Paternity test after birth

By Casey Randall, Head of Genetics at AlphaBiolabs
Last reviewed: 11/09/2023

Paternity testing after a baby is born is a highly accurate method of identifying whether a man is a baby’s biological father.

A paternity DNA test is a safe, non-invasive way of establishing paternity where there are questions around who the father is.

This guide outlines what you need to know about paternity testing once a baby is born.

Why do we do paternity testing?

In a perfect world, all children would know the identity of both their parents, but sadly this is not always the case.

Peace of mind paternity tests provide an accurate, affordable way of finding out the facts. Delaying the truth can have a huge impact on a child who forms a bond with a man who turns out not to be their father at a later stage, causing emotional trauma for both parties.

When should I consider doing a paternity test as soon as the baby is born?

In situations where it is unclear who the baby’s biological father is, doing a paternity test as soon as the baby is born can remove any doubts and ensure that the relationship between the father and the child gets off to the best possible start.

However, we appreciate that the subject of paternity is a highly sensitive and personal issue that can have a significant impact on families.

Before doing a paternity test, it is worth considering your personal circumstances and how the outcome of the test might impact upon family relationships.

In some cases, it may be a good idea to seek counselling to help all parties deal with the aftermath of the results.

How soon can you DNA test a baby?

A DNA paternity test can be done immediately following birth and any time afterward.

Probability of paternity is determined by taking buccal (cheek) cells collected from the potential father and the baby and then comparing the DNA from the baby with that of the potential father.

The cheek cells are collected using a cotton swab – like a Q-tip – which is very quick and painless and should cause no distress to the baby.

How does a paternity test work on a baby that has recently been born?

All our peace of mind paternity tests are performed in the same way, whether the child in question is a new-born baby or an adult.

Our paternity testing works by comparing a child’s DNA profile with that of the potential father(s).

The test analyzes up to 45 DNA markers to identify which half of the baby’s DNA is inherited from the potential father.

Every person inherits half of their DNA from each of their biological parents, so this comparison can help us to establish the probability of paternity.

When testing the biological father of the baby, both will share identical sections of DNA at each marker. When the man tested is not the biological father, this will not be the case.

How are the DNA samples collected?

It’s important to note that a paternity test cannot be performed without the consent of all parties involved in the testing.

Any person over the age of 16 submitting their samples for testing must provide their own written consent (a signature) before a DNA test can be performed.

For children under the age of 16, only parental consent is needed to use their DNA for testing. This consent must be provided by a person with parental responsibility for the child.

To do a paternity test, buccal (cheek) swabs are used to collect cheek cells containing each person’s DNA. Your kit will contain two swabs for each person taking the test – two for the potential father and two for the child.

Once you have received your paternity DNA test kit and completed the enclosed test request/consent form, you can then take the test. The mouth swabs simply need to be rubbed firmly on the inside of each donor’s cheek for at least 20 seconds to collect cheek cells.

These swabs are then sealed inside the individual test sample envelopes provided in your kit, before being posted back to our laboratory for analysis.

How much does it cost to get a paternity test after a baby has been born?

An AlphaBiolabs Paternity DNA Test costs just $109 (to test one child and one potential father).

Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 3 business days after we have received your samples at our laboratory.

You have the option to test up to five potential fathers and five children when placing your order (additional charges apply).

How soon will I receive my test kit?

We mail out your kit the same day you order it. You can choose to receive your kit by USPS Standard or Express Mail.

As soon as we receive your DNA samples, we begin the testing process at our accredited laboratory.

How quickly will I receive my results?

For just $109, you’ll receive your secure, confidential results via email within 3 business days of your samples arriving at our laboratory.

Where can I buy a paternity test after birth?

AlphaBiolabs’ at-home Paternity DNA Test provides the most accurate way to determine paternity after a baby has been born.

Need to order a paternity test? Buy now online or email info@alphabiolabsusa.com and a member of our Customer Services team will contact you soon.

You can also use our Live Chat to speak to a support specialist today or call us on 727-325-2902 for confidential advice on which test is best for you.

Casey Randall

Head of Genetics at AlphaBiolabs

Casey joined AlphaBiolabs in 2012 and heads up both the Genetics and Health testing teams. An expert in DNA analysis and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), Casey holds an MS degree in DNA Profiling and a BS degree in Forensic Science.

Casey is responsible for maintaining the highest quality testing standards, as well as looking for ways to further enhance the service that AlphaBiolabs provides and exploring new and innovative techniques in DNA analysis.