreen. Unless your son is on the birth certificate or has signed an acknowledgment of paternity, he must get consent from the mother before the baby can be tested.
He is on the birth certificate and has His last name on her Social Security. So what you are saying he can have a test done without her consent. She gave birth early and told him she was pregnant after a few months. Now she wants child support
If he is considered by his state to be a legal guardian of the child, then yes.