What is Non-invasive Pre-natal Paternity DNA Test and why is it important?
Non-Invasive Pre-natal Paternity Testing is an increasingly popular and minimally invasive cutting-edge DNA test that determines whether a man is the biological father of a fetus — with no risk to the mother or the unborn child. Unlike traditional prenatal paternity tests that require more invasive procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), NIPP uses a blood sample from the pregnant woman and a cheek swab from the alleged father for the test.
NIPP is possible because, as early as the 7th week of pregnancy, small fragments of fetal DNA (known as cell-free fetal DNA) begin to circulate in the mother’s bloodstream. It is now possible to extract and analyze this fetal DNA to compare it with the alleged father’s genetic material.
ITSI-Biosciences (www.itsibio.com), the Lagos State DNA & Forensic Center (www.lsdfc.org) and Concurrent Technologies and Services (www.dna.ctsng.com) offer DNA testing services to help answer different questions in life. Visit their websites to take advantage of their expertise.
