Maternity Test
A maternity test is a DNA test that can verify the biological relationship between a mother and a child using DNA samples.
When is maternity testing used?
Maternity testing is used more often than you may think. It is commonly used to provide proof of biological relationships for immigration cases. It is performed in adoption cases to reunite birthmothers with their children who have been adopted. It has also been used in hospital cases to prove that an implanted embryo from an in vitro fertilization procedure is the mother’s, or when families suspect that a mix-up between babies has occurred.
Who is typically involved?
In a maternity test, the mother and the child are tested. When possible, the biological father of the child is also included to
provide additional genetic information and simplify the testing process. The testing combination of a child, a father, and
a mother is frequently called a “trio.” It is not necessary, however, for the father to participate.
How are the samples collected?
Samples can be collected in several ways. Buccal swabbing
is the most common collection technique, though several alternatives to it exist. Be sure to speak with the DNA testing company you
choose to pick the best collection option for your situation.
If the mother has conceived through in vitro fertilization and wants to know — while pregnant — if the implanted embryo is biologically hers,
DNA samples can be collected from the embryo through amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling (CVS). Both of these procedures must be performed by an
OB/GYN, as they present a greater risk than using blood samples or buccal swabs.
It is important that you speak with the company through which you plan to take your maternity test before you make a decision on
which type of samples to use.
You can learn more about DNA sample collection procedures by visiting the Sample Collection page.
How long can the results take?
Most maternity testing companies can offer your results in 5 to 7 business days. Some offer faster results for higher fees.
Ultimately, the time needed to perform the maternity test will depend on the simplicity or complexity of your situation.
How conclusive are the results?
Maternity tests are typically very conclusive. There are two possible results for a maternity test:
- The mother is not the biological mother
- The mother is the biological mother
If the mother is determined not to be the biological mother of the child, then she is said to be “excluded” from maternity
and will have a probability of maternity of 0%.
If the mother is determined to be the biological mother of the child, then she is said to be “not excluded” from maternity
and will have a probability of maternity of above 99.5%. You should typically expect the probability to be above 99.9%, though each case
is different. The higher the percentage is, the more likely it is that the mother is the biological mother of the child as compared to a
random female in the same population.
It is impossible to have a probability of maternity of 100% because this would require the DNA testing laboratory to test every female
in the world.
What is the typical price range for maternity testing?
The cost of maternity testing depends on the type of maternity test you need.
If you need in-home maternity testing (that you do not intend to use in legal proceedings), the price can range from $175 to $350.
If you need maternity testing that can be used in court or for any legal situations (adoption and
immigration, among others), the price of the test increases. Legal tests, often
called chain of custody tests,
range from $400 to more than $600.
You can learn more about the reasons behind the wide range of testing costs by visiting the Price
Differences page.
What else should you know about maternity testing?
You need to consider the future use of your maternity test results before you choose your maternity testing service, as you will need
to choose between an in-home test and a chain of custody test. You can learn more by visiting the Do you
need a chain of custody test? page.
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